Body problems of the 2021 Subaru Ascent

Six problems related to body have been reported for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2021 Subaru Ascent based on all problems reported for the 2021 Ascent.

1 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/29/2025

2021 Subaru Ascent (VIN#***). Water found dripping down both second row seatbelts on multiple occasions during or following heavy rain, accumulated into mold growth on the carpet in front of second row seats to the front of the 3rd row seats (cargo area dry, front footwells dry). Authorized Subaru dealer technician report (dated 10/29/25 and 12/3/25 copy pasted into email) explicitly documents 'condensation build up on the interior of roof (seat belt area)' due to unlocated water intrusion. The dealer attributes this to 'leaf debris' in the front cowl area and rear hatch hinge despite the leak occurring at the rear c-pillar (and notably cargo area and front footwells showed no moisture making this physically impossible). Despite confirmed moisture exposure to critical passive restraint systems, the dealer relays that the manufacturer has issued a verbal-only warranty denial (stating no addl records exist aside from the initial technician report) and suggest the only repair be carpet replacement, with refusal of confirmation of the source of the leak and no proposal of replacing the 2nd-row seatbelt retractors nor provide a written safety guarantee. The vehicle is covered by an active 8yr/120,000-mile Subaru gold plus added security plan (agreement #*******, started on 8/2/21), yet the manufacturer is refusing to honor the contract for the defect or the resulting biohazard ('mold spouts' documented by their technicians on carpeting and into the foam). This unaddressed moisture creates an unreasonable risk of internal corrosion and failure of the seatbelt g-sensor/locking mechanisms on both sides. Also as an immunocompromised owner (due to medication for multiple sclerosis to such an extent that requires monthly ivig infusions), the documented mold is a significant health hazard. Vehicle has only 15,166 miles. Correspondence with dealer and soa as well as agreement# are available on request. Date of incident was when taken to dealership (events in summer/fall 2025).

2 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2025

The windshield on the 2021 Subaru Ascent is dangerous because it chips extremely easily. I purchased the car new in 2021 and since then I have had 7 rock chips (in all different states (TX, CA, wa) and driving conditions/speeds/roads). In the 4 years since I have owned it I have had the windshield replaced twice so I am on my 3rd windshield. Each time the rock hits, it causes a large chip to form which distracts the driver momentarily. It also creates defects in the windshield which could lead to safety issues of the windshield shattering.

3 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/04/2023

I noticed that the driver's door was making an odd clicking sound when the door was closing. Upon further investigation, I found the silver door bolt holding the door to the frame was loose. I have since then had the bolt tightened.

4 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2023

Moving glass panel in sunroof cracked. Happened between laminations. Cannot feel crack on either face of glass. Car was parked in parking lot. No visible external impingement or reason I can see. Reporting here after googl search and seeing other Subaru owners having same issue.

5 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/06/2021

The moon roof/sunroof has leaked numerous times. The dealer has tried to fix it on three occasions. It continues to leak- it leaks water into the front eyesight cameras causing them to not work & cut off sporadically. The water leaks into the cab causing the headliner to be wet, the floorboard and the entire console and cup holders fills up with water. I have had it at the dealership on three occasions Dec 2012 Jan 2021 Nov 11 2022 and it has now happened a 4 th time on Nov 15 2022 and is still not repaired. I have been without my vehicle for 34 days. It has less than 18,000 miles on it.

6 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/12/2021

Hello, my vehicle 2021 Subaru Ascent limited with navigation package had it's panoramic sunroof cracked while the vehicle was parked in the garage. Upon researching the internet, it appears that this issue is systemic design or material flaw for Subaru vehicles. . Read more...




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