Check a VIN

2018 Subaru Forester visibility problems

156 complaints (31% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 20,000.

owner complaints
156
of this car's complaints
31%
typical mileage
20,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Windshield
    18
  • Rear window wiper/washer
    1
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: condensor/evaporator
    1
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: compressor
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Subaru Forester visibility problems in other years

199820052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Subaru Forester visibility

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Windshield crack 119Wipers 13

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2018 Subaru Forester owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Visibility · MD

The air conditioning system of my 2017 Subaru Forrester suddenly went out without warning. I noticed a defect when the A/C started buzzing with a high pitched sound and blowing semi-warm air instead of cool. I took my auto to a car repair shop. He provided this diagnostic analysis: Normal coolant level in the system. Performed Leak Detection Test- no detectable leak found at this time. A/C system pressures are too high on both pressure ports. A/C compressor has an internal noise. System is clogged. Ventilation interior cabin filter inspected and given a check at 24, 027 miles. Inspected , removed and replaced engine and cabin air filters at 41,600 miles. Inspected and removed and replaced engine and cabin air filters at 56,375. There are no other A/C related inspection or maintenance requirements to be accomplished (reference Subaru Forrester Maintenance/ Automation Subaru Arapahoe.My vehicle currently has 64,695 miles. My mechanic is currently working up an estimate for the A/C condenser, clutch, pump replacement... essentially the entire system. I consider this a latent defect and wish to be compensated for the repairs. Due to the weather, I wish to have the repairs accomplished and then be reimbursed. I have read articles on line stating this defect has become commonplace for 2017 and 2018 Subaru Forresters. This should be a recall item.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Visibility · IL

Unknown

Filed May 27, 2025 · Visibility · PA

Windshield cracked sitting parked matching Subaru TSB 12-192-15R except model of vehicle and Subaru stating not covered under the class action warranty extension

Filed Feb 6, 2025 · Visibility · TX

Windshield cracked starting in the black area under the driver's windshield wiper. Car was idling at a drive through, wipers were on. NOTE: car had fewer than 22,500k miles at the time, was likely around 22,485+. The crack continued to climb to the top edge of the window as my car sat on the driveway.

Filed Sep 16, 2024 · Visibility · NJ

Windshield broke while sitting parked. Was not impacted by flying objects. Had to replace out of pocket.

Filed Feb 22, 2024 · Visibility · MO

A few days ago, a crack suddenly appeared in the windshield. It appeared when the car was parked in the garage. I reached out to SUbaru and they wanted me to take it to dealtership and get pictures taken. So, i complied and pictures were taken. The cause was given as a less than a mm speckk hitting about 1 inch or so above from dash. Area where glass is supposed to be strongest. I repeat, the cause was less than a mm sized dust particle. The vehicle was driven on paved roads, within city at a max speed of 60 miles per hour. MY concen is that when such a small speck can cause a crack, what is to say a 5 mm particle will not blow the windshield on my face. This is a serious quality concern and I am afraid to drive Subaru with Subaru parts in it. ALl while it is advertised as rugged off road vehicle. After reading through forums, it was found that a lot of folks have had this issue and SUbaru has had recalls on some vehicles for the same quality of windshield issue. The response from Subaru was that they make thin glass because of eyesight technology. Either ways, Subaru has compromised on quality to add a piece of technology. Compromise that could shatter the windshield while driving on highways causing accident or worse. I will be happy to provide pictures and communication with Subaru if needed.

Filed Aug 2, 2023 · Visibility · NJ

We are on our 4th windshield with this vehicle and just got a crack overnight on it, nothing that we could tell hit it. 1 other time this has happened where it randomly cracked. The first two were rock strikes but nothing out of the ordinary, I've had much harder hits to my 2011 WRX with no issue, not even a chip. A smaller than golf ball sized rock hit the passenger side of the windshield the 2nd break and glass CAME INTO THE VEHICLE ALL OVER THE DASH. Glass repair place said they see Subarus with the eyeSight the most of any vehicle type.

Filed May 18, 2023 · Visibility · AR

Went out in the morning to get in my car and noticed the windshield was a crack that starts close to bottom of windshield on passengers side and goes up and across about half of the windshield. I have not noticed anything else wrong with the windshield. It literally cracked while sitting in the driveway. There were no rock pecks or anything that I had observed prior to this happening.

Filed Apr 14, 2023 · Visibility · VA

2018 Forester: front windshield. Second crack in windshield in 14 months. First crack: A minor rock strike caused small crack in windshield, within several days, spider web of cracks evolved from initial small impact. Windshield was examined and replaced at Subaru dealership: cost: $1674.00. (02/25/22). (including eye sight system as needed) Second strike: 03/31/2023: Same scenario, small impact on highway, crack is now 17" across middle of windshield.

Filed Feb 4, 2023 · Visibility · NC

Windshield crack developed in July of 2022 on the passenger side of the vehicle. The small crack grew large within a day, covering half the windshield. This crack developed out of nowhere - no items had hit the windshield. In January of 2023, less than a year later, a crack developed again in the exact same location. The crack again spread across half the windshield.

Questions about the 2018 Subaru Forester visibility

Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 156 complaints about the visibility of the 2018 Subaru Forester, 31% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2018 Subaru Forester visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 20,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Subaru Forester visibility?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Subaru Forester have the most visibility problems?

The Subaru Forester model years with the most visibility complaints are 2019 (406 complaints), 2020 (301 complaints) and 2018 (156 complaints).

Other 2018 Subaru Forester problems

Airbags 99Electrical 71Engine 32Acceleration 30Seats 30Steering 25Transmission 23Driver assistance 21Fuel system 21Suspension 15Body 14Brakes 14Seat belts 10Wheels 6Lights 2Tires 2

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2018 Subaru Forester?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history