2025 Subaru Forester visibility problems

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Visibility · IL

Two occurences of rear hatch window shattering spontaneously while vehicle was parked, powered off. No symptoms, warning lamps, or messages were present. First incident, six months after production/purchase, factory-installed window shattered spontaneously while owner was seated in the car, parked, and engine turned off. Second incident, two months later, OEE replacement window shattered while vehicle was parked, powered off, unattended. Currently having third window installed by dealer and submitting report to Subaru of America.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Visibility · ME

On March 12, 2026, my 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, owned for less than 1 month at the time and purchased on 2/14/2026, sustained a star chip to the windshield during normal driving conditions. While the physical damage itself was minor, the vehicle is equipped with Subaru EyeSight, a camera-based advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that relies on precise optical clarity through the windshield. I'm now required to have the windshield replaced, because the manufacturer and dealer requires it. According to both Subaru and the vehicle’s owner’s manual (page 15), windshield replacement must be performed using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass to ensure proper calibration and safe operation of the EyeSight system. My insurance provider is attempting to authorize the use of aftermarket (non-OEM) windshield glass despite this. This presents a serious safety concern. The EyeSight system controls or assists with critical safety functions including pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. Aftermarket glass can introduce optical distortion or variation that can interfere with camera calibration and system performance. Using non-OEM glass in a vehicle designed around camera-based safety systems creates a risk that these features may not function as intended, potentially increasing the likelihood of a crash. This directly impacts federally recognized vehicle safety systems. There appears to be a gap between manufacturer safety requirements and insurance replacement practices. Consumers are being placed in a position where cost-saving measures may override safety-critical specifications. I'm requesting that the federal safety agency open a formal safety investigation into the use of non-OEM (aftermarket) windshields in vehicles equipped with camera-based ADAS systems. I further request that the federal safety agency establish clear regulatory guidance or requirements ensuring that windshield replacements follow manufacturer specifications, including the use of OEM glass.

Filed Feb 12, 2026 · Visibility · GA

Windshield crack started under windshield wiper and then within 12 hours spread from center of car to the passenger side. Took it to dealer then said there was an impact spot under the wipers. Based on other automobiles I have owned this should not have happened.

Filed Feb 1, 2026 · Visibility · TX

I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect with the windshield glass on my 2025 Subaru Forester. Since purchasing the vehicle in May 2025, I have experienced repeated windshield damage that seems excessive and abnormal for a new vehicle. Within the first two months of ownership, the windshield developed a rock chip. Approximately three months later, I experienced another rock chip that spread into a larger crack when I attempted to have it professionally repaired. Then, approximately two months after that, the windshield developed a large crack that is not repairable and requires full replacement. In total, my windshield has failed three times in less than one year of ownership under normal driving conditions. I have never experienced this frequency or severity of windshield damage with the cars I have owned in the past. This pattern suggests that the windshield glass may be unusually fragile or improperly designed for normal road conditions. The windshield is a critical safety component that supports the vehicle’s structural integrity and ensures proper airbag deployment. Repeated cracking raises serious concerns about occupant safety, visibility while driving, and the vehicle’s crashworthiness. I believe this may indicate a manufacturing or design defect in the windshield glass used in the 2025 Subaru Forester and warrants investigation before more drivers are affected.

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · Visibility · CA

since new, driver side mirror becomes jiggly at hwy speeds, cannot focus on detail. Hard to focus on cars zooming up from behind

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Visibility · 4,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that there were several dings and cracks on the front windshield of the vehicle. The contact stated that no objects had struck the windshield, and that the vehicle was mostly parked inside the garage. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2025 · Lights, Visibility · NJ

Driving at night , headlights low beam were weak and did not project far enough for me to see objects, the headlights cut off with complete darkness above a certain height I feel the car is unsafe to drive at night in low light situations , also raining conditions make the weak headlights worse

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Visibility · ID

A minor rock chip 4 weeks ago resulted in a cracked windshield with spider legs extending from the center point. My insurance carrier (USAA), two glass shops, and the Subaru service center said I should replace the windshield because the crack could extend at any moment without notice. They advised that this could compromise our safety due to obscured vision and the EyeSight system malfunctioning. Subaru parts, and the Subaru Customer Advocate departments, however advise that this part is back-ordered and there is no firm date when it will be available. It could be 6-8 weeks, or an undetermined time frame. I know that windshields are in fact available for I confirmed with Subaru dealers that this model Forester is continued to be produced on the assembly line in Gunma, Japan. All of the new vehicles have of course a windshield. The Subaru Customer Advocate department has refused to find out how to get a windshield shipped from the assembly plant to my dealer. This puts my wife and myself in continuous potential danger should the crack expand/shatter at any time.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Visibility · 4,000 miles · ND

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the driver's side mirror vibrated abnormally. The failure caused the reflection in the mirror to become distorted. The contact stated that while driving faster than 40 MPH, the vibration of the mirror increased. The contact stated that the Blind Spot warning operated as needed; however, the distortion of the mirror caused visual eye strain while looking into the mirror. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer three times, and the mirror was replaced on the first visit. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vibration reoccurred and was more pronounced. The contact stated that after the last visit to the dealer, a technician wedged two pieces of rubber into the mirror. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that there would be no further action taken. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Visibility · AZ

Driver side mirror and rearview mirror vibrate, visibility affected - especially at night with vibrating headlights. Confirmed by dealer. Rearview mirror replaced and continues with same vibration issue (actually a little more vibration). Driver side mirror continues to be on back order. No warning lights or such - driver notices issue.