2021 Subaru Ascent recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Ascent and 104 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (20), electrical system (18), unknown or other (16). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 22–23 mpg combined, depending on configuration. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2021 ranks #6 of 8 Ascent model years for fewest complaints (2019–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (130). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: 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."
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Electrical system · wiring · interior/under dash
Problem: 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.
Risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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 ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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.
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 region…
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: m…
Safety ratings
2021 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Subaru Ascent.
Ascent
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Ascent Limited/Touring
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, most recently for equipment · other · labels (07/08/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
Based on 104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (20), electrical system (18), unknown or other (16).
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent safe?
The 2021 Subaru Ascent earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Subaru Ascent?
The 2021 ranks #6 of 8 Ascent model years for fewest complaints (2019–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (130). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Ascent get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Subaru Ascent range from 22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2021 Subaru Ascent in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ASCENT, Ascent.