Free Preview
#BS-2021-SUBASC-41EE2021 Subaru AscentProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 146 owners and 2 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 146 complaints, 4 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 recalls. Complaint rate is 6.5x the class average.
Top reported problems
engine start and stop
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
19 owners reported drivetrain issues — failures commonly reported around 3K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (24 reports) • Median: 3K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Drivetrain (19 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2021 Subaru Ascent: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, with 19 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 2,500 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 3K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 12% of all reports filed for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, with 18 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Visibility Issues
Visibility complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, with 16 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to visibility-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 8% of all reports filed for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, with 12 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. Recent trend: increasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (2 recalls)
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.
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2021 Subaru Ascent NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
The worst model year for the Subaru Ascent is the 2023 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is electrical.
2021 Subaru Ascent vs. Class Average (Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD)
This vehicle
146
Class avg
23
6.5x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical standard sport utility vehicle 4wd vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 146 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 2 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
2021 Subaru Ascent: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
How much does it cost to fix 2021 Subaru Ascent problems?
Does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
What mileage do Subaru Ascent problems start?
When was the 2021 Subaru Ascent data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2021 Subaru Ascent Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 146 owner reports. Know before you buy.