The Lemon Index2021 Subaru Ascent.
The 2021 Subaru Ascent is worse than average by owner complaints: 77 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 127, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about lane assist, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 22 to 23 mpg combined. The best Subaru Ascent year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 103 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Ascent year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 9K miles on the car (20 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- equipment 2026
These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label.
- electrical 2022
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 384 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This bulletin provides important information regarding diagnosis and replacement of the…
- SOA821B600 Battery Supersession
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Ascent SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
On several occasions while using the lane centering feature, vehicle has taken a sudden violent move to the left into the on coming lane. No warning lights illuminated. Problem hasnât been replicated by dealer.
2021 Subaru Ascent owner · NHTSA complaint 11433026
More owner reports
Lift gate began malfunctioning going up and down on its ownthen dropped suddenly onto spouse's head. Now the lift gate does not open properly.
NHTSA complaint 11594745
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 127; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Ascent year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Ascent problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lane assist (19%), electrical (18%) and wipers & visibility (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have?
2 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Ascent get?
22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Subaru Ascent problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,500 and 9,000 miles. The middle report was at 3,200 miles, from 20 complaints.
Does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Subaru Ascent cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Ascent year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2021 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works