Crack in the windshield with no apparent evidence of an object hitting the windshield. It started below the windshield wiper on the passenger side. Within days it spread several feet toward the middle of the windshield. The glass repair center noted that this is a common occurrence on Subaru Outbacks.
2018 Subaru Outback: windshield wiper failure
15 of the 816 complaints about the 2018 Subaru Outback describe windshield wiper failure.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 22,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Windshield wiper failure by model year
What owners say
I was changing the passenger side wiper blade, and when the wiper was lowered to the windshield, the windshield cracked. The crack is now moving up towards the forward eyesight detection system.
Windshield has a long crack in it that begins under the passenger side windshield wiper. There are no signs of impact whatsoever. First noticed the crack in early January of 2022. Initially, it was a small crack, however, within hours it grew to the driver side. I noticed the initial crack when I was parking and the crack grew without me moving my vehicle or driving it.
Driving vehicle slowly over speed bump leaving air force base. Heard popping sound at windshield on passenger side. Day later had a large crack in windshield. Crack started under windshield wiper on passenger side. Subaru dealership advised windshield crack not under 3 year/36000 mile warranty.
2018 subaru outback deveolped a crack in the windshield that originated on the lower left corner in the de-icer region. The curious location of this crack LED me to seek out what could have happened. I found a service bulletin from subaru in 2015 subarus that specifically state "these types of damage would only be covered by this warranty extension if the windshield is identified as having the above outlined condition and the damage originates in the affected wiper deicer area. Other forums again and again mention recurring problems originating in this de-icer area and quickly propagating the rest of the windshield. Cracks in subaru windshields often render eyesight unusable. Additionally the cost to replace these windshields is very high as you have to factor in recalibrating the eyesight equipment. I spoke to subaru of america and they stated that "this was from outside influences/impact and there are other impact areas on other spots on the windshield." the refused to acknowledge the connection between this service bulletin/numerous other subar owners forums/unusual are for a rock to hit or crack to form. Also, the vehicle is still under warranty. I am disappointed that this safety hazard as occurred and subaru not only refuses to authorize replacement, but they refuse to acknowledge that there is a problem with the windshields cracking.
Like many others, my windshield started cracking in 2 separate places. One long crack from just above the wiper blade spanning 18 inches, and another one that starts from midway up on the passenger side about 2 feet long that almost links up with the other one. Windshield was not struck and just occurred while in my driveway and garage in florida.
Windshield crack under wipers on passenger side. Car was parked in driveway for 2 days. Under stay in place orders. 2 cracks about 1 inch apart, no sign of impact. Crack became a long line into the driver view. While driving for 1/2 mile. Called subaru and mentioned that nothing hit car. They said no problems with windshields have been recorded.
While driving on a trip, a crack appeared on the lower passenger portion of the windshield and proceeded to grow up and across the windshield over the next 24 hours. Often times the crack growth was observable. Subaru would not cover because the crack had already exceeded their size limit before it could get into a shop. No preceding event, like a rock hitting the windshield, was observed. The location of the divot was too low and close to the wiper blade for a rock at highway speed.
My windshield cracked from below where the wipers are into a huge crack. No rock hit me.
I have a 2018 subaru outback (less than 2 years old). Driving on the highway and heard a glass crack. Then I noticed that there was a large window crack starting from the bottom of the windshield (driver side windshield wiper) and curving upwards towards the center. Pulled over to check, and there was no signs of obvious rocks hitting the windshield where the crack appeared. I recall driving in the morning and as the weather warmed up the window crack occurred. Not sure if temperature may have caused this, but in any case the windshield should not be cracking on its own without obvious signs of impact by objects. I believe this to be a defective windshield issue.
My front windshield developed a spontaneous crack below the wiper blade. It was stationery.
Windshield spontaneously cracked. Was not hot by any object. Subaru outback 2018. Crack initiated below drivers side windshield wiper.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosing and repairing customer concerns of a “popping” or...
- This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies developed to address the...
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling 2018 model year Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles equipped...
- EyeSight Acceptable Windshield Repair Areas
Related recalls
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Risk
- Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.
Recall number 18V935000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2018 Subaru Outback wipers
Is windshield wiper failure a common problem on the 2018 Subaru Outback?
15 of 816 owner complaints about the 2018 Subaru Outback (2%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 2019.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Subaru Outback?
There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2018 Subaru Outback
Windshield crack 217Battery drain 73Backup camera 60Won't start 31Screen failure 20Stalling 20Sudden acceleration 16Sunroof shattered 12Lane assist 11Jerking 10Pulling 10Fuel gauge 9Key fob 9Adaptive cruise 7No deployment 6Grinding brakes 6Collision warning 6Headlights 6Loss of power 6CVT failure 5Fuel pump 5Hesitation 5Power steering loss 5
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