First generation
2021 Subaru Ascent
The most reported problem on the 2021 Subaru Ascent is windshield, with 19 complaints.
- 102owner complaints
- 2recalls
- 3involved a crash
- 15,735median miles at failure
Newest report Aug 31, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2021 Subaru Ascent has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?
The 2021 Subaru Ascent has 102 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, less than half the median of 216 for 2021 SUVs on this site. Of the 7 Ascent model years since 2019, it has the 3rd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2020 and 2022
- Complaints ease off across these three model years. Counted per year on the road, the 2020 draws 46, the 2021 17 and the 2022 11.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, windshield, covers 19 of the 102 complaints (19%), and transmission shudder is next with 13 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). Too few of the windshield reports give a mileage to say when it starts.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 5 of the 102 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 3 reports mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 3 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 2 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2021 at 26 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 12. So far in 2026, 13 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: windshield cracks or distorts, 19 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
102 complaints is 1.9 times fewer than the median 2021 model on this site and 2.1 times fewer than the median 2021 SUV. Among the 3 Ascent model years here it ranks 3rd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
Subaru filed 373 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2021 Subaru Ascent. 14 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Windshield cracks or distorts 3 bulletins · 19 complaints
This bulletin announces availability of new door window regulator assemblies and door glass run channel seals in response to limited concerns of erratic operation of the anti-entrapment feature and / or the door glass either not closing or closing very slowly.
This announcement is in regard to settlement in a class action lawsuit for vehicles that will receive a limited warranty extension for original equipment Subaru windshields experiencing a qualifying crack.
1 more on this problem
This bulletin announces the design change made to the rear gate glass, it is intended to address cases of rust build up along the edge of the rear gate opening of the rear quarter panel.
Battery dies or the car will not start 1 bulletin · 10 complaints
This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised ...
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 9 complaints
This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
Transmission slips 6 bulletins · 7 complaints
This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
4 more on this problem
This Service Information Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
The WRK-21 recall includes TCM reprogramming to prevent CVT chain slip. If, during the recall inspection, a vehicle is confirmed to have already experienced severe enough CVT chain slip, the CVT assembly will be replaced.
Diagnostic Information for Alleged Chain Slip Condition on TR580 / TR690 Transmissions.
This Service Information Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions.
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear 3 bulletins · 5 complaints
This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address SYMPTOM 1: A jerk or judder sensation felt from the powertrain during braking with the air conditioning on.
This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address the two symptoms described below: SYMPTOM 1: A jerk or judder sensation felt from the powertrain during braking with the air conditioning on.
1 more on this problem
This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address symptoms which a jerk or judder sensation can be felt from the powertrain during braking with air conditioning on, or a shudder felt from the powertrain along with a ...
Complaints filed by year
26 complaints came in 2021. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2021 Subaru Ascent
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
All 2 recalls on the 2021 Subaru Ascent, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
Windshield, with 19 of the 102 complaints.
At what mileage do 2021 Subaru Ascent problems start?
Of the 43 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 4,000 miles and half by about 16,000.
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent better or worse than the 2020 and 2022?
Counted per year on the road, the 2021 has fewer complaints than the 2020 and more complaints than the 2022: 17 a year against 46 and 11.
How many 2021 Subaru Ascent complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
5 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for windshield on the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
No recall on file for the 2021 Subaru Ascent is on the same system as windshield. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.