2021 Subaru Forester visibility & wipers problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 12, 2025NCVisibility & Wipers

   Windshield cracks with the slightest rock hit making the windshield unsafe to continue use. Had two replacements in first six months

   NHTSA complaint #11673017 · source
2. Filed Nov 17, 2024MITransmission & DrivetrainVisibility & Wipers

   Having repeat issues with the windshield cracking. My vehicle has around 32k miles, and I'm already on my 3rd windshield. I've never had this issue with any other vehicle. It's been extremely costly. Also the transmission failed and had to be replaced at 26,000 miles.

   NHTSA complaint #11625815 · source
3. Filed Oct 16, 2024VAVisibility & Wipers

   The front windshield is covered in chips all over it I've got a few bigger ones repaired. However the whole windshield needs to be replaced I don't even know where they've come from I mean the whole windshield is just covered and tiny little chips and when the sun shines on it while you're driving It makes visibility extremely hard. And from what I gather researching windshields on Subaru this is a flaw... I've had plenty of vehicles and never have seen such a bad…

   NHTSA complaint #11620045 · source
4. Filed Sep 30, 2024VADriver Assistance & Safety TechVisibility & Wipers

   **Component Malfunction**: The windshield developed cracks shortly after purchase, which expanded without impact, affecting visibility and causing the Safety Eyesight system to malfunction. **Safety Risk**: The expanding crack impaired vision and led to safety system malfunctions, posing a risk to driver and passenger safety. **Problem Reproduction**: It is unclear if the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. **Inspection Status**: The vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11617156 · source
5. Filed Jun 2, 2024OHVisibility & Wipers

   I was driving along the highway when I heard the sound of a pebble hitting my windshield. When I got home, I immediately checked my windshield and did not see any damage. I was quite relieved. Two hours later, I looked out and saw a very long crack had appeared. The crack went from nothing to about 22 inches long in a matter of hours. I went to investigate further and saw that the pebble created a small pit on the edge of the windshield. Unfortunately, like typical…

   NHTSA complaint #11592004 · source
6. Filed May 7, 202434,350 miNVVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield cracked without impact. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,350.

   NHTSA complaint #11587502 · source
7. Filed Apr 30, 2024MDVisibility & Wipers

   Just discovered this morning that the windshield of my car has a long crack without being hit by any item like stone or small debris. It also affects the eyesight as it malfunctions occassionally

   NHTSA complaint #11586211 · source
8. Filed Apr 16, 202415,000 miILVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed micro-fractures developing on the front windshield of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 15,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11583289 · source
9. Filed Apr 10, 2024OHVisibility & Wipers

   Windshield has cracked twice with no visual impact site or minimal impact. Occurred almost ‘spontaneously.’ Both incidents had significant splintering on the windshield impairing visibility. Incidents occurred within 6 months of each other. The windshield cracking can also affect the ‘Eye Sight’ camera with the car safety features. Appears to be a known issue with the type of glass used.

   NHTSA complaint #11582052 · source
10. Filed Sep 26, 202313,000 miKSVisibility & Wipers

    The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the front windshield cracked from the side and extended to the center of the windshield. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 13,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11546571 · source
11. Filed Sep 8, 2023FLVisibility & Wipers

    As I was getting into my vehicle with my family, we heard a loud noise come from the front of the vehicle ( windshield are). We immediately noticed the windshield had cracked and it had started right underneath the driver area and was going up the middle and turned to passenger side of the windshield. All of this occurred while vehicle was parked. Have been reading this has been an ongoing issue with Subaru.

    NHTSA complaint #11543458 · source
12. Filed Aug 1, 2023WIOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

    I have ~50,000 miles and have had an excessive amount of chips on my front windshield. Getting them filled doesn't matter, and the windshield will crack. I've replaced the windshield twice since owning this vehicle at $1200+ (high costs due to front camera recalibration). I've owned many vehicles over the years and have never had a windshield chip or crack this frequent. I've seen many other complaints online, did Subaru cheap out on glass or is the wind shield angle…

    NHTSA complaint #11535666 · 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