Wiper problems of the 2019 Subaru Outback - part 1

Windshield window crack without any reason couple month ago and it keep crack bigger.

On April 14, 2025, I experienced my fourth windshield break- others- 2 that were 3 months apart in 2023 and another in 2024. I do not know how this most recent crack occurred as I noticed it when I went to drive my car, which was parked inside my garage. I had driven 2 places earlier in the day with no signs of a crack and there were no noted strikes to the windshield during that time. I did ride on a highway the day prior, but did not hear any strikes to the windshield. The prior incidences I did hear something hit the windshield. I have been a car owner for decades and this is the first car I have ever had with any windshield crack. This complaint seems typical for this vehicle as many of the same issues were recently included in a class action lawsuit regarding a defect in the glass. Wile the 2019 model was not included for some reason, many NHTSA complaints from people with this model were included in this lawsuit so I certainly hope that NHTSA will seriously look into why these are a common occurrence for this vehicle.

Noticed a huge crack in my windshield this morning before leaving for work. Definitely some sort of stress fracture. Not from any kind of impact or rock chip. It was not there yesterday. This is a huge safety issue due to the suddenness and size of the crack right down the center of the windshield and then branching off to both the driver side view and the passenger side. Difficult to see while driving to work and very worried that the crack will continue to expand. I’m contacting the dealership where I purchased the car in June of 2024.

A crack in the windshield suddenly appeared with no apparent cause starting at the very upper edge about a third of the way across from the driver side and traveled about half way down and then turned to the right for about eight inches. It is available for inspection upon request. As of this date it has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. It has been reported to insurance representatives, but not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

Severe windshield cracking requiring replacement. 2 in 6 month period. 1st was November 2023. Extremely cold temperatures. Cracked directly above heater vents on both sides same time. I watched it go from outer lower edges and move all the way to the center, entire length of the shield. I did not see anything hit the windshield, but they were iced and snow covered. I felt the temperature difference outside compared to in the cabin may have caused the crack. 2nd occurred July 12 2024. Extreme heat ( 100 plus) air-conditioning blasting cold air. Low traffic, at least 4 car lengths between mine and the car ahead. I did not see any debris. I did hear a noise, and then watched the windshield crack from the same location (lower outside edge) this time only the passenger side. The crack started approximately 6 inches. The following morning that crack had moved past midway of the windshield. This is not normal for any other vehicle I have driven. I have been driving 45 years. I have had a rock hit the windshield, some large rocks. In only one case I suffered a chip that was fixed with resin. There is a problem (safety) with this windshield. Installation, glass, design flaw?? I don't know the cause, but it is hazardous. The dealer's mechanic that replaced the 1st one told me "it is a known issue for my model" someone needs to address and correct an issue that is known which could be catastrophic. I was driving 35 mph in November incident, and 70 mph in July. I can provide documentation 1st replacement. I did not take pictures of that one. I can provide photos of 2nd one. I have not done 2nd replacement. I may just trade it out. That is how concerning this issue is to me.

I now have a second windshield that suddenly cracked. I was told that Subaru oem windshield was installed and their is a Subaru icon on the glass. The first time was when a defrost was turned on. I heard a pop and crack quickly appeared. Crack started on the outside edge about half way up on the passenger side. Within seconds the crack was half way across to the other side. The most recent it was after a hot day on the previous day the next morning open the garage and immediately saw multiple cracks starting from the drivers side this time, about half way up then running almost half across the other side. Both times I had only had the windshield a few months. I took it back to the windshield installer and they are going to replace it because it isn't due to damage to the windshield like a chip. They told me that they are putting Subaru oem windshields on right now because they have had to replace 20 recently for the same issue. They just suddenly crack no damage. They said there is a lawsuit. I asked the dealership and they told me that haven't heard any issues with windshields. I just wanted to let you know. It is pretty scary and expensive to have the windshield suddenly crack and it is pretty deep. I'm going to take a picture since my Subaru dealership wouldn't record the issue for me.

The windshield of my Outback Subaru 2019 has cracked two times since I purchased the vehicle. Not caused by propelled items, accidents or vandalism, instead, these cracks originated from the center bottom part of the windshield suddenly and spread upwards.

Another for the list of many, many windshield cracking complaints. My 2019 Outback 2. 5i limited has had 3 replacements since I purchased it new in late 2018. The cost to replace each has certainly increased each time and is very expensive as it has to include the eyesight calibration. I'm told this is not covered in my extended warranty I purchased when the vehicle was new. Subaru needs to take ownership of the quality issue and compensate the countless owners who have had this same issue, multiple times! I've read the glass is too thin, may be intentional because of the eyesight feature. Mileage and date below are from the most recent crack I had to repair. Please let me know if you'd like more details on the first two occurances as well.

My windshield has chipped and cracked 4 times in the 5 yrs that I've owned this car, purchased new. In the first three cases, a minor chip started cracking the windshield almost immediately. In the last case, which I haven't had repaired yet, there wasn't even a chip. The windshield seemed to just spontaneously crack. The glass shop for replacement #3 noted that the car is now rusting under the windshield. The car has only 39k miles on it.

Windshields crack easily. I was using the original windshield and it was cracked on the passenger side. Common error of Subaru Outback. My car is only 37000miles.

Windshield cracked spontaneously while parked, March 29, 2024. Temperature was approx 28°f. This was the second time in 11 months this has happened. Safelite technician said it was caused by faulty windshield heater. The first one I paid for the replacement, the second one was under warranty from safelite. But was told if it happened again they would not be responsible.

We own a 2019 Outback, and have had the windshield replaced twice prior this event. The first was a year ago with about 70k miles after the windshield suddenly cracked while going about 70mph, this happen when no other cares where around. The second time was 2 weeks later when we came outside in the morning and the windshield was cracked while parked in a parking lot. Now for the 3rd time the windshield has cracked while parked in the garage, the windshield has cracked more each night, and has not grown is size while driving. Coincidental all the cracks have started in the same spot, lower portion of the windshield by the wiper, just to the right of the driver. We have been told every time by the dealer that it has been a rock chip, but its hard to get a rock chip when teh vehicle is in the garage and not moving.

Within a year, my windshield has cracked 4 times with Subaru glass. These cracks are huge coming from either the top or bottom. With the crack, I feel like the eyesight feature is not accurate therefore causing weird serving. So I do not feel safe leaving my lane assist on. I have had 3 Subaru glass and one safelite glass, and this seems to be a reoccurring issue. What is the point of getting it fixed if it'll just keep cracking.

My windshield cracked for the 6th time with nothing hitting on this occasion. It immediately shattered and even lost a piece of glass from where it cracked. I believe this to be a safety issue as it could immediately inter with my safety and radar equipment. I am worried if the glass cracks without contact what would happen if something significant hit it. Additionally since this is the 6th time I am concerned that something could be wrong with the design of the vehicle. I have contacted Subaru multiple times without resolve.

Windshield has cracked (large about 10 inches or more) 2 times within a year for no apparent reason. Both times the weather did not have fast shifting changes and the car was sitting in the driveway or in the garage at my residence.

As of today 1-31-24 I have to replace my windshield for the 3rd time. The first windshield was broken when a rock from a semi the rock stuck the windshield (7k miles). I paid for that one b/c that rock would have cracked any windshield. The 2nd windshield cracked for what seemed to me to be no apparent reason (36 k miles). And the fourth windshield (48k miles) has now cracked in two places for no apparent reason. Subaru paid for the 3rd windshield but Subaru customer advocacy says they won't pay for another windshield b/c they paid for the 3rd windshield as a matter of "courtesy". My wife and I have owned 10-13 Subaru's and many other vehicles since the 1980's and have never had any windshield problems like this before. There has to be something wrong with the design or materials in these windshields.

I have experienced two separate incidents of spontaneous windshield cracking on my 2019 Subaru Outback, with no external impact or road debris involved. The first windshield crack occurred, and Subaru replaced it under warranty after inspection showed no signs of impact. The second crack occurred again without any collision or impact. However, Subaru has now refused to cover the second incident, even though it clearly follows the same pattern. There is no visible point of impact. The cracks appear to originate near the bottom edge of the windshield and spread rapidly. I park the vehicle in a safe residential area and have not driven over rough terrain or been involved in any accidents. I have also referenced a known class action lawsuit involving similar spontaneous cracking issues with windshields in Subaru vehicles, including the 2017–2020 Outback and legacy models. This suggests a manufacturing or design defect affecting structural integrity. This issue creates a serious visibility and safety hazard for drivers and passengers, especially if the windshield fails further while the vehicle is in motion. Subaru’s failure to cover a known defect and repeated issue puts drivers at risk. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this recurring defect in Subaru windshields to determine whether a recall or broader corrective action is necessary.

Front windshield cracked without any impact. Was parked in my driveway for previous 3 days. Got in to drive and noticed the large crack right away. It started from the passenger mid lower edge and within a day it cracked halfway across passenger side. There was no divot or impact that caused this.

When defroster was turned on, a crack began on the windshield at the bottom, left of middle. As the days went on, the crack continued to spread when heat was on or sun heated up the windshield. In 3 months it went from a 4 inch to a 10 inch crack that obstructed view. We just had it replaced after paying a $500 deductible, with no guarantee it won’t recur.

Windshield has been cracked and replaced 3 times and currently has another crack, all within 17 months. Also head unit has internal malfunction and must be replaced at cost of $1700 +/-.

Cracked windshield (2nd incident in less than 18 months). Windshield cracked without any impact with rocks or other objects. This is an oem windshield that was installed and calibrated at sheehy Subaru springfield, va. This windshield easily cracks or is damage (impacts blemishes) by minor/small objects, which is unreasonable. This latest incident that I am reporting is a hair line crack, about 14” in length that runs from the edge of the windshield to the middle; there was no impact; this appears to be a temperature change like crack. It adversely affects visibility. This is a very expensive repair $1,500 for oem and calibration.

Subaru Outback had been parked in my garage for a few days. When I decided to move it, I backed out of my garage and noticed that my car had this squiggly crack on my windshield. I see this happen to a lot of Subaru owners. Called about getting a defective windshield replaced and was told no. After seeing thaf theres been a lot of complaints of the similar issue. Issue happened on 9. 28. 23.

Minor rock strike from road driving on 09/15/23. This resulted in a crack about 8" long on passenger side of window. In 7 days, the crack has grown to about 36" and has fractured in multiple locations. The crack continues to grow even while the vehicle is stationary and not experiencing severe weather events. This is due to a poor bracing of the window on the top frame portion of its mounting location on the vehicle.

My Subaru 2019 Outback has had 5 replacement windshields in 10 months. The windshield seems to crack for no reason and the cracks spread quickly impairing vision and causing worry that any impact of an object would come straight through the windshield and cause harm to driver, passengers and potentially other vehicles. I have talked with Subaru of America, just this last time on the 5th replacement and they had an engineer look at the windshield to determine cause. The report states: “Subaru field engineer determined caused by chip. ” as the driver of the vehicle, nothing has hit the windshield while driving, nothing of note that is, normal things like rain, sunshine, and wind, which is what a windshield is meant to protect against. The other techs at the dealer could not make out a point of impact. I picked up my vehicle from the dealer at 6pm, drove it a few miles on the freeway, maintaining safe follow distances with my new windshield, and when I got back in the car 2 hours later there were 4 cracks stemmed from the bottom of the windshield that stretched up more than 6 inches. The windshield is currently cracked and I’m waiting for Subaru of America to get back to me on this issue. There is a problem with the windshields and someone needs to take responsibility for it. One or two cracked windshields can be explained, but now with the most recent one, that’s 6 cracks in 10 months. It seems there is a defect.

I got in my car after a few hours of paddle boarding, and there was a large crack in the windshield (not even a chip prior to this) which started from the very bottom of the windshield. It cracked while it was just parked. I checked to see if someone had chipped it while driving by (unlikely in a small parking lot with such low speeds) but there are no chips. I took it to the dealership and the service man said he's never seen one randomly crack from the bottom like this. It has continued to expand quickly anytime it is parked outside in the sun (usually it is in a parking garage, but if I go anywhere, it sits in the sun). The cracks are significant and make it unsafe for much driving. I've done my best to keep it from spreading because I just had to replace the windshield 10 months ago from another non-accident, non-chipped random break and $1,200 to replace it is a lot to have to pay twice in 10 months.

The front windshield developed a star crack two inches above the base and in the middle. The crack then expanded upward and to the left, and down to the base. There is no evidence of an impact from any object. The windshield crack was treated with silicone repair. After one day another crack developed from the same source went upward and then to the left in one direction and also down to the base in another direction. This again was treated with silicone repair. I am contacting my insurance company to have the whole windshield replaced. Sine the Subaru Outback has eyesight function this will need to be done through a dealer. This will be the second windshield replacement for this this vehicle for the same reason. Anthony bright tonybright11@gmail. Com.

Multiple cracked windshields: sept 2022: 1st incident - heard loud rock hit. So not surprised when I found windshield cracked the next morning. Replaced. June 9, 2023: 2nd incident - no recollection of rock hitting windshield. Came back to car after it was parked in the heat and found the windshield split. Started at top and then formed a crack along top of windshield in both directions. I believe this was caused by the heat, not a rock. You'll see this in 3 attached photos June 22, 2023: picked up car from having windshield replaced and a small pebble hit the windshield and it immediately cracked. You'll see this in 1 attached photo. --- I know that Subaru is using a thinner windshield so it works with their eyesight technology but I believe it makes it more prone to crack from extreme heat and from tiny rocks. Maybe Subaru owners have complained about this on the internet. I am now afraid to drive my car for fear of the windshield cracking again. Subaru should be made to improve their windshields or pay for all of the broken windshields -- especially those that don't show rock damage.

While driving on an empty stretch of road between neighborhoods, I heard a sudden, unprompted, soft pop, like I had just hit a big bug. Immediately, an 8" crack appeared across the eye-line view on the driver's side of the windshield. No shatter or clear point of impact of anything. Just a crack. In 24 hours, it has winded across and up the windshield and I anticipate it will soon affect the guidance cameras in the front. While researching this, we found two settled lawsuits against Subaru for 2017-19 models, including Outbacks, related to faulty windshields. We have not had it inspected by anyone at this point. There were no warning lights, messages, or any other symptoms of the problem prior to the crack's sudden stretch across the windshield.

Small rock impact at top passenger side of the windshield spidered beyond repair in about 30 minutes.

After warming up my 2019 Subaru Outback, I heard a "pop" as soon as I got into the car. I noticed a vertical crack about 3" long near the center of the windshield. It grew as the day went on. I had it replaced by safelite. The technician said it was caused by the heater built into the windshield.

The windshield in my 2019 Subaru Outback has been replaced 4 times due to cracks, that have reached at least 50% horozontally across the windshield. The most recent replacement (all have been oem) lasted 3 weeks before spontaneously cracking. The local dealership has analyzed the windshield and found no evidence of an impact, they have confirmed the severity of all the windshields cracks as they have replaced all 4 windshields.

Front windshield glass has cracked spontaneously without known or evidence of obvious impact. The crack was first noticed on 3/12/2023 while parked in garage and had continued to increase so felt it was critical to have replaced so not to experience issue with driver visibility or complete windshield failure. Claim has been filed with progressive and windshield replacement is currently scheduled for 3/17/2023 with safelite glass in cartersville, GA.

Windshield replaced twice in an 8 month period. No visible chips, just spontaneous cracks that are longer the 24 inches and grow quickly.

The windshield is extremely sensitive to fracturing at the smallest of roadway rocks. I had a cracked factory original windshield replaced on Nov. 30, 2022 with a Subaru genuine windshield. That new windshield cracked with a minimal evidence of road debris (and no cars within a 500 foot radius) on March 9, 2023. I called Subaru and asked if they would stand behind their product, and after dealership inspection, Subaru has refused to do anything. If this glass is now a 3 month consumable item, it is untenable to own a Subaru.

One day I got in my car an there was a crack on my windshield and there was no rick chip or any indication of an impact to the windshield.