NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Subaru Ascent Safety Ratings
The 2021 Subaru Ascent scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 97 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Subaru Ascent achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, securing its place in the Strong safety band. Its near-perfect crash-test scores and comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technology provide a robust foundation for this rating. However, the presence of a park-outside recall and a modest defect-record sub-score prevent it from reaching the highest safety tier.
The 2021 Subaru Ascent received a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Subaru Ascent ranks 34 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 97 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 34 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The 2021 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Ascent in MotorCaliber's scoring: the Safety Index climbed five points to 89/100 from the 2020 model's 84/100, both within the Strong band but the 2021 sitting noticeably higher within it. That gain is anchored by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment. The one area that pulls the overall Index below 90 is the defect record, which scores 12.75 out of a possible 20, a direct consequence of the single recall campaign. That recall is not minor: it carries a park-outside designation tied to an interior wiring ground-bolt concern spanning the 2019-2022 Ascent range. The 97 owner complaints, while unverified, show a concentration in electrical and powertrain categories that aligns thematically with the recall's nature. The rollover star rating of 4 out of 5, paired with a 17 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, is not alarming for a three-row SUV but is the one crash-test asterisk on an otherwise dominant scorecard.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Subaru Ascent perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Subaru Ascent achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal and side impact protection both earned perfect 5-star scores, the Ascent's rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. This is attributed to a measured rollover risk of 17 percent, though the vehicle did pass the dynamic tip-test without tipping.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15141
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
The 2021 Subaru Ascent carries one NHTSA recall campaign, and it is a park-outside designation that buyers should treat seriously. The campaign covers the electrical system, specifically interior and under-dash wiring, where a ground bolt securing the ground terminal of a positive cable may be improperly fastened across certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. Verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V436000
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Reported 2026-07-07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH22V907000
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 grou
Reported 2022-12-08
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
Owners have filed 97 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most-alleged problem areas are the electrical system (17 reports), powertrain (16), lane departure systems (15), and visibility and wipers (14). Three alleged crashes and three alleged injuries are included in those unverified filings.
97 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The 2021 Ascent requires a critical inspection of its recall history, particularly regarding an active park-outside wiring recall. It is imperative that this specific recall has been remedied and not merely acknowledged as open. Prior owner compliance cannot be assumed.
- The 2021 Ascent's Safety Index of 89/100 is five points higher than the 2020 model's 84/100, driven by improvements in the crash-protection and avoidance-tech sub-scores.
- A park-outside recall is active for this model year, covering an interior wiring ground-bolt defect in the electrical system that spans the 2019-2022 Ascent range.
- NHTSA's crash tests gave the 2021 Ascent a perfect 5-star frontal and 5-star side result, with rollover coming in at 4 stars and a 17 percent rollover risk figure.
- Owner-reported complaints total 97 unverified filings, with electrical system and powertrain categories leading, and 15 separate allegations specifically targeting the lane departure system.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Subaru Ascent places
The 2021 Subaru Ascent qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Subaru Ascent safety questions
Was the 2021 Subaru Ascent crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Subaru Ascent, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Subaru Ascent crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Subaru Ascent earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 97 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ascent years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15141), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Ascent 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 34 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.