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Subaru Ascent 2021 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

106 owners reported problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent to NHTSA, most often about power train.

Most recent reports

44
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2026-11-05 · NHTSA 11775831

Twin Falls Subaru left me in a dangerous position with my transmission failing catastrophically on the highway 72 hours after major service is a severe safety hazard My 2021 Subaru Ascent with 56,420 miles, still under the 60,000 mile/5 year warranty, went to Twin Falls Subaru with diagnostic codes P0137, and P2096 on 8/15/26 they replaced the following, the engine harness,. transmission harness, transmission pressure sensor and ecm. They said the root problem was the secondary pressure switch, Subaru of America & Twin Falls Subaru said those repairs weren’t covered under warranty and I had to pay $3000 out of pocket, SOA covered the remaining $5100. I picked it up 10/13/26, (on 10/16/26, three days later my check engine light came on along with the AT oil temp and transmission flashing on the dash, the diagnostic codes I received were P0700 P0841 P0890, Subaru Of America paid to have my vehicle towed back to the dealership where they said I needed a new transmission, but they weren’t covering it because my warranty had expired 14 days prior (on 10/2/26), during the time it was getting the first repairs done, they claimed that the two incidents had nothing to do with one another. The DPSM claims a transmission pressure switch failure that flooded the wiring harness with fluid is 'unrelated' to the transmission total collapse 72 hours later. They

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE Crash 1 injured 2026-10-31 · NHTSA 11774885

2021 Subaru Ascent was involved in a serious collision with highway maintenance equipment near [XXX]. The vehicle's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, specifically Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Braking, is suspected of failing to respond appropriately to slower-moving equipment directly ahead. At the time of the collision, Adaptive Cruise Control was actively engaged and controlling vehicle speed. Lane Centering, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist were also enabled. The vehicle was traveling within its designated lane when it approached a highway maintenance truck equipped with a rear-mounted crash attenuator. The maintenance truck appeared to be moving slowly in the same lane. Despite Adaptive Cruise Control controlling vehicle speed, the Subaru did not adequately slow to avoid the collision. The driver reported no effective forward collision warning or automatic emergency braking intervention. Whether the system detected the equipment or attempted braking is UNKNOWN. The impact caused extensive front-end damage and airbag deployment. The driver was pregnant, and two children, ages [XXX] and [XXX], were passengers. All occupants and the unborn child were placed at significant risk of serious injury. Whether any EyeSight warnings, fault messages, or diagnostic trouble codes were present before impact is UNKNOWN. The suspected malfunction has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealership or independent service center. A manufacturer engineering inspection has not been confirmed. Photographs document the accident scene and vehicle damage. The extent of police or insurance technical inspections and the vehicle's current availability for inspection are UNKNOWN. An investigation is requested into Adaptive Cruise Control, forward object detection, and Pre-Collision Braking, including preservation and review of available electronic collision data to establish why the systems did not prevent or effectively mitigate the collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN 2026-10-24 · NHTSA 11773372

Trying to turn onto the street from a parking lot the vehicle wasn't accelerating as expected and I wasn't able to turn as expected. I am taking the car in soon to be diagnosed with an issue.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 2026-10-14 · NHTSA 11771134

I purchased a new 2021 Subaru Ascent in XXX. In XXX, at about 36,000 miles, I discovered water leaking into the cabin through the panoramic moonroof during rain and brought it to Lynnes Subaru ([XXX]) immediately. Through repeat visits and recurrences, Lynnes failed to diagnose it, blaming clogged drains. In fall 2025 they identified it, with help from a Subaru corporate regional engineer, and performed a moonroof replacement. Because I acted quickly EACH TIME water entered, there was no odor or upholstery damage at that time. Water intrusion continued in areas not visible inside the cabin (seatbelt recess). [XXX] and SOA knew right away water was still entering the vehicle. SOA told me to work with [XXX], and [XXX] had me wait for a loaner before re-examining it, because the water was not in the main cabin, headliner, etc. For over two months they set no start date, then stopped contacting me altogether. When warm weather arrived in spring 2026, a strong mold and mildew odor developed. I brought the vehicle in, loaner or not. [XXX] cleaned the drains and returned it in under two hours with the odor and mold unchanged. I was shocked they would allow, let alone instruct me to take possession of a vehicle that was a rolling biohazard! I fought with SOA to relocate the vehicle to [XXX] Subaru, a second Subaru dealer. [XXX] confirmed the water damage, mold, and improper prior work, including rear drain hoses pinched during [XXX]' reassembly. SOA authorized a goodwill repair: a second full moonroof replacement, completed around XXX, replacing moonroof, drains, headliner and carpet. On XXX, roughly five weeks after pickup, water intrusion recurred following ordinary rain, leaking into the driver-side A-pillar, and the vehicle went back to [XXX] immediately. The mold and mildew odor has never left the vehicle. Children regularly ride in this vehicle, which is currently at the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2026-08-31 · NHTSA 11760953

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. When I filed a formal complaint, I received a response with an appointment confirmation left entirely blank (no retailer, date, or time), which I was told was "intentional" so I could fill in my own details, shifting all scheduling and diagnostic responsibility back onto me. When I requested compensation for hours spent troubleshooting a defect that was never mine to fix, I was told plainly that no compensation exists. Shortly after, my key fob began requiring near-direct contact with the door and push-start button to register, despite a confirmed correct, brand-new battery, ruling out the simplest cause. This is a second unexplained electrical issue on the same vehicle in a short span. Subaru's support has been dismissive and apathetic throughout, repeatedly redirecting responsibility back to me as the consumer rather than taking ownership of manufacturer-level defects.

POWER TRAIN 2026-08-28 · NHTSA 11760300

My local Subaru dealership / service provider has told me my car needs a new transmission at 66k miles, due to an issue within the CVT solenoid causing slipping and lag that will eventually lead to catastrophic failure of the transmission - per the Subaru of America service tree. This issue began on July 23, 2026, when a slew of warning lights illuminated on the dash and my car went into limp mode, not accelerating properly. It eventually began driving normally and all dash warning lights dissipated. Dealership couldn't see the car at that time, then I was out of town for about a week. Came back, experienced the same issues within 2 days of driving the car. I was able to get it into the dealership for service on 8/6 where it was diagnosed, according to the Subaru Service Tree, as needing a new transmission. Subaru technicians cleared the codes, and I took the car home on 8/7/26 with the warning from my dealership that it was only a matter of time before the transmission failed. The lights / limp mode driving came on again on 8/9 and I have not driven it since that date. I have opened a case with SoA and am waiting on a "resolution". I do not feel safe driving my vehicle so it has been sitting in the driveway since 8/9 while I wait on a resolution from Subaru of America.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2026-07-29 · NHTSA 11753410

My 2021 Subaru Ascent (40,000 miles) suffered multiple major mechanical failures that pose ongoing safety concerns: 1. Engine Oil Leak: The vehicle developed an active engine oil leak at 20,000 miles, posing a risk of fluid contacting hot exhaust/engine components under the hood or causing low oil levels during operation. Repair time more than 35 days due to parts not available. 2. Loose Factory Engine Mounts: At 25,000 miles, excessive engine shifting, vibration when braking, the dealer discovered loose engine mounts. 3. Transmission Valve Body Failure: At 40,000 miles The transmission Valve Body Failure and need replacement.

POWER TRAIN 2026-07-24 · NHTSA 11752723

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.

ENGINE 2026-07-11 · NHTSA 11749720

Oil leaking from upper and lower oil pan. Oil seeping from head gasket and CVT chain pump cover. RTV sealant failure. $4800 to repair. Subaru needs to solve these oil leak issues. Leaking oil is bad for the environment and engine failure could cause accidents and injury.

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2026-06-25 · NHTSA 11746580

On May 14, 2026, while driving a 2021 Subaru Ascent (approx. 94,291 miles) on a Texas expressway at highway speed during rush hour, I experienced a sudden and significant loss of engine power. There were no warning lights, no safety system activation, and no advance indication of the failure. The vehicle decelerated abruptly with traffic behind it. Live OBD-II data was being logged during the drive and was provided to the service advisor at the authorized Subaru retailer. This incident occurred only 3 days and approximately 125 miles after the vehicle was returned following a major engine repair performed at an authorized Subaru retailer in Texas under active powertrain warranty. That repair was supervised by a Subaru of America District Quality Manager and Field Technical Specialist, who conducted a 110-mile validation drive prior to release. Prior to the highway failure, visible fluid leaks were documented across the intake ducting, residue on lower engine components, a sweet and burning odor after driving, and milky sludge returning to the coolant reservoir — all within 125 miles of pickup. These are consistent with ongoing oil and coolant cross-contamination, which was the original diagnosis documented in the dealership's digital service portal. The vehicle has now undergone three major engine teardowns since March 17, 2026 — over 100 days out of service — for the same underlying powertrain issue on the FA24 engine. The current repair involves cylinder heads sent to a third-party machine shop. Vehicle telematics confirm the vehicle has not been started since May 27, 2026. This report is filed to establish a federal safety record of the highway power loss incident and the recurring nature of this powertrain failure. An active Subaru of America customer advocacy case is on file regarding this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN 2026-04-17 · NHTSA 11731955

I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Subaru Ascent that I purchased new from Herb Gordon Subaru in Maryland. The incident occurred while driving on I-95 at approximately 75 mph with my family, including children, in the vehicle. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete powertrain failure without any prior warning indicators. This created an immediate and serious safety risk on a busy highway. Fortunately, we were able to safely maneuver the vehicle out of traffic and avoid a collision. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had undergone regular maintenance, and there were no indications of any imminent powertrain failure. While a routine fluid service had been recommended, it was not presented as urgent and was planned to be completed at a later time. Following the incident, I conducted further research and learned that the vehicle had previously been subject to a manufacturer recall involving engine harness/ECM-related issues, which had been completed prior to the sale. This material information was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase and only came to my attention after the failure occurred. Had I been informed of this recall history at the time of purchase, it would have reasonably influenced my decision-making, and I would have reconsidered or sought further clarification before proceeding. The estimated repair cost is approximately $11,000. Subaru of America has offered $2,000 in goodwill assistance, which I consider inadequate given the severity of the failure and the associated safety concerns. This matter raises concerns regarding non-disclosure of material recall history at the time of sale, potential underlying defect, and possible breach of the implied warranty of merchantability. In addition this recall is not even recorded in the NHTSA website.

POWER TRAIN 2026-04-13 · NHTSA 11730964

I had catastrophic transmission failure. The car was completely inoperable. Thankfully this only happened in a parking lot. If this were yo happen while merging into traffic it could have been very dangerous. This was the second cvt in this vehicle. The 1st transmission was replaced around 52kmiles. The second transmission lasted not even 13 months sndless than 15k miles. Subaru replaced the transmission for a 3rd time at a cost of 1k to me. I no longer have the car.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2026-04-07 · NHTSA 11729610

Issue 1: Complete transmission failure was diagnosed by Subaru dealer March 24, 2026 at 5 years and 6 months after purchase with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles (drive train warranty 5 yrs/60,000 miles). Had to purchase and have installed a rebuilt Subaru transmission. First noticed transmission was slipping with a large load in vehicle May 2025 at 4 years and 8 months after purchase at about 40,000 miles on odometer. The issue was subsequently not noticed under typical load until slipping transmission signs reappeared December 2025. Made appointment in March 2026 due to a planned trip to [XXX] mid-February to mid-March. Failed transmission poses critical safety risks including loss of acceleration, stalling in traffic and unexpected deceleration. Subaru of New England was able to install the transmission at about 50% of the initial estimate over 12,000 (final paid 5400). Subaru of America file was claimed (Case # XXX-XXX) for the balance, but any further reimbursement was rejected. Issue 2: Driver window alternating between getting stuck fully opened as well as reversing to the open position when trying to roll up. The failure of window regulator and channel run was diagnosed by Subaru dealer March 24, 2026 at 5 years and 6 months after purchase with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles. Had to purchase and replace the Subaru window regulator and channel run. Power window failures in the open position create significant safety risks including vehicle theft, interior damage from weather and occupant vulnerability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle) 2026-04-01 · NHTSA 11728594

I am a CPST. I use the Joie Mint Latch with my own child. On multiple occasions I have found on multiple occasions that when securing the lower rigid latch it will flip to green (secure) when it is not actually latched. It is during install when "jiggling" it into position. I am concerned parents who arent as well educated on car seats may not double check the latch before traveling and their child may not be safe.

SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2026-01-29 · NHTSA 11714272

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 'condensation build up on the interior of roof (seat belt area)' due to unlocated water intrusion. The dealer attributes this to 'leaf debris' in the front cowl area and rear hatch hinge despite the leak occurring at the rear C-pillar (and notably cargo area and front footwells showed no moisture making this physically impossible). Despite confirmed moisture exposure to critical passive restraint systems, the dealer relays that the manufacturer has issued a verbal-only warranty denial (stating no addl records exist aside from the initial technician report) and suggest the only repair be carpet replacement, with refusal of confirmation of the source of the leak and no proposal of replacing the 2nd-row seatbelt retractors nor provide a written safety guarantee. The vehicle is covered by an active 8yr/120,000-mile Subaru Gold Plus Added Security Plan (Agreement #*******, started on 8/2/21), yet the manufacturer is refusing to honor the contract for the defect or the resulting biohazard ('mold spouts' documented by their technicians on carpeting and into the foam). This unaddressed moisture creates an unreasonable risk of internal corrosion and failure of the seatbelt G-sensor/locking mechanisms on both sides. Also as an immunocompromised owner (due to medication for multiple sclerosis to such an extent that requires monthly IVIG infusions), the documented mold is a significant health hazard. Vehicle has only 15,166 miles. Correspondence with dealer and SoA as well as agreement# are available on request. Date of incident was when taken to dealership (events in summer/fall 2025)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE Fire 2026-01-20 · NHTSA 11712180

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2026-01-13 · NHTSA 11710776

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 value of the vehicle. This make/model and transmission type have documented problems and Subaru has previously issued an extended warranty on other model years for this same transmission issue. We are trying to communicate with the Subaru customer service but have had limited response due to the holidays and have not had a resolution yet in the past month.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-12-30 · NHTSA 11707846

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't even stick to it anymore.. This is an ongoing issue. There are people people on the Subaru Ascent, Facebook Reddit forms that have said they are having the same issue..

ENGINE 2025-12-26 · NHTSA 11707202

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

POWER TRAIN 2025-12-08 · NHTSA 11703707

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 by a Subaru dealer, who has had the vehicle at their dealership since 11/5/25, 34 days as of today. Subaru Advocacy , whom I have had many calls and emails with, is unwilling to replace the transmission at their cost.

WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 2025-09-24 · NHTSA 11689564

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-09-05 · NHTSA 11685392

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.

POWER TRAIN 2025-07-21 · NHTSA 11675148

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.

POWER TRAIN 2025-07-08 · NHTSA 11672030

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). Upon inspection, my transmission (the CVT model) was no longer working. My car was bought in December 2021 and it has around 80,000 miles on it. In researching, I saw that the 2019 and 2020 models with the CVT had been recalled (or had their warranties extended to 100,000 miles coverage) for the EXACT thing that happened to my car. If I am correct, my car was manufactured in November of 2020 from what I was told. I find it so hard to imagine that a transmission should fail due to "no reason" at this point, my car is not even 5 years old! The fact that this has happened on cars right in the timeframe of when mine was made, it's hard to imagine I should have to pay almost $10,000 for a new transmission when the history of these transmissions failing have been quite newsworthy! It was not fixable, the only choice I was given was to buy a new transmission. In today's economy, I just find this unacceptable.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE 2025-06-08 · NHTSA 11665581

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.

VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2025-06-05 · NHTSA 11665178

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 strikes, allow normal visibility, and the integrity of the lamination of the from windshield in the event of a collision.

POWER TRAIN 2025-05-03 · NHTSA 11658723

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.

POWER TRAIN 2025-04-15 · NHTSA 11654864

Transmission needed to replaced at around 50k miles. Sister in law has the same year and her transmission went about the same mileage

STRUCTURE 2025-04-04 · NHTSA 11652894

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 which distracts the driver momentarily. It also creates defects in the windshield which could lead to safety issues of the windshield shattering.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2024-10-03 · NHTSA 11617822

Transmission needed a full replacement

SERVICE BRAKES 2024-09-25 · NHTSA 11616364

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!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2024-08-23 · NHTSA 11610464

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 even when the car is off. The 3g towers are no longer in use in the USA. Subaru should have a software update to remedy this issue but have not found that thus far. Just a lawsuit over this issue.

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2024-08-13 · NHTSA 11608140

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 would have hit me since there was no reason for the emergency breaking system to engage.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE Crash 1 injured 2024-08-08 · NHTSA 11607255

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 insurance company. No analysis of data was done and nothing was inspected. There were no symptoms of the problem beforehand. The vehicle has automatic emergency braking, but it evidently didn't operate. It is unknown if this was caused by driver error in accelerating and never braking.

SERVICE BRAKES 2024-06-27 · NHTSA 11597256

Brake rotors, front and back warp. Rotors have been replaced and resurfaced multiple times. The vehicle is over-sized for the braking hardware included with the vehicle. I have spoken to the dealer multiple times and they are aware of the undersized brake component issue across this model line. Although promised, Subaru has not addressed the issue and it is a safety hazard in hilly terrain.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,STRUCTURE 2024-06-17 · NHTSA 11594745

Lift gate began malfunctioning going up and down on its ownthen dropped suddenly onto spouse's head. Now the lift gate does not open properly.

SERVICE BRAKES 2024-05-11 · NHTSA 11588273

Started having problems with the brand new car shaking and brakes making grinding noises when stopping around 20K miles. Brought the car to the dealership and they ended up replacing the brake pads and rotors. It’s been just over a year and less than 15K miles since the replacement and the car started shaking and brakes are making a grinding noise again. Again took the car to the dealership and the rotors are bad. After further research, this is a constant and known issue and has yet to be resolved by Subaru. Instead they wait for the new car warranty to wear off and let their customers pay out of pocket to have this fixed. Some owners have had to replace up to 4 times in less than 40K miles.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 2024-05-08 · NHTSA 11587744

Second time windshield has cracked, not due to rock or debris chip, but from edge of windshield and either out or up. Crack continues to spread until replaced. It is dangerous to drive 1st Incident - December 2022 , crack in middle of windshield, spreading two directions 2nd Incident - May 3, 2024, crack from left side and out, contiunes to spead Pictures attached

SERVICE BRAKES 2024-04-05 · NHTSA 11581308

Front brakes (pads and rotors) had to replaced 2 times. The dealer said that Subaru used undersized pads and rotors on the bigger Ascent model. The brakes were not designed for such a big vehicle, and it has been a known issue. The brakes were replaced under warranty, but my warranty will expire soon. I'm stuck replacing and poorly designed braking system, that is a known issue.

LANE DEPARTURE 2024-04-05 · NHTSA 11581306

Vehicle drifts on the highway and pulls hard to the left, which is a very concerning safety issue. I have already taken the vehicle to the dealer; they did a calibration of the eyesight. The problem still persists, especially when driving the vehicle on the highway. This has almost pulled me into traffic on a few occasions!

AIR BAGS Crash 1 injured 2024-04-03 · NHTSA 11580921

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while making a left turn at approximately 5-10 MPH, another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the front passenger's side bumper. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's chest struck the steering wheel, resulting in a fractured sternum. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was first towed to the police impound lot, then to a body shop. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired and was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2024-02-19 · NHTSA 11572800

After 3 years the battery died completely and the car was unable to start, I replaced the battery with AAA and the next the day, it also died again. I was able to jump start the battery the next day and continued to use the vehicle. I have the battery for about a month and again the battery on the vehicle had drained where I was unable to start the car but I was able to jump start the car with a battery jump starter. There has been 3 occasions of battery just draining and I have a new battery installed. I called Subaru and they mentioned that there could be an issue with the back latch no closing which could drain the battery, however, the have confirmed that the back door does completely close and lock or it will just automatically come back up. I feel there is something wrong with the electrical system and AAA has confirmed with me the the alternator or the battery is functional.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2024-02-18 · NHTSA 11572635

The vehicle has a parasitic battery draw. I purchased a new gel cell (Redtop) battery, the most powerful one that fits the car, and was reimbursed by Subaru. The car battery still goes totally dead after about one week, even with occasional driving. I have to carry a jump battery in case I am traveling to insure that I can get the car started when I stop.

STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE 2024-01-21 · NHTSA 11566809

Vehicle wanders on the highway and pulls hard to the left, which is a very concerning safety issue. I have already taken the vehicle to the dealer, did an alignment and took it back a month later because the issue persisted. The problem persist, specially when driving the vehicle on the highway. I am really concern about my family safety and the safety of others in the road.

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
Most reported: power train, across 106 owner reports on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Of the 44 most recent reports, a crash is mentioned in 3 and a fire in 1. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.