MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Subaru Ascent

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Subaru Ascent

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
97Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE SUBARU ASCENT

The Subaru Ascent is a three-row family SUV that slots into one of the most competitive segments in the American market. Built on Subaru's global platform and aimed squarely at families needing genuine passenger capacity, the Ascent competes with the likes of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. It carries the brand's signature all-wheel-drive standard equipment and positions itself as a practical, safety-conscious choice for households moving beyond smaller crossovers.

VERDICT

Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2021 Subaru Ascent carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Ascent as a competent and well-rounded three-row family SUV, praising its standard all-wheel drive, usable third-row access, and family-friendly feature set. Most professional assessments position it as a sensible, if not class-leading, choice in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, with ride comfort and interior practicality frequently highlighted as genuine strengths.

READ MORE REVIEWSExpert reviewsEdmundsCar and DriverCheck recalls at NHTSARead our full Ascent review

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 17%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15141

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record12.75/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Frontal impact // NCAP // NHTSA
Side impact // NCAP // NHTSA
Side pole // NCAP // NHTSA

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

97 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
1reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 17Power Train 16Unknown Or Other 15Lane Departure 15Visibility/Wiper 14Engine 10

Other Ascent years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

2021 Tesla Model X 5-SeatSUV98Exceptional2021 Tesla Model X 6-SeatSUV98Exceptional2021 Tesla Model X 7-SeatSUV98Exceptional2021 Nissan MuranoSUV96Exceptional2021 Audi Q5 SportbackSUV95Exceptional2021 Mazda CX-3SUV95Exceptional
Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15141), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Subaru Ascent 2021. Class rank 32 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure