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
What owners actually said
102 reports
360 miles · Jan 8, 2021
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A OWNS A 2021 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT MID LEVEL SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A CRACK HAD INFORMED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD RIGHT ABOVE FRAME. OVER TIME, THE CRACK EXTENDED FROM THE DRIVE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A OWNS A 2021 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT MID LEVEL SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A CRACK HAD INFORMED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD RIGHT ABOVE FRAME. OVER TIME, THE CRACK EXTENDED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO THE MIDDLE RIGHT BELOW THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRACK OBSTRUCTED HER VISION WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT CALLED SPORT SUBARU SOUTH (9951 ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL, ORLANDO, FL 32837) WHERE THEY INFORMED HER THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO ATTEMPTED TO REACH THE MANUFACTURER BUT SHE WAS UNABLE TO REACH A REPRESENTATIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 360. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11387201
3,500 miles · Jan 4, 2021
Visibility/wiper
OUR WINDSHIELD ALREADY HAS NUMEROUS CHIPS AND ONE CRACK THAT WE REPAIRED. WE HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR SINCE OCTOBER BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THE WINDSHIELD IS VERY BRITTLE. WE HAVE HAD SOME WINTER WEATHER LATELY SO THERE WAS EXCESSIVE JUNK IN THE ROAD AND SAND BUT OUR OTHER VEHICLES HAVE NOT HAD THE SAME ISSUES.
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.
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.
2021 Subaru Ascent Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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