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2021 Subaru Ascent

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 52.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 20 of 102 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Lane Departure. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

Structure complaints

7 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2026
Seat BeltsStructureUnknown Or Other

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…

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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)

NHTSA ODI #11714272

Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2025
Structure

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 3r…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11652894

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2024
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

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.

NHTSA ODI #11594745

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2023
Structure

I noticed that the driver's door was making an odd clicking sound when the door was closing. Upon further investigation, I found the silver door bolt holding the door to the frame was loose. I have since then had the bolt tightened.

NHTSA ODI #11536804

Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2023
Structure

Moving glass panel in sunroof cracked. Happened between laminations. Cannot feel crack on either face of glass. Car was parked in parking lot. No visible external impingement or reason I can see. Reporting here after Googl search and seeing other Subaru owners having same issue.

NHTSA ODI #11519391

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2022
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

THE MOON ROOF/SUNROOF HAS LEAKED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO FIX IT ON THREE OCCASIONS. IT CONTINUES TO LEAK- IT LEAKS WATER INTO THE FRONT EYESIGHT CAMERAS CAUSING THEM TO NOT WORK & CUT OFF SPORADICALLY. THE WATER LEAKS INTO THE CAB CAUSING THE HEADLINER TO BE WET, THE FLOORBOARD AND THE ENTIRE CONSOLE AND CUP HOLD…

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THE MOON ROOF/SUNROOF HAS LEAKED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO FIX IT ON THREE OCCASIONS. IT CONTINUES TO LEAK- IT LEAKS WATER INTO THE FRONT EYESIGHT CAMERAS CAUSING THEM TO NOT WORK & CUT OFF SPORADICALLY. THE WATER LEAKS INTO THE CAB CAUSING THE HEADLINER TO BE WET, THE FLOORBOARD AND THE ENTIRE CONSOLE AND CUP HOLDERS FILLS UP WITH WATER. I HAVE HAD IT AT THE DEALERSHIP ON THREE OCCASIONS DEC 2012 JAN 2021 NOV 11 2022 AND IT HAS NOW HAPPENED A 4 TH TIME ON NOV 15 2022 AND IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY VEHICLE FOR 34 DAYS. IT HAS LESS THAN 18,000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #11494417

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2021
Structure

Hello, my vehicle 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited with Navigation Package had it's panoramic sunroof cracked while the vehicle was parked in the garage. Upon researching the internet, it appears that this issue is systemic design or material flaw for Subaru vehicles. Reference: https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-cracked-windshie…

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Hello, my vehicle 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited with Navigation Package had it's panoramic sunroof cracked while the vehicle was parked in the garage. Upon researching the internet, it appears that this issue is systemic design or material flaw for Subaru vehicles. Reference: https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-cracked-windshield-lawsuit-grows-25-million-us-vehicles Is there a way NHTSA can help get the issue addressed? Thank you!

NHTSA ODI #11422172

Official recalls

2

26V436000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jul 7, 2026

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. 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.

22V907000 · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Dec 8, 2022

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 & remedy

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 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.