Skip to content
BrakesPart report

2021 Subaru Ascent Brakes Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
9%of 104 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Subaru Ascent, 9% of the 104 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Front brakes (pads and rotors) had to replaced 2 times. The dealer said that Subaru used undersized pads and rotors on the bigger Ascent model. The brakes were not designed for such a big vehicle, and it has been a known issue. The brakes were replaced under warranty, but my warranty will expire soon. I'm stuck replacing and poorly designed braking system, that is a known issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11581308, filed 2024-04

“I was driving along with no traffic in front of me and no oncoming traffic when the automatic braking system engaged with no vehicles in front of me, this was at 7:42 AM on Monday August 12, 2024. This was not the first time it had done this, but the first time I had the time and no traffic anywhere around to confuse the system. My concern is that if another car was following too closely they would have hit me since there was no reason for the emergency breaking system to engage.”

NHTSA complaint #11608140, filed 2024-08

“Vehicle braking reduced to about 10%. Brakes was making lots of noise and couldn’t stop for almost 1/4 mile. Managed to stop vehicle was taken to dealer. Calipers were changed and rotors serviced. After several trips to dealership for repairs to brakes vehicle still having braking noise and reduced stopping power which gets worst with time.”

NHTSA complaint #11522285, filed 2023-05

“Brake rotors, front and back warp. Rotors have been replaced and resurfaced multiple times. The vehicle is over-sized for the braking hardware included with the vehicle. I have spoken to the dealer multiple times and they are aware of the undersized brake component issue across this model line. Although promised, Subaru has not addressed the issue and it is a safety hazard in hilly terrain.”

NHTSA complaint #11597256, filed 2024-06

“Oil leak from engine constantly from FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, rec cvt pump reseal with new trans seal, pump is leaking causing drips ; drain plug is also leaking. Need to Replace Front and rear Pads & Rotors at 35k miles which is unheard of. Accessed by suberu dealership.”

NHTSA complaint #11689564, filed 2025-09

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202517%
202412%
20231022%
20221120%
202199%
2020268%
2019266%

Other parts of the 2021 Subaru Ascent

Transmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsLane departure
15 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Subaru Ascent

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology