How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Ascent, which is 19% of the 102 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Subaru Ascent transmission?

This data shows no related recalls listed for the 2021 Subaru Ascent Transmission & Powertrain category.

At what mileage do 2021 Ascent transmission problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 88,270.5 miles.

What kind of transmission symptoms do owners report on the 2021 Ascent?

Owners describe shuddering, slipping, hesitation between 15 and 30 mph, hard clunks when shifting out of Park, and in some cases full transmission failure or replacement.

Is the transmission complaint rate higher in 2021 than other Ascent model years?

The share of complaints in this area was 19% for 2021, compared to 20% for 2019, 18% for 2020, and 25% for 2022, based on this data.

2021 Subaru Ascent Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, 19% of all complaints for the year. The median mileage at failure was 88,270.5 miles, and there are no related recalls in this data.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 19; 19% of 102
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 88,271 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the CVT shudders and slips at various shift points, sometimes strongly enough to shake the steering wheel.
Several owners describe jerking or shuddering during acceleration and deceleration in the 15-30 mph range.
Some owners describe a hard clunk when shifting from Park into Drive or Reverse.
Multiple owners report full or partial transmission replacement, with some describing a second transmission failing again afterward.
One owner described the vehicle losing motive power and failing to accelerate at highway speed before returning to normal function.
One owner reported a burning odor accompanying transmission slippage and hesitation.

When 2021 Subaru Ascent transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 12, 2021, latest Aug 28, 2026.

19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Apr 2026 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Subaru Ascent

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Ascent model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201988 (20%)
202058 (18%)
202119 (19%)
202214 (25%)
20233 (7%)
20243 (6%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Subaru Ascent?: NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Ascent, which is 19% of the 102 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Subaru Ascent transmission?: This data shows no related recalls listed for the 2021 Subaru Ascent Transmission & Powertrain category.
At what mileage do 2021 Ascent transmission problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 88,270.5 miles.
What kind of transmission symptoms do owners report on the 2021 Ascent?: Owners describe shuddering, slipping, hesitation between 15 and 30 mph, hard clunks when shifting out of Park, and in some cases full transmission failure or replacement.
Is the transmission complaint rate higher in 2021 than other Ascent model years?: The share of complaints in this area was 19% for 2021, compared to 20% for 2019, 18% for 2020, and 25% for 2022, based on this data.