With 1 recalls and 96 complaints, the 2021 Subaru Ascent rates as elevated on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

22V9070002022-08-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

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.

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2021 Subaru Ascent's biggest weak point? POWER TRAIN. It leads 96 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Power Train14

02Visibility/wiper13

03Electrical System12

04Unknown Or Other6

05Service Brakes6

96 total across 1 model years (2021–2021)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy

22–23mpg combined

20-21city

26-27hwy

$1,900-$2,000/yr

Fuel economy for the 2021 Subaru Ascent ranges from 22 to 23 MPG combined across 2 setups. The table below breaks it down by trim so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

By Trim

Ascent - Automatic (AV-S8)

23mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

21 city27 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Ascent Limited/Touring - Automatic (AV-S8)

22mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

20 city26 hwy~$2,000/yr4/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2021 Subaru Ascent

38States

22%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Texas (8%), but the remaining listings are spread across 37 other states nationwide.

TXTexas

6508%

CACalifornia

5377%

PAPennsylvania

5046%

FLFlorida

3775%

DEDelaware

3464%

COColorado

3244%

ILIllinois

3194%

OROregon

3034%

NCNorth Carolina

2764%

OHOhio

2413%

MNMinnesota

2313%

MOMissouri

2263%

DCWashington DC

2223%

NHNew Hampshire

2213%

WAWashington

2183%

MIMichigan

2063%

MDMaryland

2003%

UTUtah

1902%

GAGeorgia

1652%

NYNew York

1632%

INIndiana

1542%

OK137

NJ129

WI114

NE109

AZ101

CT100

RI99

TN95

ID86

MA80

AR77

NV70

ME69

SD67

VT49

AL44

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2021.

Buying a 2021 Subaru Ascent?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent a good car to buy?

The 2021 Subaru Ascent has its strengths and its watch-outs. 1 recall has been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report power train as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

There are 1 documented recall for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

You'll get between 22 and 23 MPG combined from the 2021 Subaru Ascent, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

Out of 96 owner complaints, power train issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.