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 2025 Subaru Forester owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wiper blade speed adjuster failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the wiper blade speed adjuster was set for a slow intermittent speed, however the speed increased. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned off, the contact closed the front passenger's door and the liftgate window exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,700.
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. …
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. …
I believe there should be a windshield recall due to abnormally easy cracking. I purchased/took ownership of my 2025 Subaru Forester, Touring model, on September 3, 2024. The odometer was just 4 miles. Barely a month later I had 2 cracks in the windshield; the 1st happened on October 2, 2024 and the 2nd occurred on October 13, 2024. Both happened simply while driving on interstate roads and something hitting my windshield (nothing big, didn't see any object and didn't even hear the 2nd one, just noticed the crack when I got home) . Two different places on the windshield. It is now November 12, 2024 and I have still not had the windshield replaced because SafeLite is waiting for an OEM windshield (which is on backorder with no delivery date yet provided). I have had it parked since the 2nd incident. …
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.
The head lights are seriously defective in low beam. In low beam the car is not road worthy. It is dangerous! It is available for inspection upon request. We did not drive the car after dark until a week after taking delivery. We were at risk as was any other vehicle on the road at that time. We have not driven the car after dark since. The dealer who sold the car to us has been made aware of the problem. No one has inspected the car. There were on warnings or symptoms.
Driver side exterior rear view mirror shakes/vibrates at highway speeds (65mph or higher) making it difficult to safely change lanes/view following traffic. The dealership inspected this and was able to replicate the issue, but said there is nothing they can be done / they've seen it before / it's just how it is - "not that bad". This is a dangerous defect and it needs to be fixed. It is especially a problem at nighttime.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2025 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2025 Subaru Forester, 20% of the model year's 98 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices › exterior (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2025 Subaru Forester window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2025 Subaru Forester, though it has 3 recalls for other components. 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 2025 Subaru Forester window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 4,000 miles, and 100% 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.