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There was great excitement when the first Subaru Ascent was launched to the press in 2017. Because more than half of Subaru owners also own pets, the SUV arrived at the event with an all-dog family inside. The 8 Golden Retrievers and Labradors that feature in Subaru advertisements jumped out of the car to meet Tom Doll, president and COO of Subaru in America, and pose for pictures.
Production of the new Ascent began in late 2017, but less than a year later, in August 2018, before sales got off the ground, Subaru issued a recall of 293 x 2019 model vehicles. Reports say that only 9 of these had been sold. The rest were in transit or with dealers who were instructed not to sell the cars.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019 2020 2022
Contents
- 1| NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
- 2| Most Common Problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent
- 3| 2021 Subaru Ascent Lane Departure & Forward Collision Avoidance Problems
- 4| 2021 Subaru Ascent Windshield Problems
- 5| 2021 Subaru Ascent Electrical System Problems
- 6| What to do if your 2021 Subaru Ascent is a lemon? Your Lemon Rights
- 7| Complaint Data
Don’t be stuck with a lemon. You have legal rights to cash, return or buyback.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Power Train | |
| Steering | |
| Engine | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | |
| Structure:body |
The problem? Missing welds blamed on faulty software used in Subaru’s welding robots. It’s an issue that is impossible to remedy!
By the end of 2020, there were a total of 4 recalls and 86 complaints lodged with the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Now there are 7 recalls and 292 complaints on record for the 2019 model. So far, there are 3 recalls and 181 complaints about the 2020 Ascent.
There aren’t any recalls for the 2021 Ascent yet, and there are only 26 complaints. But many of these relate to the same problems experienced by owners of the 2019 and 2020 models.
Most Common Problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent
The most common problems reported to NHTSA relate to lane departure and forward collision avoidance, and windshield cracks. The electrical system is another problem referenced in several complaints. So, we’ll look at these in more detail.
Another issue is steering, though most complaints link steering problems with lane departure.
Other complaints that make up the total of 26 include problems with the engine, the fuel/propulsion system, the powertrain, and the structure of the vehicle.
2021 Subaru Ascent Lane Departure & Forward Collision Avoidance Problems
There are 8 complaints about lane departure issues, 3 of which also mention forward collision avoidance problems. Also, 3 of the 4 complaints categorized under Steering describe land departure problems.
Complaints describe how the SUV wanders on the highway.
Some say that the lane assist feature that is available when using adaptive cruise control, is overly aggressive. For example, one complaint states that it doesn’t stay in the right lane without manual intervention. “I no longer feel safe using lane assist, so I turn it off when using cruise control. I am very concerned it’s going to cause an accident.”
Another complaint says, “Lane assist with cruise control over-corrects. I have almost hit two other vehicles. The pull is too strong and crosses lanes. I have to keep it off.”
And another: “The lane assist on this Subaru vehicle is more dangerous than it is helpful.”
2021 Subaru Ascent Windshield Problems
Windshield problems appear in three categories, Visibility, Visibility/Wiper, and Unknown or Other. A similar problem with the panoramic sunroof cracking shows under Structure. There are 12 complaints in all.
All report chips and/or cracking of windshield or windows without any impact to the glass. Owners who take their cars to dealers say they get no assistance and are told to pay for their own repairs.
This is part of a complaint made after a new Ascent windshield spontaneously cracked and rapidly spread about 18 inches. “I am filing this after seeing the large number of Subaru owners reporting similar occurrences. We had just experienced another cracked windshield on a 2019 Subaru Outback that we had repaired on 11 May 2021! There is something not quite right about this windshield in the Subarus.”
2021 Subaru Ascent Electrical System Problems
Three NHTSA complaints relate to the 2021 Subaru Ascent’s electrical system. All relate directly to the battery, which is a problem that has been evident since the Subaru Ascent was launched.
The first complaint tells how the battery went dead when the owner of the car was camping and didn’t have a cell signal. “It was super-difficult to get help,” the complaint reads. It also points out the battery problem has been a “known issue” for some time, “and I was shocked to learn that Subaru did nothing to fix this.”
Another complaint tells how the battery of his Subaru, which had 1667 miles on the clock, drained while his wife was out shopping and the car was parked. Subaru did replace the battery but wasn’t able to explain what happened to cause the problem.
The complaint also mentions a Subaru Ascent Battery Club on Facebook that is dedicated to this issue. Ascent owners complain that the faulty batteries can’t hold a charge and if dealers replace them, they use the same type of faulty battery.
The Electrical System/Battery Drain Problem Isn’t New
Lemberg Law has reported the battery drain problem in two articles:
There are 122 electrical system complaints on record with NHTSA for the 2019 model. Typically, owners whose batteries were replaced complain that the problem recurs. The same scenario shows in 78 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 model.
What to do if your 2021 Subaru Ascent is a lemon? Your Lemon Rights
If you have experienced any of the common problems reported to NHTSA and you suspect your 2021 Subaru Ascent is a lemon, you are entitled to take immediate action.
Lemberg Law specializes in lemon law cases and has helped many clients reach a settlement with manufacturers. Possibilities include a buyback, trade-in, or cash settlement. You’ve got nothing to lose because the law says Subaru must pay legal costs.
Complaint Data
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jan 04, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 subaru ascent. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v9070000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed her that parts were available. The dealer was called back, and the contact was placed on a waiting list. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Dec 12, 2022 |
| State | OR |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 subaru ascent. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v907000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure: Warning, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Nov 30, 2022 |
| State | MO |
| Description | Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, eye sight, rab, some ! Symbol, and check engine light are all on and not working. You know everything that makes a subaru. This is not the first or even second time. We are on the fourth instance of this happening. We live 2+ hrs away from the closest dealers. The first few times it occurred, we called to make a appointment. Each time was always a few weeks out and the issue would clear a day or two before. This last time has been going on for 6 weeks. We both work full time and have a very sick kid so making a appointment is hard. This last time I asked if I can drop in just for a scan due to being in town for an appointment. Was met with we are backed up with way to many repairs. Also it would not be fair to any other people. It is most likely your gas cap. I have made sure the cap is tight as it can get every time from the first time it occurred. So all safety features on the subaru ascent just stop working if the cap is not tight. Not only is this a major safety issue their qa is asleep at the wheel. Known issue, just check the forums. |
| Category | Electrical System, Structure:body, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Nov 21, 2022 |
| State | TN |
| Description | The moon roof/sunroof has leaked numerous times. The dealer has tried to fix it on three occasions. It continues to leak- it leaks water into the front eyesight cameras causing them to not work & cut off sporadically. The water leaks into the cab causing the headliner to be wet, the floorboard and the entire console and cup holders fills up with water. I have had it at the dealership on three occasions dec 2012 jan 2021 nov 11 2022 and it has now happened a 4 th time on nov 15 2022 and is still not repaired. I have been without my vehicle for 34 days. It has less than 18,000 miles on it. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Oct 23, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Car would not start in morning. @20,000 miles. Battery dead.. Not even trying to turn over.. Had to get car jumped then all safety features went dead.. Looked on subaru sight and it showed every safety feature disabled.. I did not drive car till next day to bring to dealer.. Next day all features fine like nothing happened.. Dealer found nothing wrong. Dealer tested battery and showed fully charged.. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Oct 14, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | I noticed the windshield of my ascent premium has thousands of millions of glaring specks/dots when facing the sunlight in early morning or late afternoon. The windshield becomes so blurry and extremely annoying. This happens only in early morning when facing the sun or late afternoon. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Oct 12, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | The battery constantly drains when the car is not in use for a very short time. It appears to be an electrical drain. I have already replaced the battery two times and the car has less than 15,000 miles. Apparently this is the same problem as in the 2016 - 2019 class action suit. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Oct 12, 2022 |
| State | OR |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 subaru ascent. The contact stated while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle shut down completely. A message indicating that the vehicle had unexpectedly stopped, and to check the vehicle as the remote start had failed was displayed. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road safely and waited until the vehicle cooled down. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. However, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that they could not assist as the dealer diagnosed that no issues were found. The failure mileage was 300. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Sep 26, 2022 |
| State | IN |
| Description | The battery died after 2 years and 15000 miles. I was with my whole family ( 2 months old, 2 and 4 years old) away from home. I was able to reach the dealership leaving my family in a store and they said that nothing was wrong with the battery. Next day the car wouldn't start and they finally replaced the battery under my extended warranty. Today I discover that there is a class action settlement for older models of my car. I was advised to write a complain to you. Apparently they didn't fix the problem with newer models either. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Sep 26, 2022 |
| State | IN |
| Description | I found a lot of oil leaking from the oil filter cup and that would splash all around the filter area. I brought the car at the dealership and they have replaced the filter but when I checked after few days ( smoke was coming out of the hood) there was oil all over again. I bought an aftermarket filter and I installed it myself. No one drop of oil found. So I believe this a is a safety concern because the oil might catch on fire with the heat of the engine. I believe a defective oil filter design or a bad technician training or both are causing the problem. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Sep 10, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | Car purchased in august 2021 new. In may 2022, the car had hesitation problems when traveling between 15-30 mph. The car was taken into the dealership with approximately 7,600 miles. Dealer had a subaru field tech review data as they saw transmission slippage at basically all speeds. Suggested to reprogram the transmission. We were advised to drive it and let it "relearn" the reprogram. The transmission slipped but not as bad with reprogram until about 150-200 miles later. The slippage was even worse and immediately taken to the dealer. The dealer found metal particles in the transmission fluid and replaced the transmission. A loaner was provided for approximately 2 weeks and work was completed. Car has been better and we were told we just need to get used to the cvt on this car. On 9/10/2022 with approx 11,700 miles, we were driving around town and experienced slippage of transmission just as bad as the original faulty transmission. Car is parked and appointment will be made with dealer to check. Subaru was notified as we are also experiencing brake problems. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Sep 10, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | Car purchased in august 2021. Front brake rotors and pads were replaced around 7,600 miles and may 2022. They could not "cut" the rotors as they were pitted beyond being able to be cut. At 10,764 miles (august 8, 2022), the front rotors and pads were replaced again. The dealer stated the front pads had tiny chips in them and the r/f outer pad had a crack in it. The rotors also had excessive heat spots on them and small pits. The last few days the brakes have been pulsating lightly on hills and today have begun pulsating at every stop. Car now has approximately 11,700 miles on it. Subaru has been notified and I will be making an appointment with dealer on monday. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 16, 2022 |
| State | VA |
| Description | Windshield is extremely soft and cracks easily. In less than 1. 5 years I've owned the car I've gotten 3 chips/cracks and now a 4th major one that requires a full replacement. No car previously owned ever had this issue, not even the previous subaru. After searching online this seems to be a common problem in subarus, as there was a class action suit for earlier models. Yes, car is currently available for inspection until repaired. Super soft windshield - if the windshield is broken completely on a highway, it's obviously a concern and a risk. Have not taken the car in yet, but will be to get it replaced. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Jul 27, 2022 |
| State | OH |
| Description | I have a 2021 subaru ascent premium with 6,000 miles. The transmission or cvt feels odd every time I shift from park to drive or reverse I feel a hard clunk additional to that every time I get in the highway and add some rpms to the suv the cvt shifting feels hard more likely like I m driving a manual vehicle something that is not suppose to happen or feel that way. I took it to the dealer and they only found that the part that press tp brake to shift was not lubricated ( no clue the real name) and they also mention that is how the cvt works something that I don't think so and they also mention to wait for a recall. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jul 06, 2022 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | Without anything noticeable hitting the windshield, it was fine on july 2nd 2022 and when I went to get in to drive the next morning there was a crack in the windshield. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Jul 03, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Vehicle will jerk and shudder when accelerating and de-accelerating. Mostly between 15mph and 30mph. I've taken the vehicle back to the dealership and they didn't find the issue. This prompted me to do some research online and found in one of many. There is a class action lawsuit for 2018-2019 ascents. The 2020-2021 and 2022 models will follow suit as they have identical issues. I'm concerned the transmission will fail and I'll have a lemon on my hands. The sudden loss of power to sometimes sudden acceleration by suddenly downshifting is a concern. The vehicle will often hesitate while it tries to figure out which gear it needs. This has been happening since day 1 of ownership. |
| Category | Seats |
| Date | Jun 15, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Purchased 2021 subaru ascent limited outright, drove it for few months, started having pain in my right thigh that resulted in cramping and severe discomfort which affected my ability to feel the break pressure. This nearly ended up causing a couple of near miss rear end collisions. The pain got so bad that it caused me to lay prone and apply muscle cream to the affected area then remain prone for like 15 minutes before being able to continue driving until the pain returns. I consulted my doctor and went through all the hoops to get an mri, steroids, pain meds, heating pads, etc, without results or elevation. Ive tried cushions, padding and every possible seat adjustment still without any relief. I am scheduled for surgical consultation over this matter with strong possibility of surgery. There are thousands of subaru owners throughout the web suffering from this same issue which has been medically classified by physical therapy professionals as " subaru sciatica syndrome". The poorly designed seat has hard bolsters that jam into my thigh causing the sciatic pressure that causes the abnormal break pressure sensation. Therefore meeting two requirements for investigation. Subaru usa is aware of this problem and has banned me from posting anything educational on all their websites informing owners to the solution and action available. I had the seats looked at by an experienced car upholstery shop and repairs were estimated, submitted to subaru upon their request, only to be denied. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | May 27, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | April 25, 2022: the trunk/liftgate of the vehicle failed to detect an obstruction and closed without retracting when it came in contact with an individual's head. The impact caused a head injury, blackout, and concussion, and resulted in permanent damage to an individual (6' 2" - 190lbs). Subaru's stated that an inspection of the vehicle was performed on may 19th and informed me that “the vehicle is operating as designed…and has met all federal specifications,†and that their inspection concluded that this is “no manufacturing defect.†prior to the inspection, subaru requested signed consent to inspect the vehicle's internal data which I provided. When I requested a copy of the report, subaru informed me of their policy not to share this information despite the vehicle "operating as designed." one of the first things that we learn about computers is “garbage in, garbage out.†my position is that if subaru's computers are not programmed to look for issues pertaining to incidents that contradict their message of superior safety features, then their computers will not find issues that do not reflect their preferred image. No warning messages or symptoms prior to this occurrence. Subaru's response is included in this report. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | May 26, 2022 |
| State | IL |
| Description | The transmission on the vehicle was exhibiting excessive noise when shifting from park to drive and was progressively becoming undrivable with odd shifting, hard shifting, rpm fluttering, and chugging. It made progressively louder audible sounds and squeaks during cold starts when shifting from park to drive. It was brought in for service and the original transmission was replaced due to metal shavings found in the case, a direct indication of failure, with no warning lamps or codes from the onboard computers. After approximately 500 miles, the replacement transmission is exhibiting the same progressively worse drivability issues and transmissions sounds. I returned to the same dealership for service and they said they did hear the issue but needed a field technician to diagnose the issue. I have contacted the servicing dealership and subaru america's directly and after 6 weeks, they have continued to tell me they will try to get someone to look at it, but will not set a date or time. They have refused to provide any written documentation around the issue and will not issue a repair order stating the vehicle is operating normally even after directly requesting it from both the dealer and subaru america. They have stated the documentation is internal only and cannot be shared with the consumer. The replacement transmission has 3,000 miles at this point and is exhibiting the same progressive failures. The vehicle feels unsafe because the transmission behavior is now unpredictable and erratic. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist |
| Date | May 03, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | It is actually the lane centering system. Even a gentle hand on the wheel, which is required, will gradually pull you to one side of the lane. When ever you lift your hand or when the car thinks you have gone to far one way or the other it will throw you into the other lane, into a car, motorcycle, semi, or even off a cliff. This system is so dangerous I cant believe it hasnt been recalled. If using this you will get thrown one way or the other several times during most trips. Dealer states its normal and I got that in writing. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Mar 30, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 subaru ascent. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 20 mph and making a slight right turn, the steering wheel did not respond and the vehicle drifted to the left and crashed into the guard rail. Prior to the incident the driver indicated the steering wheel felt wobbly and unstable. There were no injuries reported. The police was called to scene and the vehicle was towed away. No further information was available. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 10,000. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Mar 27, 2022 |
| State | WA |
| Description | The battery went dead even though the car was parked in the garage and had been driven recently. Aaa was called to jump start it. The vehicle only has 5k miles on it, so it shouldn't be having battery problems. We are lucky this happened at home. |
| Category | Electrical System, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 04, 2022 |
| State | WA |
| Description | My mirror on my car has started melting. They told me it was a outside force, from a lighter. I told them it was electrical or something wrong from the inside of the mirror. There are forums recently posted up regarding this and subaru has ignored them all claiming it is reflective light from the sun. That they can't do anything about it. Others have replaced their mirrors 3 times now. This is a potential fire hazard and could be unsafe. They are not addressing this as it should be. Https://www. Thesubaruforums. Com/threads/melting-side-view-mirror. 12397/ |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Dec 05, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Unknown. I am smelling gasoline in the cabin of the car. A lot of fumes fill my garage when I start the car. The car sometimes accelerates when I put it in park, resulting in more fumes. Fuel efficiency is lower than expected as well. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist |
| Date | Nov 17, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The car constantly over-corrects when it tries to keep me centered in a lane on the highway. It always over-corrects to the left shoving me to the left into the adjoining lane, and potentially side swiping vehicles in the adjoining lane. It never over-corrects to the right. I reported this to the dealer and I was told that this is normal. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Nov 14, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | At 1 month old with 1,661 miles - the driver's side window started showing a cracked line that began to grow throughout the course of driving on a saturday afternoon. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist |
| Date | Oct 27, 2021 |
| State | NM |
| Description | The lane keeping assist pull abruptly into the other traffic lane when traveling on the highway for example when on a 4 lane road with two lane in the same direcstion and passing a semi truck the steering assist abruptly pulls the car into the truck's lane and requires immediate hard handed reaction to keep the car from hitting the truck. The lane assist on this subaru vehicle is more dangerous than it is helpful. Subaru is terribly un response to request for help although the car is less than 1-year old and has a mult-year extended warranty---subaru's customer service is the worst we've experienced. Btw my son's honda acura's lane assist is excellent! |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| State | WI |
| Description | When operating the 2021 ascent, I experience intermittent problems at various shift-points in the cvt and at various rpms. The transmission seems to shudder and slip between shift-points, and the shuddering sensation is so severe that it transfers up through the steering column and the steering wheel shakes. I have brought the vehicle to my dealership (kocourek subaru in wausau), and they have acknowledged that the shuddering is taking place and even documented it in the 18k service invoice. They ran it through the protocols for nhtsa tsb 10185089, and were not able to achieve fluctuation in the gear ratio. Since the tsb test, the dealership again took the vehicle and has had it for ca. Three-weeks, and have tested it, replicated the issues described above, downloaded data, sent data to subaru of america, replaced some kind of sensor associated with the cvt, and sent additional data to subaru of america, and are awaiting a response from soa as to the next steps. |
| Category | Visibility:windshield |
| Date | Sep 30, 2021 |
| State | WA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 subaru ascent. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact returned to the vehicle and noticed a crack on the windshield. The crack was on the lower driver's side of the windshield and moving upward. There was no impact to the windshield to cause the fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,141. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Steering |
| Date | Sep 15, 2021 |
| State | KS |
| Description | On several occasions while using the lane centering feature, vehicle has taken a sudden violent move to the left into the on coming lane. No warning lights illuminated. Problem hasn't been replicated by dealer. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Aug 08, 2021 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | Three chips have showed up on my windshield. I called the dealer when I saw it. They said all customers pay out of pocket. Then I recently saw that there is an issue with the windshields. That subaru corporate is now taking care of the issue. I am looking for information to move forward with getting my windshield fixed. It happened a few months ago. |
| Category | Steering:rack And Pinion |
| Date | Jul 23, 2021 |
| State | PA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 subaru ascent. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway and making a left turn, the steering wheel locked up and the contact could not turn the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and the steering wheel to unlocked. The failure recurred with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,200. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 26, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The windshield cracked without impact. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Jun 24, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Hello, my vehicle 2021 subaru ascent limited with navigation package had it's panoramic sunroof cracked while the vehicle was parked in the garage. Upon researching the internet, it appears that this issue is systemic design or material flaw for subaru vehicles. Reference: https://www. Torquenews. Com/1084/subaru-cracked-windshield-lawsuit-grows-25-million-us-vehicles is there a way nhtsa can help get the issue addressed? Thank you! |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jun 23, 2021 |
| State | GA |
| Description | On our first road trip in our new ascent the windshield cracked. It rapidly spread about 18 inches. We heard no impact, saw no rock - just an ever spreading crack. We called a local subaru dealer in lexington, kentucky who assured us the car was safe to drive home to savannah. On the trip home we encountered a heavy rainstorm and noticed leakage at the crack. I am filing this after seeing the large number of subaru owners reporting similar occurrences. We had just experienced another cracked windshield on a 2019 subaru outback that we had repaired on 11 may 2021! There is something not quite right about this windshield in the subarus. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jun 10, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jun 08, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | I purchased the vehicle oct 2020. Since then the windshield has sustained 6 chips/cracks in the windshield. I found this to be unusual since I maybe have gotten 2 cracked windshields in 20+ years. I stared researching and found out this is an ongoing problem with subaru windshields. I went to the dealer and was told they can do nothing about it. Appreciate any help. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure: Assist, Steering |
| Date | May 14, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Lane assist with cruise control over corrects. On multiple occasions while on the freeway using cruise control the lane assist pulled me into the other lane into other vehicles. I have almost hit other vehicles. The pull is too strong and crosses lanes. If not fixed by subaru, accidents will occur. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | May 03, 2021 |
| State | TN |
| Description | Crack appeared spidered across the windshield just within the 60 minutes of us leaving our car in mammoth cave state park information center parking lot on saturday. Such a tiny crack spidering like that is concerning to me especially coming from a 2015 subaru legacy that had the new windshield class action. We did not see that crack at any time before. This was purchased in the end of february. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Lane Departure: Assist |
| Date | Apr 18, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Lane assist with cruise control over corrects. On multiple occasions while on the freeway using cruise control the lane assist pulled me into the other lane into other vehicles. I have almost hit two other vehicles. The pull is too strong and crosses lanes. I have to keep it off. Forward collision does not engage. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Steering |
| Date | Mar 18, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | The 2021 ascent has lane centering assist with very strict margins. It is a constant tug of war with the vehicle when lane centering is active. When you let the car take over, it violently jerks you into the next lane. This problem has been cross checked with other users on a subaru forum and all have the same issue. The car overcorrects and is prone to cause an accident at some point. I am lucky no one was in the lane next to me when the car swerved me into the next lane. My 2021 is a replacement of a 2020 model because the 2020 was deemed a lemon. The 2020 model did not have lane centering but lane keep assist instead. The 2020 did not violently jerk into the next lane. This issue has been reported to leslie karpiak at soa who helped me through my lemon issue on the 2020 model. I requested a full buy back and she suggested I have my car inspected at a dealership, but that is a lengthy process and I have already spend 3 months in and out of dealerships with my 2020 model. This appears to be a common issue on all 2021 models and should be investigated fully. I am holding subaru 100% liable when an accident occurs because of this lane centering issue. This issue happens on a continuous driving basis. Your help and assistance is greatly appreciated for the sake of saving lives. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure: Assist |
| Date | Mar 17, 2021 |
| State | WA |
| Description | The lane assist feature (only an option when using adaptive cruise control; not the same as lane centering when not using the adaptive cruise control [the basics lane centering works just fine]) seems overly aggressive. Each time I have used lane assist with cruise control, it jerks the car very abruptly at times, almost to the extent of sending it into another lane if I do not intervene. I no longer feel safe using lane assist, so I turn it off when using cruise control. I am very concerned it's going to cause and accident. This has happened at least 5 times now while driving on the freeway (every time I have attempted to use lane assist). |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Lane Departure: Warning, Steering |
| Date | Mar 07, 2021 |
| State | SD |
| Description | Vehicle wanders on the highway. When passing a vehicle on the road the lane centering assist tries to hug the centerline and the driver must keep pulling he vehicle back to the center of the passing lane. A short lapse of steering could pull the vehicle into the side of the vehicle being passed. Full time job to keep the vehicle from wandering when very liitle wind and almost impossible to keep it from wandering when the wind is blowing 15-20 mph. Not a pleasant relaxing drive. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Mar 01, 2021 |
| State | WY |
| Description | Windshield is cracking for no apparent reason, starting at the base of the driver side corner and spreading 2-5 inches per day. No impact point in windshield. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Feb 08, 2021 |
| State | CT |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jan 24, 2021 |
| State | CT |
| Description | My wife parked the vehicle and when she went to start it the battery was dead at only 1667 miles. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jan 20, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | The windshield of our new subaru ascent touring 2021 just cracked on its own only a couple of weeks after purchase. The crack is now about 10in and keeps getting longer(( |
| Category | Visibility:windshield |
| Date | Jan 08, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a owns a 2021 subaru ascent. The contact stated that while driving at mid level speed, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the windshield. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that a crack had informed on the driver's side windshield right above frame. Over time, the crack extended from the driver's side to the middle right below the rear view mirror. The contact stated that the crack obstructed her vision while driving. The contact called sport subaru south (9951 orange blossom trail, orlando, fl 32837) where they informed her that they were unable to service the vehicle. The contact also attempted to reach the manufacturer but she was unable to reach a representative. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 360. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jan 04, 2021 |
| State | OK |
| Description | Our windshield already has numerous chips and one crack that we repaired. We have only had this car since october but it seems like the windshield is very brittle. We have had some winter weather lately so there was excessive junk in the road and sand but our other vehicles have not had the same issues. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I suffer from “Subaru Sciatica” due to the defective design of the drivers seat in my 2021 Ascent Limited Edition, complaint filed with NHTSA, still investigating.
Complained numerous times to Subaru USA and local dealership, offered to pay for rebuild, then declined, attempted rebuild at dealership without results.
Can’t safely operate vehicle when sciatica attack hits, loss of leg pressure control on pedals, have to pull over and lay prone, muscle cream, happens every 15 minutes after that. Consulted surgeon, PT and Pain Management, still debilitating pain with limited use.
They offered to buy it back at what I paid for it but I do like it, it’s just st a badly designed, one size fits all utility concept design that’s badly done! There are thousands of people suffering from this same thing, posted on all Subaru USA websites, email list of members downloadable, um banned from attempting to get the word out, I’ve saved screenshots of all of them, have all the makings of a huge recall and class action lawsuit, I’m thinking, but im no lawyer.