About this problem
Owners report windshields cracking without being hit by a stone, often from an edge and spreading over days. Thin glass, stress from the body flexing and fast temperature changes are the usual explanations. On cars with camera-based safety systems, a new windshield also has to be recalibrated, which raises the cost.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Subaru Forester since 2012, 821 (18%) describe windshield cracking, making it the most reported problem we track on the Forester. The reports cluster on the 2018, 2019 and 2020 model years, and the 2019 drew the most, with 287. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 4,000 and 26,000 miles. One report describes a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Subaru has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Forester owners report the windshield cracking without any impact, often from an edge. The complaints are concentrated on the 2019 and 2020 models, and some owners replaced the glass more than once.
How it gets fixed
Replace the windshield, ideally with original glass, then recalibrate the EyeSight cameras.
Typical cost: A windshield with recalibration usually costs $800 to $1,500.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Approximately one month after purchasing a brand new Subaru forrester 2019 touring vehicle directly from Subaru, the windshield suffered a crack."
2019 Subaru Forester, 500 miles
"Windshield cracking: I have 7k miles on my 2020 Forester and have had to replace the windshield twice already within 2 months of each other. The first time I'm not even sure if I was hit by anything."
2020 Subaru Forester, 7,000 miles
"I join complainants with a Subaru windshield crack. A crack mysteriously started at the base of my windshield on the passenger side. I don't recall anything hitting it, and there's no sign of any impact (ding, chip, nothing!)."
2018 Subaru Forester, 19,600 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Subaru has sent dealers one bulletin that mention this problem on the Forester. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
This announcement is in regard to settlement in a class action lawsuit for vehicles that will receive a limited warranty extension for original equipment Subaru windshields experiencing a qualifying crack.
Before you buy a Forester
- Look closely at the windshield for small cracks, especially at the edges and near the camera.
- If the windshield was replaced, ask whether the driver-assist camera was recalibrated.
- Check whether a glass coverage plan or warranty claim was made.
Questions
Which Subaru Forester years have windshield cracking?
Complaints are highest for the 2018, 2019, 2020 model years. The 2019 drew the most, with 287 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 11,000 miles, and half reported it between 4,000 and 26,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A windshield with recalibration usually costs $800 to $1,500.