Most common 2021 Subaru Ascent problems
Share of the 103 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Ascent complaints by model year
Best Ascent years: 2022, 2023, 2021. Compare all years →
2021 Subaru Ascent recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Labels
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge.
Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
What 2021 Subaru Ascent owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to stall, and the transmission failed to properly operate. The vehicle was pulled over to a nearby shop and was advised to take the vehicle back to the facility that performed the oil changes. Several days later, the contact's husband test drove the vehicle and was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and metal shavings were found in the oil. The dealer determined that the CVT transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,541.
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 informed the contact that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was not available.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact returned to the vehicle and noticed a crack on the windshield. The crack was on the lower driver's side of the windshield and moving upward. There was no impact to the windshield to cause the fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,141.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while his wife was repositioning the rear-view mirror, the front windshield cracked without impact and extended approximately 7-inches. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.
Electrical system
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 engine compartment. The vehicle was a total loss. Subaru of America was notified on 12/23/2025, but no follow-up or update on investigation has been responded. The vehicle was always serviced with Subaru. This sudden, traumatizing and catastrophic failure with no prior warning.
After my husband replaced the 12V battery in my 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring ($90,000, fully paid off), Apple CarPlay stopped connecting via USB entirely. Android Auto and Bluetooth continued working fine on the same phone, cable, and port, proving the defect was isolated to Subaru's CarPlay system, not my device. I spent significant time and money troubleshooting this myself: multiple cables (including two labeled "Apple certified"), a full infotainment factory reset, and a software update attempt, none of which fixed it. The issue only resolved after I purchased yet another cable at my own expense, with zero meaningful help from Subaru. …
2021 Subaru Ascent engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | AWD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent a good car?
Based on 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Ascent rates better than average: 72% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ascent at the same age. It is one of the best Ascent years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The transmission & drivetrain — 19 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (18) and electrical system (18).
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, the most recent from July 7, 2026 (labels). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Ascent?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2023 and 2021. See the full Subaru Ascent years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Subaru Ascent problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 3,000 miles; 90% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.