Subaru Ascent, representative photo
Representative 2019 model. Photo: SsmIntrigue, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2021 Subaru Ascent recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2021 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
2
Park-it warnings
1
Complaints
103
Latest campaign
Jul 7, 2026

Recall summary by component2

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsPark‑itLatestCampaign IDs
Equipment1–Jul 7, 2026
Electrical system11Dec 8, 2022

Safety recalls2

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
1Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Jul 7, 2026Latest campaign
Jul 7, 202626V436000

Equipment: other labels

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

DetailsHide details for campaign 26V436000
What's wrong
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."
Risk
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Campaign
NHTSA 26V436000 · Jul 7, 2026
Dec 8, 202222V907000

Electrical system: wiring interior/under dash

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

Park outside, away from structures
DetailsHide details for campaign 22V907000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
Campaign
NHTSA 22V907000 · Dec 8, 2022
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2021 Subaru Ascent? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component103

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
103Complaints filed
3Involving a crash
1Involving a fire
3Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Power train1918000
Electrical system1817010
Unknown or other1616001
Visibility/wiper1515000
Lane departure1515000
Engine1212010
Service brakes99000
Structure77000
Forward collision avoidance77101
Steering77100
Visibility33000
Fuel/propulsion system22000
Wheels22000
Vehicle speed control22101
Tires22000

6 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Visibility/wiper

    “I purchased a new 2021 Subaru Ascent in XXX. In XXX, at about 36,000 miles, I discovered water leaking into the cabin through the panoramic moonroof during rain and brought it to Lynnes Subaru ([XXX]) immediately.”

    Filed 10/14/2026 · ODI 11771134
  • Electrical system

    “After my husband replaced the 12V battery in my 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring ($90,000, fully paid off), Apple CarPlay stopped connecting via USB entirely.”

    Filed 08/31/2026 · ODI 11760953
  • Power train

    “My local Subaru dealership / service provider has told me my car needs a new transmission at 66k miles, due to an issue within the CVT solenoid causing slipping and lag that will eventually lead to catastrophic failure…”

    Filed 08/28/2026 · ODI 11760300

Other Subaru Ascent model years

Other Subaru models

2021 Subaru Ascent recall questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. The most recent, 26V436000 (reported July 7, 2026), concerns equipment. 1 campaign carries a park-it or park-outside warning. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

Power train is the most-reported component, named in 19 complaints out of 103 filed with NHTSA (18%). Across all complaints, owners reported 3 crashs and 1 fire. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2021 Subaru Ascent?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Subaru dealer.

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