I purchased a new 2021 Subaru Ascent in XXX. In XXX, at about 36,000 miles, I discovered water leaking into the cabin through the panoramic moonroof during rain and brought it to Lynnes Subaru ([XXX]) immediately. Through repeat visits and recurrences, Lynnes failed to diagnose it, blaming clogged drains. In fall 2025 they identified it, with help from a Subaru corporate regional engineer, and performed a moonroof replacement. Because I acted quickly EACH TIME water entered, there was no odor or upholstery damage at that time. Water intrusion continued in areas not visible inside the cabin (seatbelt recess). [XXX] and SOA knew right away water was still entering the vehicle. SOA told me to work with [XXX], and [XXX] had me wait for a loaner before re-examining it, because the water was not in the main cabin, headliner, etc. For over two months they set no start date, then stopped contacting me altogether. When warm weather arrived in spring 2026, a strong mold and mildew odor developed. I brought the vehicle in, loaner or not. [XXX] cleaned the drains and returned it in under two hours with the odor and mold unchanged. I was shocked they would allow, let alone instruct me to take possession of a vehicle that was a rolling biohazard! I fought with SOA to relocate the vehicle to [XXX] Subaru, a second Subaru dealer. [XXX] confirmed the water damage, mold, and improper prior work, including rear drain hoses pinched during [XXX]' reassembly. SOA authorized a goodwill repair: a second full moonroof replacement, completed around XXX, replacing moonroof, drains, headliner and carpet. On XXX, roughly five weeks after pickup, water intrusion recurred following ordinary rain, leaking into the driver-side A-pillar, and the vehicle went back to [XXX] immediately. The mold and mildew odor has never left the vehicle. Children regularly ride in this vehicle, which is currently at the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2021 Subaru Ascent visibility problems
18 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 3,187.
- owner complaints
- 18
- of this car's complaints
- 17%
- typical mileage
- 3,187
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Windshield2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Subaru Ascent visibility problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Subaru Ascent visibility
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2021 Subaru Ascent owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I have a 2021 Subaru Ascent that falls under an extended warranty regarding the windshield due to a faulty windshield. My windshield has cracked, reduce visibility, and does not allow the forward collision warning to work properly. Subaru recognizes the faulty windshield and refuses to remedy the issue. I question the safety and integrity of this windshield to protect from normal road debris strikes, allow normal visibility, and the integrity of the lamination of the from windshield in the event of a collision.
Second time windshield has cracked, not due to rock or debris chip, but from edge of windshield and either out or up. Crack continues to spread until replaced. It is dangerous to drive 1st Incident - December 2022 , crack in middle of windshield, spreading two directions 2nd Incident - May 3, 2024, crack from left side and out, contiunes to spead Pictures attached
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while his wife was repositioning the rear-view mirror, the front windshield cracked without impact and extended approximately 7-inches. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.
Windshield randomly became extremely hazy in one section to the point where Eyesight forward facing obstacle detection turned off. Cerium oxide rubbing compound was required to clear the haze enough for Eyesight to work again. Other sections have less significant haze. It appears to be hairline cracks in the outer layer of the windshield or the windshield scratches extremely easily without any obvious debris impacting it.
Windshield started cracking and crack doubled in size within a few hours, we did not hear a rock chip the window and don't know where the crack came from. Car is available for inspection. This is a safety issue as it can impede the drivers clear view of the road. Will call dealer Monday to have windshield replaced. The windshield has not been inspected by manufacture or insurance. Did not see any warnings prior to failure.
I noticed the windshield of my Ascent premium has thousands of millions of glaring specks/dots when facing the sunlight in early morning or late afternoon. The windshield becomes so blurry and extremely annoying. This happens only in early morning when facing the sun or late afternoon.
Without anything noticeable hitting the windshield, it was fine on July 2nd 2022 and when I went to get in to drive the next morning there was a crack in the windshield.
At 1 month old with 1,661 miles - the driver's side window started showing a cracked line that began to grow throughout the course of driving on a Saturday afternoon.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact returned to the vehicle and noticed a crack on the windshield. The crack was on the lower driver’s side of the windshield and moving upward. There was no impact to the windshield to cause the fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,141.
Questions about the 2021 Subaru Ascent visibility
Does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have visibility problems?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the visibility of the 2021 Subaru Ascent, 17% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2021 Subaru Ascent visibility problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 3,187 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Subaru Ascent visibility?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Subaru Ascent have the most visibility problems?
The Subaru Ascent model years with the most visibility complaints are 2019 (81 complaints), 2020 (60 complaints) and 2024 (31 complaints).
Other 2021 Subaru Ascent problems
Transmission 21Driver assistance 18Electrical 18Engine 13Brakes 9Body 7Steering 7Acceleration 2Fuel system 2Tires 2Wheels 2Airbags 1Seat belts 1Seats 1Suspension 1
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