2019 Subaru Outback visibility & wipers problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

316 owners have reported visibility & wipers problems with the 2019 Subaru Outback, 35% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 15,000 mi.

Visibility & Wipers complaints
316
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
15,000 mi

Specific components reported

Visibility & Wipers covers: Windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors and windows.

ComponentComplaints
Visibility/wiper256
Visibility:windshield58
Visibility4
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:windshield:electrical heating element1

Visibility & Wipers complaints across Subaru Outback years

120051220081120104120124302015431792017190316201937810720212801920232362025
Visibility & Wipers complaints by model year. The 2019 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

55Under 10k10610k–30k2830k–60k360k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 3, 202640,250 miWIVisibility & Wipers
    The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH the front windshield cracked approximately 6 inches from the heat sensor, no warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not diagnosed as the contact was advised that the vehicles VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,250.
    NHTSA complaint #11754601 · source
  2. Filed May 21, 2025GAVisibility & Wipers
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11662335 · source
  3. Filed Apr 24, 2025FLVisibility & Wipers
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11656604 · source
  4. Filed Mar 25, 2025WAVisibility & Wipers
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11650370 · source
  5. Filed Dec 10, 2024116,000 miCOVisibility & Wipers
    The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the front windshield cracked without impact during colder temperatures. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11629861 · source
  6. Filed Dec 4, 202485,000 miIDDriver Assistance & Safety TechVisibility & Wipers
    The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the display screen malfunctioned and flashed off and on. During the failure, the back-up camera became inoperable and created a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V935000…
    NHTSA complaint #11628838 · source
  7. Filed Sep 27, 2024ARVisibility & Wipers
    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,…
    NHTSA complaint #11616944 · source
  8. Filed Jul 22, 2024ILOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11603927 · source
  9. Filed Jul 18, 2024KSVisibility & Wipers
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11603292 · source
  10. Filed Jun 17, 2024VTDriver Assistance & Safety TechVisibility & Wipers
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11594721 · source
  11. Filed Jun 11, 2024UTOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11593703 · source
  12. Filed Jun 1, 2024CAVisibility & Wipers
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11591914 · source

Other 2019 Subaru Outback problem areas

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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