This page covers 1 recall, 96 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Subaru Ascent.
23 mpg combined
10.2 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2021 Subaru Ascent cluster around three main areas: powertrain, lane departure, and visibility. On the powertrain side, owners frequently report CVT failures, sometimes complete and sudden, with several describing transmission replacements at relatively low mileage, in some cases a second replacement after the first rebuilt unit also failed. The lane departure system draws a similar volume of complaints, with owners describing unexpected or erratic behavior from the lane-keeping assist. Visibility and wiper complaints round out the top three, though specific symptoms across those reports vary. A handful of owners also describe water intrusion into the cabin during heavy rain, with moisture tracking down second-row seatbelts and leading to mold growth on interior carpet.
96
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
At a glance
What can fail
The ground bolt securing the PTC heater's ground terminal may not be properly fastened, potentially causing the terminal and nearby components to melt.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and, if needed, the ground wire and connector holder at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
