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2021 Subaru Ascent Other Problems

8 owner-reported other complaints from NHTSA data

8
Complaints
Feb 2024Oct 2024
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (8)

criticalUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

Your transmission has failed and requires complete replacement. This is a major repair that will leave your vehicle unable to operate properly until the entire transmission unit is removed and replaced with a new one.

NHTSA #: 11617822
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Jun 2025

Your lane assist system is over-correcting and pulling your car toward the center lane even when you're actively steering normally. This happens repeatedly and could cause a collision if another vehicle is nearby when it over-corrects. The issue may require recalibration or replacement of the lane-keeping assist camera or control module.

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NHTSA #: 11665581
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2025

Your trunk won't open using the key fob, the rear handle, or the dashboard buttons. The only way to open it is by accessing the internal latch through a port and manually switching it with a screwdriver. This suggests the trunk latch mechanism or its electronic controls have failed and need to be repaired or replaced.

NHTSA #: 11685392
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2024

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.

NHTSA #: 11572800
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2023

Blue smoke from tailpipe upon start

NHTSA #: 11532886
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2022

Windshield is extremely soft and cracks easily. In less than 1.5 years I've owned the car I've gotten 3 chips/cracks and now a 4th major one that requires a full replacement. No car previously owned ever had this issue, not even the previous Subaru. After searching online this seems to be a common problem in Subarus, as there was a class action suit for earlier models. Yes, car is currently available for inspection until repaired. Super soft windshield - if the windshield is broken completely on a highway, it's obviously a concern and a risk. Have not taken the car in yet, but will be to get it replaced.

NHTSA #: 11479618
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2022

April 25, 2022: The trunk/liftgate of the vehicle failed to detect an obstruction and closed without retracting when it came in contact with an individual's head. The impact caused a head injury, blackout, and concussion, and resulted in permanent damage to an individual (6' 2" - 190lbs). Subaru’s stated that an inspection of the vehicle was performed on May 19th and informed me that “the vehicle is operating as designed…and has met all federal specifications,” and that their inspection concluded that this is “no manufacturing defect.” Prior to the inspection, Subaru requested signed consent to inspect the vehicle's internal data which I provided. When I requested a copy of the report, Subaru informed me of their policy not to share this information despite the vehicle "operating as designed." One of the first things that we learn about computers is “Garbage in, garbage out.” My position is that if Subaru’s computers are not programmed to look for issues pertaining to incidents that contradict their message of superior safety features, then their computers will not find issues that do not reflect their preferred image. No warning messages or symptoms prior to this occurrence. Subaru's response is included in this report.

NHTSA #: 11466358
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2021

The windshield cracked without impact.

NHTSA #: 11422444

Other 2021 Subaru Ascent Issues