2021 Subaru Ascent Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 17%of 104 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,667miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Subaru Ascent, 17% of the 104 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,667 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 1667 miles on my brand new Subaru Ascent the battery was completely drained while my wife was out shopping. The battery needed to be replaced. No charge to me, however at 1667 miles that is an issue. There is a dead Subaru Ascent battery club that n facebook dedicated to this issue and lawyers starting to get ready for class action law suit. Vehicle was parked when this happened. Dealer couldn't explain what happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11395288, filed 2021-02, 1,667 miles“The vehicle has a parasitic battery draw. I purchased a new gel cell (Redtop) battery, the most powerful one that fits the car, and was reimbursed by Subaru. The car battery still goes totally dead after about one week, even with occasional driving. I have to carry a jump battery in case I am traveling to insure that I can get the car started when I stop.”
NHTSA complaint #11572635, filed 2024-02“After leaving liftgate open for a while, battery was dead. Learned from website that this was known issue for Subaru’s with automated liftgate. As i was camping with no cell signal, it was super difficult to get help and this could lead to the really big issue. This is the known issue for a while and I was shocked to Leane that Subaru did nothing to fix this.”
NHTSA complaint #11420375, filed 2021-06“After my husband replaced the 12V battery in my 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring ($90,000, fully paid off), Apple CarPlay stopped connecting via USB entirely. Android Auto and Bluetooth continued working fine on the same phone, cable, and port, proving the defect was isolated to Subaru's CarPlay system, not my device. I spent significant time and money troubleshooting this myself: multiple cables (including two labeled Apple certified ), a full infotainment factory reset, and a software update attempt, none of which fixed it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11760953, filed 2026-08“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 within 5-10 minutes the entire vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The fire originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was a total loss. Subaru of America was notified on 12/23/2025, but no follow-up or update on investigation has been responded. …”
NHTSA complaint #11712180, filed 2026-01Related recalls
- 22V907000Dec 8, 2022Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature…Covers: Subaru Ascent 2019–2022
Related service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037946Sep 29, 2026This Bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for customer concerns about hesitation, reduced acceleration, or lack of power when driving uphill or under heavy engine load.
- 11037945Sep 29, 2026This Bulletin provides a repair procedure for increased dark current and unintended battery discharge that occurs in a small number of unique cases.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11037928Sep 14, 2026In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Head Unit used in the listed…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the…
- 11037925Sep 4, 2026This bulletin provides additional examples, diagnostics tips and installation tips as helpful aids to be used when working with sunroof seals and sunroof frame assemblies on…
- 11036821Aug 31, 2026This bulletin announces the availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy the following DTCs: P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0014…
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Subaru Ascent
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsLane departure
15 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsBrakes
9 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 27, 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