With 2 recalls and 100 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

100

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

26V4360002026-07-07

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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."

An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 100 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Power Train15

02Visibility/wiper13

03Electrical System12

04Unknown Or Other6

05Service Brakes6

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

Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy

22–23mpg combined

20-21city

26-27hwy

$2,950-$3,050/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~$2,950/yr5/10 Average

Ascent Limited/Touring - Automatic (AV-S8)

22mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

20 city26 hwy~$3,050/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 (9%), but the remaining listings are spread across 37 other states nationwide.

TXTexas

6229%

CACalifornia

4577%

PAPennsylvania

3836%

FLFlorida

3726%

DEDelaware

2834%

COColorado

2454%

ILIllinois

2364%

OROregon

2163%

MNMinnesota

2133%

NCNorth Carolina

2123%

OHOhio

2103%

WAWashington

1933%

MOMissouri

1913%

NYNew York

1733%

OKOklahoma

1652%

GAGeorgia

1622%

NHNew Hampshire

1602%

MDMaryland

1532%

MIMichigan

1502%

NJNew Jersey

1472%

UTUtah

1452%

DCWashington DC

1442%

IN107

RI107

AZ104

TN86

CT84

MA82

WI78

NE74

ID72

SD69

ME62

VT61

AR58

VA50

IA49

NV35

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. 2 recalls have 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 2 documented recalls 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 100 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.