2021 Subaru Ascent Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 103 owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. The EPA rates it 22 to 23 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 2
- Owner complaints
- 103
- Crashes / fires reported
- 3 / 1
- EPA combined
- 22–23 MPG
2021 Subaru Ascent recalls
EquipmentJul 7, 2026 · NHTSA 26V436000+
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 were mailed August 27, 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.
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."
Electrical SystemDec 8, 2022 · NHTSA 22V907000+
Risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2021 Subaru Ascent problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Power Train19
- Electrical System18
- Unknown or Other16
- Visibility/Wiper15
- Lane Departure15
- Engine12
- Service Brakes9
- Structure7
2021 Subaru Ascent gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent | 2.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8) | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 |
| Ascent Limited/Touring | 2.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8) | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, most recently for the equipment (Jul 7, 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Ascent problems?
Owners filed 103 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are power train (19), electrical system (18), unknown or other (16).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Ascent get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Subaru Ascent at 22 to 23 MPG combined (best version: 21 city / 27 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.