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 Outback since 2012, 1,472 (22.3%) describe windshield cracking, making it the most reported problem we track on the Outback. The reports cluster on the 2019, 2020 and 2022 model years, and the 2019 drew the most, with 306. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 6,000 and 34,000 miles. 4 reports describe 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
Outback owners report the windshield cracking without being hit, often starting from an edge and spreading within days. The complaints jumped with the 2019 and 2020 models, and some owners have replaced their windshield more than once. A class-action lawsuit was filed over this issue.
How it gets fixed
The fix is a new windshield, ideally original glass, followed by recalibrating the EyeSight cameras behind it. Some owners report Subaru covered replacements under warranty.
Typical cost: A windshield with EyeSight recalibration usually costs $800 to $1,500.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i limited purchased 1-'19. 1st. Break: 2-'19: windshield spontaneously cracked under wipers at the wiper defroster heater element. Windshield was frosted in am, started motor and defrosters to warm and prepare car for departure."
2019 Subaru Outback, 2,500 miles
"Windshield crack. Have owned the vehicle for less than 3 weeks and 250 miles. Started the car with remote, and after entering the vehicle, noticed a crack at the base of the windshield about 12" in length."
2020 Subaru Outback, 220 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 Outback. 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 Outback
- 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 Outback years have windshield cracking?
Complaints are highest for the 2019, 2020, 2022 model years. The 2019 drew the most, with 306 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 15,000 miles, and half reported it between 6,000 and 34,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A windshield with EyeSight recalibration usually costs $800 to $1,500.