NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 Subaru Ascent Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2021 Subaru Ascent has 2 NHTSA recalls and 98 owner complaints on record — every open recall is repaired free at an authorized Subaru dealer.
Complete safety data for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, including NCAP crash-test ratings. Data pulled live from api.nhtsa.gov.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
NHTSA #26V436000Reported July 7, 2026 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Defect description
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Safety consequence
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free manufacturer remedy
Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 25, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
NHTSA #22V907000Reported December 8, 2022 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Defect description
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Safety consequence
A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Free manufacturer remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Other Subaru Ascent model years
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