2021 Subaru Ascent electrical system problems
17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2021 Subaru Ascent — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jan 20, 2026
“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…”
filed Jan 13, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient…Campaign 22V907000 · Dec 8, 2022
Electrical System problems in other Ascent years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Ascent | 3 | 6% |
| 2023 Ascent | 3 | 7% |
| 2022 Ascent | 3 | 5% |
| 2020 Ascent | 101 | 32% |
| 2019 Ascent | 159 | 36% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Subaru Ascent
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.