2021 Subaru Ascent problems
Owners have filed 141 complaints about the 2021 Subaru Ascent with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 12.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of lane departure at 12.1%.
Complaints141
Crashes4
Fires2
Injuries4
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 12.8% · 18
Lane departure 12.1% · 17
Electrical system 12.1% · 17
Unknown or other 10.6% · 15
Visibility/wiper 9.9% · 14
Engine 8.5% · 12
Service brakes 6.4% · 9
Forward collision avoidance 5.7% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 4 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 4 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Subaru Ascent in this data, 2021 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 60 in the last three years against 81 in the three before. The issues here may already have been addressed.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 2,500 miles.
In owners' own words
Every time I go out of park there is a massive clubking noise from under the car. It's actually a super common item with these cars I am seeing as well in other forums. I believe this could lead to sheared parking brakes in the future. Power train
The transmission of my 2021 Ascent regularly slips or shutters when trying to accelerate time to time(not always). Loud noises when shifting from low speed. Went to dealership but they said car working perfectly. Power train
I am a CPST. I use the Joie Mint Latch with my own child. On multiple occasions I have found on multiple occasions that when securing the lower rigid latch it will flip to green (secure) when it is not actually latched. It is during install when "jiggling" it into position. I am concerned parents who arent as well educated on car seats may not double check the latch before traveling and their child may not be safe. Tether, lower anchor (on car seat or vehicle)
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…