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2021 Subaru

Ascent

Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo

Subaru Ascent: best and worst years
2021 Subaru Ascent (photo 1 of 6)

Closest available photo (2023 model year); you're viewing the 2021.

2023 photoAlexander MiglCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Power to weight
0.057 hp/lb

Efficiency

Smog score
3/10
Real-world MPG
19.4 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 3.6 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1D (5,001 to 6,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
2
Owner complaints
102 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
3

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

  • Adaptive cruise control
    Standard
  • Automatic emergency brakingPart of EyeSight.
    Standard
  • Blind-spot monitor
    Standard
  • Lane-keeping assist
    Standard

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • POWER TRAIN14%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER11%
  • LANE DEPARTURE11%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER10%
  • ENGINE9%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 140 total.

Subaru Ascent: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

176 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 28, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18-241-26

    This Bulletin announces a correction to the diagnostic procedures for certain CVT related DTCs, including P0730, P0746, P0747, P0841, P0846, P0867, P1867, P1894, and P2723.

  • May 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER01-167-08R

    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

  • May 13, 2026ENGINE02-193-24R

    This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers).

  • May 12, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16-157-26

    This bulletin announces a design change to the TR690 CVT control valve body which features an enhanced line pressure sensor O-ring, designed to prevent abnormal sensor readings caused by O-ring leakage.

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSubaruNet Announcement (R

    This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

  • May 1, 2026ENGINE18-230-26

    This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT) are detected by Keyless Access with Push Button Start(KACM).

  • Apr 30, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-240-26R

    This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

  • Apr 20, 2026WHEELS05-97-26

    This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.

  • and 168 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.