Which Subaru Forester years have the most windshield problems?

The 2019 model year has the most owner complaints in this area, then 2020, 2018, and 2021. Later years show far fewer complaints, but they have had less time to collect them. The 2023 to 2025 reports describe the same spontaneous cracking, so newer cars are not clear of it.

Is it safe to drive a Forester with a cracked windshield?

The data lists no crashes, fires, or injuries in this area. Still, cracks often grow across the driver's view, and sun glare off a crack can blind the driver. A cracked windshield can also disable EyeSight. Replace the glass soon.

Is there a recall for Forester windshield cracking?

No. Federal recall records list no recalls in this area. Some owners mention recalls or lawsuits in their complaints, but those comments do not confirm a recall. Check the VIN with NHTSA before you buy.

How much does a Forester windshield replacement cost?

Owners quote roughly $1,400 to $1,500, with one estimate at $1,425 and others just over $1,000. The price is high partly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated after the new glass goes in.

Does Subaru warranty cover a cracked windshield?

Owners say dealers usually refuse coverage. They call the damage road debris or say glass is not covered by the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Most owners pay themselves or use insurance, and one was offered reimbursement of the insurance copay.

Last updated: 2026-10-10

Subaru Forester Wiper And Visibility Problems

Subaru Forester windshields crack with no visible impact, often overnight or on a parked car, and many owners replace the glass more than once.

Owner complaints: 950
Share of all complaints: 41%
Crash / fire / injury reports: 0 / 0 / 0
Related recalls: 0

Forester wiper and visibility complaints by model year

The 2019 model year has the most complaints in this area by a wide margin, followed by 2020, 2018, and then 2021. Counts fall sharply from 2022 on, with 20 or fewer per year. That drop mostly reflects less time on the road, not a fix. The 2023 to 2025 reports describe the same spontaneous cracking, some within the first 1000 miles. The 2026 model year has no complaints yet because it is too new to judge.

2018
145 · 8.4/10k sold
2019
387 · 21.5/10k sold
2020
287 · 16.2/10k sold
2021
82 · 5.3/10k sold
2022
20 · 1.8/10k sold
2023
11 · 0.7/10k sold
2024
4 · 0.2/10k sold
2025
14 · 0.8/10k sold

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA under visibility/wiper, visibility. Newer model years have had less time to collect complaints.

What goes wrong

Almost all of this category is about the windshield. Owners describe cracks that appear with no impact: on a parked car, in a closed garage, overnight, or on a cold morning with the defroster running. Others say a small pebble turns into a crack a foot or more long within hours. The crack often runs straight across the driver's view, and some owners end up on a third or fourth windshield.

The safety risk comes from sight lines and driver aids. Sun glare off a crack can blind the driver, and a cracked windshield can knock out the EyeSight system. The data lists no crashes, fires, or injuries in this area, and the cars stay drivable. The bigger problem is cost and hassle. Dealers often deny warranty coverage, so owners pay out of pocket or go through insurance, sometimes more than once.

Symptoms owners report

Cracks with no impact

Owners find a crack on a parked car, in a garage, or after a cold night. They heard nothing and saw no chip. Some cracks start on a cold morning as the defroster warms the glass.

Pebble chips that spread fast

A small stone strike, sometimes at parking-lot speed, becomes a long crack within minutes or hours. Owners say the glass seems far more fragile than on their earlier cars, including older Foresters.

Cracks from the lower edge

Many cracks begin at the bottom edge under the wipers, near the heating element, or in a corner. Others start just ahead of the EyeSight camera. They then run toward the center or across the driver's view.

Repeat cracks after replacement

Several owners report a second or third windshield within months. Some new glass cracked again in the same spot. One owner reports a replacement cracking a day after it was installed.

EyeSight trouble with bad glass

A cracked windshield can disable EyeSight. One owner reports EyeSight and cruise control stopped working after a replacement. Service advisors warn that glass damage can affect the camera.

Other glass and mirror faults

Some owners report rear windows and liftgate glass shattering on their own. In 2025 cars, the driver side mirror shakes at highway speed and blurs the view. One report mentions an intermittent wiper speeding up by itself.

When the problems start

Cracks tend to come early. Owners report them at 130 miles, around 1,000 miles, 1,700 miles, and 2,000 miles, and many 2021 reports fall under 10,000 miles. Other owners report cracks near 30,000 and 35,000 miles. A few reports reach well past that, including one at 118,000 miles. Age and mileage do not protect a car, so any Forester can be hit.

Repairs and recalls

The usual fix is a full windshield replacement. Owners quote about $1,400 to $1,500, and one estimate came in at $1,425. EyeSight must be recalibrated afterward, which adds to the bill. Dealers commonly say glass is not covered by warranty or blame road debris, so most owners pay directly or file with insurance. Some wait weeks for OEM glass, and one waited a month. Federal recall records list no recalls in this area.

Checking a used Forester for wiper and visibility problems

Inspect the whole windshield in angled light for chips, hairline cracks, and spider cracks, especially along the bottom edge and near the camera.
Ask whether the glass was replaced. Request the invoice and check that EyeSight was recalibrated afterward.
Test EyeSight, cruise control, and lane warnings on a drive. Any warning light after a glass job needs an explanation.
Check the rear window, liftgate glass, and side glass for cracks or fresh replacement work.
Drive above 55 mph and watch the driver side mirror for shaking or a blurred reflection.
Price insurance glass coverage and the deductible before you buy, since repeat replacements are common.

A VIN check shows whether the car you're looking at had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.

Look Up a VIN →

Subaru Forester Wiper And Visibility Problems: common questions

Which Subaru Forester years have the most windshield problems?: The 2019 model year has the most owner complaints in this area, then 2020, 2018, and 2021. Later years show far fewer complaints, but they have had less time to collect them. The 2023 to 2025 reports describe the same spontaneous cracking, so newer cars are not clear of it.
Is it safe to drive a Forester with a cracked windshield?: The data lists no crashes, fires, or injuries in this area. Still, cracks often grow across the driver's view, and sun glare off a crack can blind the driver. A cracked windshield can also disable EyeSight. Replace the glass soon.
Is there a recall for Forester windshield cracking?: No. Federal recall records list no recalls in this area. Some owners mention recalls or lawsuits in their complaints, but those comments do not confirm a recall. Check the VIN with NHTSA before you buy.
How much does a Forester windshield replacement cost?: Owners quote roughly $1,400 to $1,500, with one estimate at $1,425 and others just over $1,000. The price is high partly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated after the new glass goes in.
Does Subaru warranty cover a cracked windshield?: Owners say dealers usually refuse coverage. They call the damage road debris or say glass is not covered by the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Most owners pay themselves or use insurance, and one was offered reimbursement of the insurance copay.

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