2021 Subaru Ascent Complaint Log

I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Subaru Ascent that I purchased new from Herb Gordon Subaru in Maryland. The incident occurred while driving on I-95 at approximately 75 mph with my family, including children, in the vehicle. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete powertrain failure without any prior warning indicators. This created an immediate and serious safety risk on a busy highway. Fortunately, we were able to safely maneuver the vehicle out of traffic and avoid a collision. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had undergone regular maintenance, and there were no indications of any imminent powertrain failure. While a routine fluid service had been recommended, it was not presented as urgent and was planned to be completed at a later time. Following the incident, I conducted further research and learned that the vehicle had previously been subject to a manufacturer recall involving engine harness/ECM-related issues, which had been completed prior to the sale. This material information was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase and only came to my attention after the failure occurred. Had I been informed of this recall history at the time of purchase, it would have reasonably influenced my decision-making, and I would have reconsidered or sought further clarification before proceeding. The estimated repair cost is approximately $11,000. Subaru of America has offered $2,000 in goodwill assistance, which I consider inadequate given the severity of the failure and the associated safety concerns. This matter raises concerns regarding non-disclosure of material recall history at the time of sale, potential underlying defect, and possible breach of the implied warranty of merchantability. In addition this recall is not even recorded in the NHTSA website.

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.

Issue 1: Complete transmission failure was diagnosed by Subaru dealer March 24, 2026 at 5 years and 6 months after purchase with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles (drive train warranty 5 yrs/60,000 miles). Had to purchase and have installed a rebuilt Subaru transmission. First noticed transmission was slipping with a large load in vehicle May 2025 at 4 years and 8 months after purchase at about 40,000 miles on odometer. The issue was subsequently not noticed under typical load until slipping transmission signs reappeared December 2025. Made appointment in March 2026 due to a planned trip to [XXX] mid-February to mid-March. Failed transmission poses critical safety risks including loss of acceleration, stalling in traffic and unexpected deceleration. Subaru of New England was able to install the transmission at about 50% of the initial estimate over 12,000 (final paid 5400). Subaru of America file was claimed (Case # XXX-XXX) for the balance, but any further reimbursement was rejected. Issue 2: Driver window alternating between getting stuck fully opened as well as reversing to the open position when trying to roll up. The failure of window regulator and channel run was diagnosed by Subaru dealer March 24, 2026 at 5 years and 6 months after purchase with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles. Had to purchase and replace the Subaru window regulator and channel run. Power window failures in the open position create significant safety risks including vehicle theft, interior damage from weather and occupant vulnerability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving my Subaru Ascent, a check engine warning light appeared on the dashboard. Shortly afterward, I noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. I immediately pulled over and turned the vehicle off. Within moments, flames began coming from under the hood. The fire spread rapidly, and within 5-10 minutes the entire vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The fire originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was a total loss. Subaru of America was notified on 12/23/2025, but no follow-up or update on investigation has been responded. The vehicle was always serviced with Subaru. This sudden, traumatizing and catastrophic failure with no prior warning.

The transmission on our 2021 Subaru Ascent is slipping and failing to accelerate, RPMs reving, and every issue indicator notification light is on. We took the car to our mechanic, then to the Subaru dealership service dept for diagnosis. A full transmission replacement is required plus associated repairs for a cost of $14,543.98. Service estimate attached. This repair is more than 2/3 of the value of the vehicle. This make/model and transmission type have documented problems and Subaru has previously issued an extended warranty on other model years for this same transmission issue. We are trying to communicate with the Subaru customer service but have had limited response due to the holidays and have not had a resolution yet in the past month.

I had catastrophic transmission failure. The car was completely inoperable. Thankfully this only happened in a parking lot. If this were yo happen while merging into traffic it could have been very dangerous. This was the second cvt in this vehicle. The 1st transmission was replaced around 52kmiles. The second transmission lasted not even 13 months sndless than 15k miles. Subaru replaced the transmission for a 3rd time at a cost of 1k to me. I no longer have the car.

Vehicle smells of fuel inside the cabin and when parked in the garage. To date the dealer is unable to diagnose the problem. 60k miles

The transmission/CVT component on the vehicle, 2021 Subaru Ascent is malfunctioning. When being driven, the malfunctioning transmission will cause the vehicle to hesitate in traffic, as well as feeling the slippage of the transmission when in motion. The vehicle also has a burning odor when being driven. NYS inspection was conducted on 10/27/25. The transmission malfunction has been confirmed by a Subaru dealer, who has had the vehicle at their dealership since 11/5/25, 34 days as of today. Subaru Advocacy , whom I have had many calls and emails with, is unwilling to replace the transmission at their cost.

2021 Subaru Ascent (VIN#***). Water found dripping down both second row seatbelts on multiple occasions during or following heavy rain, accumulated into mold growth on the carpet in front of second row seats to the front of the 3rd row seats (cargo area dry, front footwells dry). Authorized Subaru dealer technician report (dated 10/29/25 and 12/3/25 copy pasted into email) explicitly documents 'condensation build up on the interior of roof (seat belt area)' due to unlocated water intrusion. The dealer attributes this to 'leaf debris' in the front cowl area and rear hatch hinge despite the leak occurring at the rear C-pillar (and notably cargo area and front footwells showed no moisture making this physically impossible). Despite confirmed moisture exposure to critical passive restraint systems, the dealer relays that the manufacturer has issued a verbal-only warranty denial (stating no addl records exist aside from the initial technician report) and suggest the only repair be carpet replacement, with refusal of confirmation of the source of the leak and no proposal of replacing the 2nd-row seatbelt retractors nor provide a written safety guarantee. The vehicle is covered by an active 8yr/120,000-mile Subaru Gold Plus Added Security Plan (Agreement #*******, started on 8/2/21), yet the manufacturer is refusing to honor the contract for the defect or the resulting biohazard ('mold spouts' documented by their technicians on carpeting and into the foam). This unaddressed moisture creates an unreasonable risk of internal corrosion and failure of the seatbelt G-sensor/locking mechanisms on both sides. Also as an immunocompromised owner (due to medication for multiple sclerosis to such an extent that requires monthly IVIG infusions), the documented mold is a significant health hazard. Vehicle has only 15,166 miles. Correspondence with dealer and SoA as well as agreement# are available on request. Date of incident was when taken to dealership (events in summer/fall 2025)

Oil leak from engine constantly from FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, rec cvt pump reseal with new trans seal, pump is leaking causing drips ; drain plug is also leaking. Need to Replace Front and rear Pads & Rotors at 35k miles which is unheard of. Accessed by suberu dealership.

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive and failed to accelerate at intended. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, and informed the contact that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was not available.

Trunk would not open. Only way to open was to pop open the internal latch access port and switch the latch open with a screw driver. Trunk would not open with key fob, rear handle, or buttons on driver side dashboard.

On Friday, June 13, 2025, while (thankfully) in my driveway, the transmission broke on my 2021 Subaru Ascent in my driveway. I simply started my car, put it in reverse, and my car jerked and stopped. NO prior warning. I was on a slight slope. I thank my lucky stars I did not have my kids out on the road when it happened. I had to have it towed to the closest Subaru dealership (a $395 charge). Upon inspection, my transmission (the CVT model) was no longer working. My car was bought in December 2021 and it has around 80,000 miles on it. In researching, I saw that the 2019 and 2020 models with the CVT had been recalled (or had their warranties extended to 100,000 miles coverage) for the EXACT thing that happened to my car. If I am correct, my car was manufactured in November of 2020 from what I was told. I find it so hard to imagine that a transmission should fail due to "no reason" at this point, my car is not even 5 years old! The fact that this has happened on cars right in the timeframe of when mine was made, it's hard to imagine I should have to pay almost $10,000 for a new transmission when the history of these transmissions failing have been quite newsworthy! It was not fixable, the only choice I was given was to buy a new transmission. In today's economy, I just find this unacceptable.

I have a 2021 Subaru Ascent that falls under an extended warranty regarding the windshield due to a faulty windshield. My windshield has cracked, reduce visibility, and does not allow the forward collision warning to work properly. Subaru recognizes the faulty windshield and refuses to remedy the issue. I question the safety and integrity of this windshield to protect from normal road debris strikes, allow normal visibility, and the integrity of the lamination of the from windshield in the event of a collision.

The lane assist failed by over correcting while I have my hands on the steering wheel. It over corrects to the center lane when you are driving with normal behavior. This can cause a collision if it were to over correct while a car was there, this is also easily reproducible in my car.

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.

The windshield on the 2021 Subaru Ascent is dangerous because it chips extremely easily. I purchased the car new in 2021 and since then I have had 7 rock chips (in all different states (TX, CA, WA) and driving conditions/speeds/roads). In the 4 years since I have owned it I have had the windshield replaced twice so I am on my 3rd windshield. Each time the rock hits, it causes a large chip to form which distracts the driver momentarily. It also creates defects in the windshield which could lead to safety issues of the windshield shattering.

Transmission needed to replaced at around 50k miles. Sister in law has the same year and her transmission went about the same mileage

Brakes shudder and fade when slowing down from highway speeds. Subaru has issued many "fixes" but it keeps happening. See most recent "Ascent Front Brake Warranty Extension Coverage" it still has not fixed the problem!

Transmission needed a full replacement

I was driving along with no traffic in front of me and no oncoming traffic when the automatic braking system engaged with no vehicles in front of me, this was at 7:42 AM on Monday August 12, 2024. This was not the first time it had done this, but the first time I had the time and no traffic anywhere around to confuse the system. My concern is that if another car was following too closely they would have hit me since there was no reason for the emergency breaking system to engage.

Battery draining. Bought car from dealership preowned with 25k miles. Owned it for 3 weeks and so far -Battery dead, jumped it, good for a day then dead again. -took back to dealership, said bad battery, replaced it, good for a week and a half then dead again -scheduling to go to a subaru dealership for diagnoses Ive read about the DCM on these vehicles trying to connect to 3g towers continously even when the car is off. The 3g towers are no longer in use in the USA. Subaru should have a software update to remedy this issue but have not found that thus far. Just a lawsuit over this issue.

The driver was driving into a parking lot preparing to park, when the vehicle accelerated and started going forward at a higher speed. The vehicle struck a parked vehicle, then travelled across the parking lot, over curbs, a grass median, landscaping, and struck a rock building at a high rate of speed, causing a partial collapse of the wall. The vehicle is available for inspection through the insurance company. No analysis of data was done and nothing was inspected. There were no symptoms of the problem beforehand. The vehicle has automatic emergency braking, but it evidently didn't operate. It is unknown if this was caused by driver error in accelerating and never braking.

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.

I bought a 2021 Ascent - Touring , lately there was an ever increasing amount of wind noise. It sounded like it was coming from the sunroof, but I couldn't see anything from the inside that looked out of place and there were no signs of water leaking. I finally looked up on the roof from the outside and the weather stripping along the back of the sunroof was coming out. The glue is thin, and didn't even stick to it anymore.. This is an ongoing issue. There are people people on the Subaru Ascent, Facebook Reddit forms that have said they are having the same issue..

Front brakes (pads and rotors) had to replaced 2 times. The dealer said that Subaru used undersized pads and rotors on the bigger Ascent model. The brakes were not designed for such a big vehicle, and it has been a known issue. The brakes were replaced under warranty, but my warranty will expire soon. I'm stuck replacing and poorly designed braking system, that is a known issue.

Vehicle drifts on the highway and pulls hard to the left, which is a very concerning safety issue. I have already taken the vehicle to the dealer; they did a calibration of the eyesight. The problem still persists, especially when driving the vehicle on the highway. This has almost pulled me into traffic on a few occasions!

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while making a left turn at approximately 5-10 MPH, another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the front passenger's side bumper. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's chest struck the steering wheel, resulting in a fractured sternum. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was first towed to the police impound lot, then to a body shop. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired and was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

After 3 years the battery died completely and the car was unable to start, I replaced the battery with AAA and the next the day, it also died again. I was able to jump start the battery the next day and continued to use the vehicle. I have the battery for about a month and again the battery on the vehicle had drained where I was unable to start the car but I was able to jump start the car with a battery jump starter. There has been 3 occasions of battery just draining and I have a new battery installed. I called Subaru and they mentioned that there could be an issue with the back latch no closing which could drain the battery, however, the have confirmed that the back door does completely close and lock or it will just automatically come back up. I feel there is something wrong with the electrical system and AAA has confirmed with me the the alternator or the battery is functional.

P245 / 50 R 20 OEM Falken Tires need to be replaced with only 20K miles, even when all the maintenance was applied (rotation, inflation control, etc). Subaru dealer recognized that the problem was communicated with HQ in Japan, but still not answer

I noticed that the driver's door was making an odd clicking sound when the door was closing. Upon further investigation, I found the silver door bolt holding the door to the frame was loose. I have since then had the bolt tightened.

2021 Subaru Ascent with 15,735 miles on it with the factory Falken tires. The tread and metal was showing and separating from the tires. 2 tires, original to the car off the lot. Tires should last 30-40-50 miles. The other 2 tires were labeled as a 4-5 category. The car did not steer to the left or right, no noise at all. If driving on the highway and 2 tires failed, I could have been injured, my passengers or another vehicle crash. This was very dangerous. In going to the Subaru website and seems hundreds of other customers had the same issue. Failing, inferior, defective Falken tires and alignment issues. I hope these tires don't fail and cause someone to lose their life.

Car has always refused to accelerate if gas pedal is pushed down too quickly. Just before 60K miles, on way home we had pulled over at a roadside stop on a hill. Tried to pull across highway to continue up road, car refused to accelerate and luckily were able to brake in time to keep from getting t-boned by big truck heading down the hill. No trouble lights came on, so weren't sure if this was operator failure from pushing gas down on hill or mechanical problem. Also were too close to 60K miles to get home and back to dealership without going over warranty and serious service issues with dealership previously, and leaving for vacation following day. Decided to see if there were further problems. Live at 8K elevation, vacation at half that. No further problems until after returning from vacation. Car definitely hesitating when cold to accelerate at 8K elevation. Checked owners manual, at this time believed appropriate 36K service at dealership had inspected CVT fluid as requested, and was a bit early for next inspection listed in book at 66K miles, but thought perhaps CVT fluid needed changed (did not expect transmission to be failing with such a new car, only a bit over warranty miles now). Because of previous with dealership, instead found ASE certified shop for CVT fluid inspection. Fluid at shop inspection was dark and needed replaced. Shop exchanged with OEM fluid, not Subaru brand. CVT functioned much better for a time, then got worse and not just hesitating with cold but also jerking. Called service shop to insure they had used correct fluid and amount, they had. Brought in to confirm and fluid level was correct. They suspected CVT was failing. Called Subaru of America and made appointment at suggested dealership different from purchase dealership, confirmed transmission failure. Dealership rented car for safety because of suspected CVT failure. Subaru refused to replace CVT under warranty and wanted $7K+ to fix after $3K "discount: Still no trouble lights.

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while his wife was repositioning the rear-view mirror, the front windshield cracked without impact and extended approximately 7-inches. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.

Blue smoke from tailpipe upon start

Windshield randomly became extremely hazy in one section to the point where Eyesight forward facing obstacle detection turned off. Cerium oxide rubbing compound was required to clear the haze enough for Eyesight to work again. Other sections have less significant haze. It appears to be hairline cracks in the outer layer of the windshield or the windshield scratches extremely easily without any obvious debris impacting it.

OEM tires that came with original vehicle purchase depleted tread and needed to be replaced by 38,000 miles. Alignment may have been bad from initial manufacturing but is no longer covered by "bumper to bumper" warranty because it is 2,000 miles over warranty. Tire size 245/60R18

Windshield started cracking and crack doubled in size within a few hours, we did not hear a rock chip the window and don't know where the crack came from. Car is available for inspection. This is a safety issue as it can impede the drivers clear view of the road. Will call dealer Monday to have windshield replaced. The windshield has not been inspected by manufacture or insurance. Did not see any warnings prior to failure.

Moving glass panel in sunroof cracked. Happened between laminations. Cannot feel crack on either face of glass. Car was parked in parking lot. No visible external impingement or reason I can see. Reporting here after Googl search and seeing other Subaru owners having same issue.

Started having problems with the brand new car shaking and brakes making grinding noises when stopping around 20K miles. Brought the car to the dealership and they ended up replacing the brake pads and rotors. It’s been just over a year and less than 15K miles since the replacement and the car started shaking and brakes are making a grinding noise again. Again took the car to the dealership and the rotors are bad. After further research, this is a constant and known issue and has yet to be resolved by Subaru. Instead they wait for the new car warranty to wear off and let their customers pay out of pocket to have this fixed. Some owners have had to replace up to 4 times in less than 40K miles.

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.

Vehicle braking reduced to about 10%. Brakes was making lots of noise and couldn’t stop for almost 1/4 mile. Managed to stop vehicle was taken to dealer. Calipers were changed and rotors serviced. After several trips to dealership for repairs to brakes vehicle still having braking noise and reduced stopping power which gets worst with time.

Vehicle wanders on the highway and pulls hard to the left, which is a very concerning safety issue. I have already taken the vehicle to the dealer, did an alignment and took it back a month later because the issue persisted. The problem persist, specially when driving the vehicle on the highway. I am really concern about my family safety and the safety of others in the road.

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V9070000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed her that parts were available. The dealer was called back, and the contact was placed on a waiting list. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V907000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Second time windshield has cracked, not due to rock or debris chip, but from edge of windshield and either out or up. Crack continues to spread until replaced. It is dangerous to drive 1st Incident - December 2022 , crack in middle of windshield, spreading two directions 2nd Incident - May 3, 2024, crack from left side and out, contiunes to spead Pictures attached

Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance, Eye Sight, RAB, some ! Symbol, and check engine light are all on and not working. You know everything that makes a Subaru. This is not the first or even second time. We are on the fourth instance of this happening. We live 2+ hrs away from the closest dealers. The first few times it occurred, we called to make a appointment. Each time was always a few weeks out and the issue would clear a day or two before. This last time has been going on for 6 weeks. We both work full time and have a very sick kid so making a appointment is hard. This last time I asked if I can drop in just for a scan due to being in town for an appointment. Was met with we are backed up with way to many repairs. Also it would not be fair to any other people. It is most likely your gas cap. I have made sure the cap is tight as it can get every time from the first time it occurred. So all safety features on the Subaru Ascent just stop working if the cap is not tight. Not only is this a major safety issue their QA is asleep at the wheel. Known issue, just check the forums.

Car would not start in morning. @20,000 miles. Battery dead..not even trying to turn over..Had to get car jumped then all safety features went dead..looked on Subaru sight and it showed every safety feature disabled..I did not drive car till next day to bring to dealer..next day all features fine like nothing happened..Dealer found nothing wrong. Dealer tested battery and showed fully charged..

I noticed the windshield of my Ascent premium has thousands of millions of glaring specks/dots when facing the sunlight in early morning or late afternoon. The windshield becomes so blurry and extremely annoying. This happens only in early morning when facing the sun or late afternoon.

Car purchased in August 2021 new. In May 2022, the car had hesitation problems when traveling between 15-30 mph. The car was taken into the dealership with approximately 7,600 miles. Dealer had a Subaru field tech review data as they saw transmission slippage at basically all speeds. Suggested to reprogram the transmission. We were advised to drive it and let it "relearn" the reprogram. The transmission slipped but not as bad with reprogram until about 150-200 miles later. The slippage was even worse and immediately taken to the dealer. The dealer found metal particles in the transmission fluid and replaced the transmission. A loaner was provided for approximately 2 weeks and work was completed. Car has been better and we were told we just need to get used to the CVT on this car. On 9/10/2022 with approx 11,700 miles, we were driving around town and experienced slippage of transmission just as bad as the original faulty transmission. Car is parked and appointment will be made with dealer to check. Subaru was notified as we are also experiencing brake problems.