2021 Subaru Ascent problems & reliability
100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
3 complaints report injuries (3 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2021 Subaru Ascent vehicles were involved in 10 fatal crashes with 2 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 18 | 18% |
| Electrical System | 17 | 17% |
| Lane Departure | 15 | 15% |
| Unknown OR Other | 15 | 15% |
| Visibility/wiper | 14 | 14% |
| Engine | 12 | 12% |
| Service Brakes | 9 | 9% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 7 | 7% |
| Steering | 7 | 7% |
| Structure | 7 | 7% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Engine · filed Jul 29, 2026
“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…”
Power Train · filed Jul 24, 2026
“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.”
Engine · filed Jul 11, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
361 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. The 10 most recent:
WRH-26 Certification Label Non-Compliance Recall- Parts and SSLP Process Updates.
SubaruNet Announcement (P · Other · issued Jul 28, 2026
This announcement provides WRH-26 recall information for owner contact and a vehicle disclosure form.
SubaruNet Announcement (V · Other · issued Jul 24, 2026
This announcement provides WRH-26 recall information for customers.
SubaruNet Announcement (C · Other · issued Jul 24, 2026
This announcement provides information on WRH-26 affected CPO and Used Vehicle Inventory.
SubaruNet Announcement (v · Other · issued Jul 24, 2026
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a non-compliance recall for certain 2026 model yearCrosstrek Hybrid vehicles, 2025-2026 model year Forester & Forester Hybrid vehicles, and 2019- 2026 Ascent vehicles due…
WRH-26R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2026
This announcement provides an update for retailer inventory affected by the WRH-26 non-compliance recall.
SubaruNet Announcement (W · Other · issued Jul 21, 2026
This announcement provides information on a temporary process for addressing affected SSLP vehicles under the WRH-26 recall.
SubaruNet Announcement (W · Other · issued Jul 17, 2026
This announcement is to inform retailers of the non-compliance recall/stop sale parts update and repair procedure.
SubaruNet Announcement ( · Other · issued Jul 17, 2026
This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
02-193-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2026
This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
09-74-21R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 26, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2021 Subaru Ascent has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2021 Subaru Ascent?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.