2018 Subaru Crosstrek visibility & wipers problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Nov 19, 2025OKVisibility & Wipers

   The front windshield spontaneously developed a crack about 5 inches long which later suddenly increased to about 15 inches in length. It is our understanding that this problem has occurred in the windshields of other Subaru models. The internet states that Subaru windshields have had a tendency to crack without impact due to the windshield's angle or thinness to accommodate Eyesight technology.

   NHTSA complaint #11700276 · source
2. Filed Feb 25, 2024VAVisibility & Wipers

   While driving home in the evening, I was startled by a sudden cracking sound that I heard. Although nothing appeared to have impacted the windshield, I speculated that it may have been caused by a plastic bag in which I stored trash in my vehicle on occasion. The following day, my partner noticed a significant crack in the windshield as he loaded bags into the car. I recounted the previous night's experience of hearing the disturbing sound that had caught my attention. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11573897 · source
3. Filed Jun 8, 202353,000 miPAVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that upon inspection, a crack was discovered on the front windshield. The contact stated that the crack was located above the rearview mirror and extended approximately twelve inches. The contact stated that there was no impact on the windshield to cause the windshield to crack. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The approximate…

   NHTSA complaint #11525970 · source
4. Filed Jul 24, 2022KSVisibility & Wipers

   Windshield cracked almost all the way across to other side and then down. This vehicle has the eyesight package. I do not remember date it happened but will state 2 years ago. When it happened it quickly moved across windshield.

   NHTSA complaint #11475552 · source
5. Filed Jul 17, 2022CAVisibility & Wipers

   A windshield that was replaced July 14, 2021 at a Subaru dealership developed a crack for no apparent reason within 6 months (December 2021). The crack began at the bottom passenger-side edge and as of July 17, 2022 the crack has now extended 3/4 the distance across the windshield (upwards towards the top edge of the windshield). This is a very expensive replacement cost ($1,400) at the Subaru dealership. I am concerned about replacing the windshield again if the replacement…

   NHTSA complaint #11474324 · source
6. Filed Jun 12, 2022VAVisibility & Wipers

   A very, very small pebble hit the windshield while driving and caused a ~9 inch fracture in the windshield. I see that Subaru has had a class action lawsuit for defective windshields, but for some reason did not include the 2018 Crosstrek — but I can assure you, it's the same glass on these vehicles and the smallest pebble caused a nearly foot long crack.

   NHTSA complaint #11468857 · source
7. Filed Mar 4, 202280,000 miVAVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that upon entering his vehicle after a light snowstorm, he noticed a vertical crack had from the bottom passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack had expanded further up the windshield and obstructed his vision while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and claimed they never heard of such a failure. The contact stated that he was also informed that the windshield was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11455160 · source
8. Filed Jan 13, 202232,000 miCABody & StructureElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after a heavy rain and starting the vehicle several warning messages appeared on the instrument panel such as the assist braking and eyesight driver assist needed servicing. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that a sensor in the wheel caused the failure. The sensor was replaced however, the failure reoccurred after heavy rains a…

   NHTSA complaint #11447370 · source
9. Filed Dec 16, 2021NEOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

   This is the second time my windshield has spontaneously cracked since buying my 2018 Crosstrek. Both the first and this time, the windshield appears to crack for no apparent reason and the crack grows every day until it crosses the entire windshield. These are costly to repair and should NOT crack without any visible damage.

   NHTSA complaint #11444069 · source
10. Filed Sep 13, 202123,000 miWAVisibility & Wipers

    The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while her husband was approaching the parked vehicle, he noticed a crack on the upper driver’s side of the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11432738 · source
11. Filed May 21, 202117,000 miNYVisibility & Wipers

    The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, a small crack appeared on the windshield. The contact stated that after approximately 2 months, the crack expanded. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11418091 · source
12. Filed May 13, 202134,500 miDEVisibility & Wipers

    What looks like a small chip appeared on the windshield without anything hitting it. The car was parked in a driveway in a suburban neighborhood.

    NHTSA complaint #11416396 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology