Carrier/rack problems of the 2015 Subaru Outback - part 1

Poor battery life has always been a problem. Windshield crack showed up suddenly very recently, right after we got a class action lawsuit notification. The car has very low milage.

Windshield cracked in the lower drivers side corner. The windshield cracked due to unknown reasons and blind spot warning stopped working for no reason.

During the fall of 2019, I noticed an exhaust smell when starting my 2015 Subaru Outback in my garage. This smell coincided with the car running rough when starting and the exhaust smell entering the cabin when the heater was turned on. I did not notice this cabin exhaust smell in the summer due to using the ac on recirculate. The exhaust smell was especially noticeable when I was idling waiting to pick up my kids and sitting at traffic stops. I brought my vehicle in to a Subaru dealer and they stated that my catalytic converter was cracked and should be replaced. This was when my car was at 80,829 miles and they actually had the part on hand. I am assuming that this happens to them quite frequently since stocking a $1500 on hand would not be the best use of inventory. The repair cost $1940 since my emission warranty was barely out due to the 829 miles. I explained to them that this was happening way before the 80,000 miles, but they refused to cover it under warranty. I feel that having exhaust entering the cabin should be an exception to the warranty, especially when kids lives are involved. Also, by having this part on hand tells me that I am not the only owner having this type of problem with my Subaru.

Windowshield cracked just out of the blue brake light flashes on dash when driving.

Hello, my windshield broke about 6 months after purchasing the vehicle. I don't know how or why. It was just broken one morning when I went out to my car. I figured a rock or something hit it. There was no recall at the time and so I had it replaced with a oem windshield. My second windshield just broke a couple of weeks ago while changing my wipers you can see where the ceramic wiper heater delaminated inside of the windshield. It turned bright red. I have owned alot of cars and never seen a windshield that is so fragile. I have changed many, many wiper blades and I know what a quality windshield is. I set the wiper blade holder down on the windshield gently and it cracked, the crack grew across the windshield in a day or so. Ridiculous. These windshields run about 500 bucks and should be better quality. I also have electrical problems where my car clock will not set. . . Currently. It took them 3 years to figure out the steering retaining pin was broken even though I was complaining about it since I bought the car. The rear gate stopped opening and they had to replace the struts on a 3 year old car. There is something wrong with the front end but my dealer said "wait until it gets worse" can you believe that? thanks,.

The windshield on my 2015 Outback cracked from the driver's side bottom upward then turned toward the passenger side in an l shape. Took it to the Subaru dealership and they of course claim that there must have been an impact that caused the crack. The asst. Service manager actually argued with me and claimed that you could feel a point of impact where a rock "must have hit" and blamed that for the crack. I can feel no point of impact and was in fact driving the car when the crack happened and know that nothing hit the windshield. Despite the class action suit against these windshields, Subaru is still not willing to replace it after their "close and careful" inspection that took about 10 seconds. They told me the warranty would not cover it. They clearly know there is a problem with these windshields and are doing nothing to correct it, even refusing to replace ones that do have a problem. Besides being a bad business move for Subaru, this seems like a huge safety issue for consumers.

Windshield spontaniously cracked from passenger b piller to center. Was getting ready to leave a motel in az on a cold, frosty rainey day. I had turned on defroster and heater. As we started to move the vehicle to the freeway , passenger and I both heard a pop and noticed a crack running from behind the passenger b piller to the center. No other vehicles were moving near my vehicle. Subaru has denied claim claiming windshield damaed by a rock. I have never notice a rock strike on the windshield. The vehicle was in motion but not in traffic- on access road.

Windshield crack appeared without obvious cause.

There is a crack in the windshield that showed up about 5 months and has increased in size. Before brining it to the dealer (napoleon Subaru in schaumburg, IL), I had the vehicle checked by a local mechanic and was told the crack was due to the faulty windshield and not because of any impact. There has been no impact to the windshield to my knowledge and yet the crack appeared and has spread. Subaru dealer said that the crack may have been caused by an impact but again I don't recollect any impact that could cause this. The Subaru dealer said he did his pen point check and the crack was not caused by Subaru's fault. What the Subaru dealer told me about the pen point check makes no sense to me especially as there has been no impact to my windshield. I am very disappointed that Subaru and the dealer are lying about the faulty windshield and are refusing to replace it (which I am assuming is also a faulty oem part). I have owned several cars before and I've never had this issue before. I repeat, never before on any car, especially a new car. I checked with a local mechanic and again, was told this was likely caused by faulty windshield. Either to avoid admitting fault or to avoid paying for a recall for this item or for avoiding liability in a lawsuit, I don't know but I feel like Subaru is deliberately lying or misrepresenting the facts about it. I don't know what I should expect from writing this complaint but I am writing because I am extremely disappointed with this. We were considering a Subaru forrester for next year but I am not going to do that now given how badly Subaru is treating me on this fault of theirs. I suspect Subaru will not do the right thing despite it being Subaru's fault at putting in a bad windshield and instead push the cost to the car buyers. I can be reached on the cell at 201 600 5259. Thanks. N bobba.

Continuous variable transmission (cvt). The vehicle stopped while making a left turn suddenly motionless, engine revved up at 3500 rpm but the cvt remained unresponsive. Paced shift gear to park position then to drive gear then the vehicle moved-up very slow then it pulled forward to a normal driveable condition. This issue happened in 2017, 2018, 2019. Took to dealership 2x tested the vehicle but, no problem found and no manufacturer's issue was release. Several Subaru owners complaints with the same issue, on 2013 - 2015 Outback models. The battery on 2015 Outback model like mine, had replaced in 2017 while under warranty up to 3 - years. Lately, the battery died several times, took back to the dealer for test and replacement but, the 3 - years warranty was over from its original purchased. The warranty should be applied on the second battery replacement that runs for the next 36 - months. Another issue is the catalytic converter the vehicle has, took back to the dealer last July 2020, a srvice advisor admitted that there was a problem, the vehicle drove for testing then came back with nothing wrong on the catalytic converter per mechanic assessment. The front exhaust pipe was cracked and it was repaired as part of manufacturer recalls. There are issues on this model referring to the cvt, battery, infotainment got freezed, no data on screen, engine oil consumption to fast. The main issue for me is the "safety issue. " which is the transmission. First time it happened was in 2017, 2018, 2019.

Driving down the street ,heard a loud pop and the windsheld cracked. L shaped crack about 6 in in each direction. About the same way that happened to the other 122 people that filed complaints for Outback windshields cracking.

Driving at highway speed and sunroof glass exploded for no known reason. Shattered glass rained down into driver compartment. Sunroof was closed at the time. Had similar issue with front windscreen cracking for no apparent reason. Car was sitting in driveway.

While parked overnight the front windshield developed a18 inch horizontal crack at eye level started from the drivers side. The crack is traveling. Air temp was in the 70's, no rain or hail, happened sometime between Dec 24-26, 2015. Odometer was 9200. I saw on a car complaints website many other 2015 Outbacks with the same issue.

Purchased the 2015 Outback in sept. 2014. Took to back to dealership service dept. October. 24, 2014 because of loud popping noise around windshield especially when bluetooth phone connected. They could not find any problems. Popping noise around windshield continued from time to time. Took back to dealer July 29, 2015 for popping noise around windshield and poor radio am reception. They replaced the radio but am radio reception still not great. Got in the Outback on Nov 17, 2015 and there was a 5" crack on the bottom of the windshield slightly right of the center. A couple of weeks before this I was driving and heard a very loud popping noise. It made me jump as I thought the windshield was going to shatter but nothing happened. I had received a letter from Subaru about windshield cracking problems so I contacted the dealership. I took it in so they could take a picture. At that time I also reported problems with the defroster not keeping the windshield clear especially on rainy days and nights. This problem with the defroster has occurred several times and it was I the lower portion of the windshield. I thought the Subaru had electrical l issues because of the popping, poor am radio reception and the defroster. Now the windshield! this is my first Subaru and possibly last if the problems persist. All of the incidents happened while driving but when I discovered the crack it was parked in the garage. Crack us now about 9".

I have had this car for 1 year and have had 3 windshields crack. I have never had a car that had this many incidents with cracked windshields.

The windshield cracked earlier this year and had to be replaced. The crack extended from the upper right to the drivers side. Last week a rock hit my windshield and within minutes a 2 foot crack appeared (extends from upper right to the middle). The crack is continuing to grow. I'm concerned there is a safety issue with the windshield.

Two problems. 1. Replaced windshield three times in 15 months. Two were original Subaru branded windshields. Original and industry replacement windshield are too brittle and thus unsafe. Any little pebble chips them and they always have a long crack within a few hours. 2. Radio system does not always function properly. At times it scrolls down and we are unable to change channels or adjust the volume. The dealer was made aware of the problem in July and would replace it since it is under warranty. Supplier has not responded to send part after four months. Subaru is non responsive to our concerns.

Windshield cracked while driving through lake tahoe area without any debris hitting windshield. The crack started at lower passenger corner and has grown past mid section of the windshield. This is the 2nd windshield damaged beyond repair on this vehicle.

The windshield cracked in the bottom corner of the passenger side, merely as a result of the windshield wiper retracting onto it while being washed. (I have never in my 30+ years of driving cars had a windshield crack from the impact of a windshield wiper retracting onto it!!!) the crack has since spread almost to the driver side. Based on my own research and investigation, I believe the built in windshield DE-icer unit compromises the integrity of the windshield glass. In the event an accident were to occur, the windshield could very well shatter and cause bodily injury. A Subaru of America representative confirmed via email that "in the past few months we have seen a higher demand for windshield replacement than we usually see. Our parts department is working hard with retailers and suppliers availability. . . . We have also updated our production process to improve the durability of our windshields. " clearly, the Subaru Outback 2015 windshields have a defect, and there should be a recall for them to be replaced at no cost to the owner before someone gets hurt. I have an appointment with the local dealership to have the windshield replaced next week. Only time will will tell how long this will take and how much it is going to cost. In fairness, the Subaru of America rep has asked me to send a copy of the replacement receipt to see if they can help with the cost. Considering Subaru's reputation, my hope is they will ultimately reimburse me in full.

The windshield cracked horizontally on the driver's side. Nothing hit the windshield to cause the crack. It was fine when I got home from work and parked the vehicle in the garage; the following morning the crack was there.

I heard a pop on the highway, although nothing hit my vehicle. Several small cracks appeared-one quickly got larger. I had called Subaru a few months before about the pop as my mechanic said the windshield should be replaced-there was no reaction to this complaint. I have had issues with wind noise with this vehicle, and had the small window replaced as well. There is a general issue with the window sizing and placement of the windows in this model, and Subaru needs to issue a recall before a serious accident occurs.

The windshield has developed a small crack on the passenger side behind the windshield wiper. I took it to the dealer and they claim there is an impact point at the origin of the crack, yet there is no evidence of any damage whatsoever to the wiper assembly. I washed the car on Tuesday 8/11/15 and there was no crack then. The crack was first noticed by a passenger on 8/12/15. The crack seems to be getting larger. The Subaru dealer will not cover the replacement under the warranty, but I know nothing hit my windshield. The car is always kept in my garage when not in use.

New windshield suffered a minor rock impact on the freeway. The crack propagated quickly. The windshield requires replacement, but the Subaru dealers say there is a 3 month backlog!.

7/28/15 - I came out to my 2015 Subaru Outback at the end of the work day and found a "v" shaped crack in my windshield, approx 9-11 inches in each direction, originating below the windshield wiper in the middle of the windshield. My first thought was defect in the glass since the temperature that day was approx. 93 deg. 7/29/15 - I went to the nearby dealership and upon inspection by the service dept. Was told "a rock hit the windshield" which caused the windshield to crack. My response, "how could a rock hit under the windshield wiper where there is no evidence of a rock hitting it?" the cost to replace the windshield is over $700. 00, not covered by Subaru warranty and the windshields are backlogged by 4-6 weeks since there none in stock. I returned home discouraged and immediately pulled up numerous complaints about the 2015 windshields cracking. 7/30/15 - I went to the dealer where I purchased my car, armed with 19 pages of windshield complaints. The service dept rep inspected the windshield and also said "a rock hit the windshield" but said this is common occurrence, windshields were in scarce supply and not covered by Subaru warranty. However, he was able to locate the last windshield they had in stock and reserved it so I now have a repair date in a week. I am still going to have to pay the $700. 00 whether it is covered by my insurance company as comprehensive or cash out of pocket. I questioned the service rep about this obvious defect, thickness of the glass and the heating element under the passenger side wiper and other vehicles hit by small pebbles where "pitting" would occur but not cracking when hit. As a good service rep, his answers were evasive but empathetic, which led me to believe this issue is being ignored by Subaru. I was assured, though, if in the future, Subaru were to have a recall on the windshield, I would be reimbursed.

Crack in the windshield appeared over the weekend. Started in the lower corner on the passenger's side and spread about 2/3 of the way to driver's side.

Noticed a small crack in the windshield the morning of 7/23/15, I do not recall anything hitting my windshield, by lunch time the crack had spread half way across the windshield. Now to replace the windshield I'm told it is on national back order and may take quite a while to get a replacement. Sounds to me like Subaru installed cheep or defective glass windshields.

I was driving on the highway and heard a random cracking sound. I then heard it again couple minutes later. Drove home and didn't see anything for several days. This morning while driving home from the gym on a regular road I heard the same cracking sound and then saw a huge crack in my windshield quickly spreading. The crack is quickly spreading and it looks like I will have to now replace the windshield.

Windshield found cracked unexpectedly when coming out from a store. 6" crack grew quickly over 2 weeks, spreading all over the passenger side in a branched formation about 2x1'. Yesterday, another crack developed in front of the driver's side and is compromising visibility with a glare from the crack and growing quickly again. Replacement windshield is back-ordered for several weeks. Have been waiting about 1 month now, driving with an unsafe/unsightly brand new car, and I'm out a $500 deductible. Going to contact Subaru as well, but they need more pressure to replace and reimburse this seemingly common problem with this brand new car.

Vehicle was parked outside overnight. In the morning a 12" s shaped crack had appeared in the passenger side of the windshield. There was no detectable prior damage and no known impact to cause the crack. The crack has continued to grow and branch. Dealer states the windshield fails the "pen test," I. E. There is a tiny nick at one point of the crack which, they say, proves the crack is due to impact damage. I believe the chip appeared after the crack formed, but cannot prove this (nor can the dealer prove the opposite). Online research suggests there is a design defect in 2015 Subaru Outback windshields, which fail at remarkable rate.

Traveling from kansas city mo to phoenix windshield developed crack while driving. We were traveling in a light rain and there was some very small pea gravel being thrown up by passing cars on the opposite side of car. The crack centered over the passenger wiper about 4 inches upward. There was no star formation. I took it to the Subaru dealership in chandler az. I was told by the general manager that there was a back order on the glass but to wait until I returned to kansas city for repair. During our drive home I called our insurance, Subaru (where purchased) and glass company. I found that glass on my Outback was at least 6 weeks out. After 6 weeks I was again told the glass remains on backorder. It was finally replaced by safelite on August 25th. Please look into this. Is there some kind of defect in the windshield, installation, or fit? thanks.

Was driving and a small rock hit the windshield. I didn't think any thing of it at the time. I parked car in the driveway. When I came out a couple of hours later there was a huge crack.

We had the same experience with our windshield that others have had -- see, eg, complaint # 10730819. About two weeks after buying a new 2015 Outback, while driving out of our somewhat steeply-angled garage, the windshield cracked. I saw no evidence of a stone hitting the windshield and thought there was a structural defect. Took the car to our dealer who did a "pen test" on the exterior of the windshield. The pen tip, indeed, caught in the crack and the repair person said that indicated a rock hit and we just had unfortunate luck. The crack grew quickly, snaking around the windshield, while we waited a few weeks for the replacement windshield to become available via safelite. Based on this and other comment sites, I'm concerned about a repeat crack. Also, of course, wondering if it was really just "bad luck. " our Subaru dealer's service department has been non-communicative. I contacted Subaru corporate with a complaint and received no response. Deeply disappointed - and we've been a "Subaru family" for a long time.

I just bought a brand new 2015 Subaru Outback on March 18, 2015. I see already that there are numerous complaints already on the safety of the 2015 Subaru Outback windshields. I was driving down the freeway on may 2, 2015 and a very small pebble flew into the windshield and I couldn't believe that that small a pebble would crack the windshield over 6 inches! I am very upset. I parked the car in a restaurant parking lot that day and when I came out, the crack had grown to 12 inches by itself! my relatives were in town and I couldn't drive my new vehicle on a short trip I wanted to take them on. Of course this is a special order item so I am waiting and waiting for it to be replaced. Called Subaru service department and they claim no knowledge of problems with the windshields (of course). I have no vehicle to drive because I feel it is unsafe to drive and have been inconvenienced to have to drive my other older vehicle. I didn't want to have insurance also pay for a rental/replacement vehicle as well when this is a Subaru problem and a national safety problem with this vehicle that needs to be addressed immediately. It is now may 6th and I still have no new windshield and don't expect one anytime soon. It looks like there is a good possibility that the windshield will crack again from all the complaints I am reading on this website. When will someone recall this windshield? after someone gets killed? please recall this windshield!.

Noticed a small windshield crack and was told it couldn't be repaired. It stayed small for a month or so then spread rapidly when weather heated up. I've had dings before in prior cars' windshields, but never a crack.

Windshield has failed twice with no impacts. Latest crack started after I closed the driver door. . . Heard a pop, then watched a crack run from the upper right across the driver's line of sight over the course of a few seconds. There was no impact to the glass, which had been replaced less than 10 days earlier, which also failed mysteriously.