Vehicle Data Hub

2021 Subaru Ascent drivetrain & axles problems

Owners reported drivetrain & axles problems in 18 complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, 12% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.

At a glance

Complaints
18 12% of this year's complaints
Crashes and fires
0 and 0
Injuries and deaths
0 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

What the data shows

None of the drivetrain & axles complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.

What owners wrote

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.

September 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to stall, and the transmission failed to properly operate. The vehicle was pulled over to a nearby shop and was advised to take the vehicle back to the facility that performed the oil changes. Several days later, the contact's husband test drove the vehicle and was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and metal shavings were found in the oil.

Reported at 101,541 miles, July 2026

Other problems reported for the 2021 Subaru Ascent

Drivetrain & axles problems in other years

  • 2027
  • 2026
  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019

Drivetrain & axles problems across all Subaru models