Windshield cracks with the slightest rock hit making the windshield unsafe to continue use. Had two replacements in first six months
2021 Subaru Forester: windshield cracks
68 of the 215 complaints about the 2021 Subaru Forester describe windshield cracks.
- owner complaints
- 68
- of this car's complaints
- 32%
- typical mileage
- 3,400
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Windshield cracks by model year
What owners say
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.
**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 has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. **Warning Signs**: There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure; the issue appeared in the first week after purchase.
Windshield has spontaneously cracked 2 times within ~30 days in the lower passenger side. No preceding event or chips in the windshield before cracking.
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.
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.
Had a rock barely touch my windshield causing a crack
My Forester was parked and when I started the car I heard a pop, pop, pop. Looked at my front windshield and watched it crack from the lower left - driver side - up to the center of window, with each pop. Googled - the community has posted similar problems with Subaru windshields. Temperature on [XXX] in Phoenix was 60 degrees at the time of windshield popping. No impact, parked car, started engine and crack just started and I watched it expand from 2 inches to 24". Very scary! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Barely pushed on inside of windshield with foot and it cracked in a million directions.
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.
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.
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 ineffective in shedding simple road debris from causing failures? I have concerns that the windshield would be unable to stop larger debris from entering the cabin and potentially injuring occupants.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This announcement is in regard to the warranty extension initiated for windshields for the models listed.
- In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited...
- In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited...
- This announcement is in regard to settlement in a class action lawsuit for vehicles that will receive a...
- This bulletin announces the design change to the front window channel running channel seals.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2021 Subaru Forester windshield crack
Is windshield cracks a common problem on the 2021 Subaru Forester?
68 of 215 owner complaints about the 2021 Subaru Forester (32%) mention windshield cracks. The model year with the most reports is 2019.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Subaru Forester?
There are 0 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Subaru Forester
Start-stop 16Stalling 13Wipers 8Battery drain 6Headlights 6Loss of power 6Sudden acceleration 6Warning lights 6Hesitation 5
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