Got 2021 Subaru Ascent problems?  It is no surprise that the 2021 Subaru Ascent is a favorite of Subaru enthusiasts.  Subaru’s reputation for reliable vehicles contributed to 59,980 Ascents being sold in 2021. Even though Subaru Ascent sales seem to be high, many owners have reported problems.

Below we will address the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent.

Click on other Subaru Ascent model year to view more problems: 2022

Subaru Ascent Electrical Problems – Battery Drain Problems

When it comes to owning a Subaru, the last thing you want are electrical problems.  However, many owners of the 2021 Subaru Ascent have experienced electrical problems with their cars.

According to NHTSA, Electrical issues are the top complaint with the 2021 Subaru Ascent.  Of the 10 reported electrical problems many are related to battery drain issues and the car not starting.

Here is a electrical complaint related to the 2021 Subaru Ascent battery drain issue on NHTSA:

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.

Another 2021 Subaru Ascent owner from Murrysville, PA states to NHTSA:

The battery constantly drains when the car is not in use for a very short time. It appears to be an electrical drain. I have already replaced the battery two times and the car has less than 15,000 miles. Apparently this is the same problem as in the 2016 – 2019 class action suit.

Transmission Problems

The 2021 Subaru Ascent comes equipped with an automatic CVT transmission. Known as a continuously variable transmission, the Subaru CVT transmission was used to improve the performance of the Ascent by enabling smoother gear shifts. However,  it is very common for Subaru Ascent vehicles to suffer from CVT transmission problems.

Subaru Ascent Owners have reported the following CVT transmission problems:

• Hesitation
• Loud Noises when shifting
• Shudder or jerking between gears
•  Sudden loss of transmission power

Just read this transmission complaint by a 2021 Subaru Ascent Owner in Edmunds:

If you want a vehicle that hesitates in the middle of intersections, and the transmission slips at will, then the Ascent is the perfect vehicle for you. Bought the car new and immediately started having these issues. Dealer tech stated transmission was too small for this vehicle and that the CVT didn’t know how to respond in stop and go traffic. 

Subaru Forward Collision Avoidance Issues

There are issues related to forward collision avoidance in the 2021 Subaru Ascent. According to the online site Car Problems, the top 2 issues related to the forward collision avoidance are:

• Adaptive Cruise Control Problem
• Lane Assist Problems

Just read these 2 reports of Adaptive Cruise Control problems by 2021 Subaru Ascent owners to Car Problems

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.

Lane assist with cruise control over corrects. On multiple occasions while on the freeway using cruise control the lane assist pulled me into the other lane into other vehicles. I have almost hit other vehicles. The pull is too strong and crosses lanes. If not fixed by Subaru, accidents will occur.

The complaints continue with a 2021 Subaru Ascent owner from California reporting to NHTSA problems with the Lane Assist

LANE ASSIST WITH CRUISE CONTROL OVER CORRECTS. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE ON THE FREEWAY USING CRUISE CONTROL THE LANE ASSIST PULLED ME INTO THE OTHER LANE INTO OTHER VEHICLES. I HAVE ALMOST HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES. THE PULL IS TOO STRONG AND CROSSES LANES. I HAVE TO KEEP IT OFF. FORWARD COLLISION DOES NOT ENGAGE.

2021 Subaru Ascent Engine Problems

According to Motor Biscuit the 2021 Subaru Ascent has one of the lowest reliability ratings in its class.

Engine issues, both minor and major, are very common and include the following: Oil Leaks, Clogged Fuel Filter, Defective Alternator, Fuel Pump Malfunction and Turbo Failure.

Just read this engine complaint to NHTSA by a Subaru Ascent owner in New Jersey:

I found a lot of oil leaking from the oil filter cup and that would splash all around the filter area. I brought the car at the dealership and they have replaced the filter but when I checked after few days ( smoke was coming out of the hood) there was oil all over again. I bought an aftermarket filter and I installed it myself. No one drop of oil found. So I believe this a is a safety concern because the oil might catch on fire with the heat of the engine. I believe a defective oil filter design or a bad technician training or both are causing the problems

Driving with a failing engine is unsafe and can leave you stranded on the side of the road.

Brake Problems

Ascent owners have reported issues with the brakes, including brake pads and rotors. There have been reports of rotors that are warped or damaged, which can result in poor braking performance and increased stopping distances.

Here is a brake complaint from a Pennsylvania Ascent owner to NHTSA

Car purchased in August 2021. Front brake rotors and pads were replaced around 7,600 miles and May 2022. They could not “cut” the rotors as they were pitted beyond being able to be cut. At 10,764 miles (August 8, 2022), the front rotors and pads were replaced again. The dealer stated the front pads had tiny chips in them and the R/F outer pad had a crack in it. The rotors also had excessive heat spots on them and small pits. 

Fuel System Problems

There have also been reports of fuel system problems with the Ascent. In some cases, users have reported issues with their fuel pumps, causing their engines to stall or run poorly.

Others have complained about erratically fluctuating fuel levels or incorrect fuel gauge readings.

Do I Have A Lemon Law Claim for my 2021 Subaru Ascent?

Engine problems, Electrical Problems, Battery Drain Problems, Transmission Problems and Other Problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent and other models may allow you to get lemon law relief.  If you have purchased or leased a 2021 Subaru Ascent, you may need to contact a  Lemon Law Attorney.

We know the problems with the Subaru Ascent and can inform you of your lemon law rights. As one of the country’s largest and most successful lemon law firms, our attorneys can provide you with PA Lemon Law, NJ Lemon Law, NY Lemon Law and HI Lemon Law help at no cost to you.

Contact us today to discuss your case at no cost to you.