2021 Subaru Ascent Electrical System Problems
NHTSA logged 18 Electrical System complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, 18% of all 102 complaints for the year. A related recall, campaign 22V907000, covers a PTC heater ground bolt issue and advises parking outside. Median mileage at failure was 1,667 miles.
- Electrical System complaints
- 18
- 18% of 102
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 1,667 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Battery dies unexpectedly at very low mileage, with owners reporting failures at 1,667 miles.
- Battery drains after the automated liftgate is left open, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
- Repeated battery replacements reported by the same owner within the first 15,000 miles of ownership.
- Dashboard warning light followed by smoke and fire from the engine compartment while driving.
- Side mirror housing reported to melt or degrade, which owners attribute to an internal electrical fault rather than outside heat sources.
- Owners notified of recall 22V907000 report delays getting replacement parts to complete the repair.
When 2021 Subaru Ascent electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 24, 2021, latest Aug 31, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
- NHTSA 22V907000Dec 8, 2022Electrical System271,694 vehiclesPark Outside
Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash
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.
Risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Electrical System complaints by Ascent model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have?
- NHTSA lists 18 Electrical System complaints for the 2021 Ascent, which is 18% of the 102 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
- Yes. Recall campaign 22V907000 covers 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles for an improperly fastened PTC heater ground bolt. Owners are advised to park away from structures and not leave the vehicle unattended while running.
- What mileage do 2021 Ascent electrical failures happen at?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 1,667 miles, with several battery-related complaints filed at that exact mileage.
- Were there any fires linked to electrical issues on the 2021 Ascent?
- NHTSA data shows 1 fire reported among the Electrical System complaints for the 2021 Ascent, with no associated crashes or injuries.