Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Subaru Crosstrek owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated after entering the vehicle it was discovered that the front windshield had developed a crack extending approximately four inches from the top of the windshield to the rearview mirror attachment. The contact indicated that no object or rocks had made contact with the windshield to cause the crack. The cause of the failure was not determined. The windshield was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 13,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while entering the vehicle she noticed that the front windshield had a 10-inch crack on the driver's side. The contact stated that an object had not struck the windshield to cause the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.
I noticed my windshield spontaneously cracked, without any trauma. This was noticed in the morning after my car had been sitting in the garage overnight. There were no rocks or other debris that hit the car, and there does not appear to be a point of impact. The crack seems to have occurred spontaneously, with no precipitating event or warning. This is dangerous because it could impair visibility, the functioning of eye sight camera/safety system, and could easily expand and cause shattering of glass. It makes me concerned about the integrity of the windshield. Several other subaru owners have reported this problem of spontaneous windshield cracking online. This occurred on my car on 4/3/2023. I have photo evidence of the faulty windshield, it has not yet been inspected by a dealer.
6-8in windshield crack on passenger side, near the bottom just above defrost vents. No apparent trauma to the windshield in that area. No indication that there was a crack forming otherwise; appeared seemingly overnight. Have not yet reported to insurance, dealer, or mfg. I have seen that there was a class action settled recently regarding some Subaru windshields cracking without warning so this may be a known issue. Car is available for inspection upon request.
My car was parked outside when one morning I noticed a 2-inch crack started from the edge of the windshield on the passenger side of my vehicle which grew to 19 inches in the following days. The crack feels smooth from the outside and to my knowledge didn't happen due to any impact. My vehicle is available for any inspection. I have not taken my car to the manufacturer regarding this issue yet.
The windshield has formed a crack in the top middle around the area of the rear view mirror with no incident to cause it. The problem is easily identifiable and may cause safety issues if the crack spreads. At this time insurance representatives and the manufacturer have not inspected the windshield. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior. It just cracked out of nowhere.
The windshield has cracked twice and had to be replaced. The first time was December 2021 and the second time was November 2022. Each time, we did not even see impact with a pebble. We just assume that was what caused the crack. My wife and I have been driving for fifty years and this is the first time we have had to replace a windshield. Subaru needs to fix this problem.
My 2020 Subaru crosstrek has repeatedly had its windshield crack for little to no reason. I have noticed my windshield crack in a similar spot (near the vin number area) multiple times with no incidents where a rock or other debris struck the windshield. This provides a visual distraction and safety issue while driving.
Just under 1600 miles noticed crack extending from the right hand edge of the windshield approx 6 in. Some flaking along the line. Took to dealer, sales manager looked at it and said it was a stone chip. His boss came out and said it was a stone chip from 10 ft away then a third person came out of the show room and from 15 ft said it was stone chip and to just turn it into my insurance company. My wife drives the car and said that nothing hit the windshield while she was driving. Was told that I have to have an OEM replacement windshield (wonder how long that one will last) or the Subaru eyesight would not align properly and therefore not work. I haven't got a cost for the glass and installation yet but alignment takes 1.5 hours at $172.00 per hour. And if the total is more than $750.00 it counts as a ding on my insurance.
I've only had my brand new 2020 Subaru Crosstrek for 4 1/2 months and I just got a 2nd crack in my windshield. Last month a small pebble flew off of a construction truck, hit my windshield and cracked it, while I was driving on the highway. Two days ago, I heard a light tap while driving 55 MPH on a city street and now I have another crack. I was the only one on the road and didn't see anything hit my windshield. I assume it was a pebble that hit my windshield but I'm not sure. I'm now afraid of the windshield because I drive a long distance to work. My fear is my entire windshield shattering in my face or my passenger's face while driving on the highway. This is a huge safety issue. I will be going to safelite again to get this 2nd crack repaired.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Crosstrek years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, 49% of the model year's 69 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Subaru Crosstrek window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2020 Subaru Crosstrek window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 5,000 miles, and 96% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.