2021 Subaru Ascent Safety Report
2021 SUBARU ASCENT Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Subaru Ascent. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (92) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Visibility/Wiper | Compare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2025 | Compare against the 2025 Subaru Ascent with 8 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Subaru Ascent before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Ascent Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Ascent years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Ascent | 48 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Subaru Ascent | 309 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Subaru Ascent | 36 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Subaru Ascent | 431 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Subaru Ascent | 42 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2025 Subaru Ascent | 8 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2021 Subaru Ascent Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Subaru Ascent, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Visibility/Wiper
13 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyPower Train
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyService Brakes
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Subaru onlyStructure
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
Reliability Score
The 2021 Subaru Ascent receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Ascent:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Issues with the electrical system, particularly wiring, have caused smoke and check engine lights in multiple vehicles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Transmission failures, including slipping and failing to accelerate, have been reported in several vehicles, often requiring replacement around 50k miles. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Windshield The windshield is prone to cracking and chipping, posing a safety hazard. Multiple reports of windshield issues have been documented. |
High | Common | 0-60k miles |
| Visibility And Wipers Water dripping down seatbelts during heavy rain is a common issue, affecting visibility and comfort. |
Medium | Common | 0-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Subaru Ascent:
Issues with the electrical system, particularly wiring, have caused smoke and check engine lights in multiple vehicles.
Transmission failures, including slipping and failing to accelerate, have been reported in several vehicles, often requiring replacement around 50k miles.
The windshield is prone to cracking and chipping, posing a safety hazard. Multiple reports of windshield issues have been documented.
Water dripping down seatbelts during heavy rain is a common issue, affecting visibility and comfort.
Recall Details for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2021 Subaru Ascent by NHTSA:
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Consequence: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the gr...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Subaru Ascent with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
2021 Subaru Ascent (VIN#***). Water found dripping down both second row seatbelts on multiple occasions during or following heavy rain, accumulated into mold growth on the carpet in front of second row seats to the front of the 3rd row seats (cargo area dry, front footwells dry). Authorized Subaru dealer technician report (dated 10/29/25 and 12/3/25 copy pasted into email) explicitly documents 'co...
While driving my Subaru Ascent, a check engine warning light appeared on the dashboard. Shortly afterward, I noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. I immediately pulled over and turned the vehicle off. Within moments, flames began coming from under the hood. The fire spread rapidly, and within 5-10 minutes the entire vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The fire originated from the eng...
The transmission on our 2021 Subaru Ascent is slipping and failing to accelerate, RPMs reving, and every issue indicator notification light is on. We took the car to our mechanic, then to the Subaru dealership service dept for diagnosis. A full transmission replacement is required plus associated repairs for a cost of $14,543.98. Service estimate attached. This repair is more than 2/3 of the val...
I bought a 2021 Ascent - Touring , lately there was an ever increasing amount of wind noise. It sounded like it was coming from the sunroof, but I couldn't see anything from the inside that looked out of place and there were no signs of water leaking. I finally looked up on the roof from the outside and the weather stripping along the back of the sunroof was coming out. The glue is thin, and didn'...
Vehicle smells of fuel inside the cabin and when parked in the garage. To date the dealer is unable to diagnose the problem. 60k miles
The transmission/CVT component on the vehicle, 2021 Subaru Ascent is malfunctioning. When being driven, the malfunctioning transmission will cause the vehicle to hesitate in traffic, as well as feeling the slippage of the transmission when in motion. The vehicle also has a burning odor when being driven. NYS inspection was conducted on 10/27/25. The transmission malfunction has been confirmed ...
Oil leak from engine constantly from FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, rec cvt pump reseal with new trans seal, pump is leaking causing drips ; drain plug is also leaking. Need to Replace Front and rear Pads & Rotors at 35k miles which is unheard of. Accessed by suberu dealership.
Trunk would not open. Only way to open was to pop open the internal latch access port and switch the latch open with a screw driver. Trunk would not open with key fob, rear handle, or buttons on driver side dashboard.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive and failed to accelerate at intended. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, and ...
On Friday, June 13, 2025, while (thankfully) in my driveway, the transmission broke on my 2021 Subaru Ascent in my driveway. I simply started my car, put it in reverse, and my car jerked and stopped. NO prior warning. I was on a slight slope. I thank my lucky stars I did not have my kids out on the road when it happened. I had to have it towed to the closest Subaru dealership (a $395 charge). ...
The lane assist failed by over correcting while I have my hands on the steering wheel. It over corrects to the center lane when you are driving with normal behavior. This can cause a collision if it were to over correct while a car was there, this is also easily reproducible in my car.
I have a 2021 Subaru Ascent that falls under an extended warranty regarding the windshield due to a faulty windshield. My windshield has cracked, reduce visibility, and does not allow the forward collision warning to work properly. Subaru recognizes the faulty windshield and refuses to remedy the issue. I question the safety and integrity of this windshield to protect from normal road debris strik...
Every time I go out of park there is a massive clubking noise from under the car. It's actually a super common item with these cars I am seeing as well in other forums. I believe this could lead to sheared parking brakes in the future.
Transmission needed to replaced at around 50k miles. Sister in law has the same year and her transmission went about the same mileage
The windshield on the 2021 Subaru Ascent is dangerous because it chips extremely easily. I purchased the car new in 2021 and since then I have had 7 rock chips (in all different states (TX, CA, WA) and driving conditions/speeds/roads). In the 4 years since I have owned it I have had the windshield replaced twice so I am on my 3rd windshield. Each time the rock hits, it causes a large chip to form ...
Transmission needed a full replacement
Brakes shudder and fade when slowing down from highway speeds. Subaru has issued many "fixes" but it keeps happening. See most recent "Ascent Front Brake Warranty Extension Coverage" it still has not fixed the problem!
Battery draining. Bought car from dealership preowned with 25k miles. Owned it for 3 weeks and so far -Battery dead, jumped it, good for a day then dead again. -took back to dealership, said bad battery, replaced it, good for a week and a half then dead again -scheduling to go to a subaru dealership for diagnoses Ive read about the DCM on these vehicles trying to connect to 3g towers continously ...
I was driving along with no traffic in front of me and no oncoming traffic when the automatic braking system engaged with no vehicles in front of me, this was at 7:42 AM on Monday August 12, 2024. This was not the first time it had done this, but the first time I had the time and no traffic anywhere around to confuse the system. My concern is that if another car was following too closely they wo...
The driver was driving into a parking lot preparing to park, when the vehicle accelerated and started going forward at a higher speed. The vehicle struck a parked vehicle, then travelled across the parking lot, over curbs, a grass median, landscaping, and struck a rock building at a high rate of speed, causing a partial collapse of the wall. The vehicle is available for inspection through the ins...
Showing 20 of 92 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Subaru Ascent
Has the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT have?
The 2021 SUBARU ASCENT has 92 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT?
The 2021 SUBARU ASCENT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT involve visibility/wiper (13 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), power train (12 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, service brakes, structure.
How many crash reports does the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT out of 92 total complaints (3.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT out of 92 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 SUBARU ASCENT?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT is acceptable with caveats. It has 92 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (13 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (12 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 13 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 SUBARU ASCENT?
Be cautious of electrical system and transmission issues, as they are common and can lead to serious problems. Check the windshield for cracks and chips, and address visibility and wiper issues promptly. The 2021 SUBARU ASCENT has 92 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT?
The 2021 SUBARU ASCENT receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 92 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System and Transmission.
What are the known issues with the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT?
Known issues with the 2021 SUBARU ASCENT include: Electrical System, Transmission, Windshield, Visibility and Wipers. These are based on patterns found across 92 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any known electrical system issues with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
Yes, electrical system problems, particularly with wiring, have caused smoke and check engine lights in multiple vehicles.
What are the common transmission issues with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
Transmission failures, including slipping and failing to accelerate, have been reported in several vehicles, often requiring replacement around 50k miles.
Is the windshield on the 2021 Subaru Ascent prone to cracking?
Yes, the windshield is prone to cracking and chipping, posing a safety hazard.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of electrical system and transmission issues, as they are common and can lead to serious problems. Check the windshield for cracks and chips, and address visibility and wiper issues promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Subaru Ascent
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. The data includes 92 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Subaru Ascent an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16