Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 7% | 2,000 miles |
| 2024 | 23 | 22% | — |
| 2023 | 19 | 21% | 3,000 miles |
| 2022 | 280 | 60% | 7,000 miles |
| 2021 | 107 | 36% | 3,000 miles |
| 2020 | 383 | 43% | 6,000 miles |
| 2019 | 386 | 37% | 11,000 miles |
| 2018 | 273 | 33% | 24,000 miles |
| 2017 | 233 | 25% | 36,000 miles |
| 2016 | 91 | 14% | 36,000 miles |
| 2015 | 142 | 28% | 11,000 miles |
| 2014 | 10 | 5% | 48,000 miles |
| 2013 | 14 | 5% | 45,000 miles |
| 2012 | 8 | 3% | 63,000 miles |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% | 34,000 miles |
| 2010 | 8 | 2% | 90,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% | 101,000 miles |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% | 99,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% | 64,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% | 125,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% | 98,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% | 87,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% | 38,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% | 55,000 miles |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% | 134,000 miles |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% | — |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% | — |
| 1998 | 5 | 4% | 35,000 miles |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% | — |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving during heavy rainfall, the front windshield displayed a distorted view while the windshield wipers were activated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not identified. The front windshield was cleaned. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with the manufacturing of the windshield glass. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
1.) Eyesight constantly turns off on a whim. No reason or rhyme to it but just turns off. Meaning none of my "safety" systems (lane departure, crash avoidance, emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, collision warnings, collision braking) are functioning. Then it turns on when it decides it wants to turns back on after awhile but will happen in the middle of a 30+mile drive. When has this happened? Intermittently since I've purchased the car 11/23/2024. It's happened at least a dozen or more times. Dealership says nothing is wrong with car and they cannot replicate issue. This is just one of many issues with the new Subaru. Others are auto start stop does not function as it should per the User Manual. 12/4/2024 Passenger outside mirror does not defrost as stated it should in User Manual. 12/4/2024 Mileage for the Wilderness edition rarely hits minimum estimated MPG. constant
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, I received a warning that my EyeSight was disabled in the middle of driving. This meant that I was unable to utilize cruise control or any driver assistance functions. The weather was clear, sunny, and there was nothing obstructing the EyeSight cameras, nor were there any cracks in the windshield. The following day, Monday, July 14, EyeSight worked normally in the morning, but was disabled in the afternoon. Again, the cameras were clear of any obstructions and no cracks were visible on the windshield. Cruise control and driver assistance features were unavailable. On the morning of Tuesday, July 15, I came out to a 7-8 inch crack in the windshield, on the passenger side. No impact had occurred to cause this crack and it was not present the previous days. EyeSight is still disabled due to this and the windshield needs a full replacement. …
I own a 2024 Subaru Outback Wildnerness with approximately 3,000 miles. After about four months of ownership, the windshield suddenly developed a long crack starting from the edge on the passenger side. There was no major rock strike or outside impact - the crack appeared while the vehicle was parked and quickly spread across the glass. This is a major safety concern because the crack extends into the drivers field of vision, reducing visibility. It may also compromise the structural integrity of the windshield in the event of a collision and interfere with the proper function of the Subaru EyeSight safety system, which relies on the windshield mounted cameras. I contacted the dealership, but they claimed the issue was not covered under warranty. After researching, I found that many other Subaru owners have reported similar windshield failures. …
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds on three separate occasions, a rock struck the front windshield causing the windshield to crack. While driving at unknown speeds in the fog, the Apple car play safety feature disengaged. The contact was unable to use the driver's assist. The eye safety center disabled message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a glass repair facility and the windshield was replaced. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the safety features might disengage under various weather conditions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 2,200.
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that hundreds of tiny air bubbles had formed over the front windshield. Additionally, there were air bubbles on a portion of the front driver's and passenger's side windows. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where a service technician inspected the vehicle with a pen and claimed that the windows had been sandblasted which caused the failure. The contact disputed the claim and said that no work had been performed on the windows. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, a small rock struck the windshield and immediately caused a crack. The windshield was replaced by the insurance company and the dealer. The contact stated that while driving a cracking sound was heard and the windshield cracked with glass pieces falling off. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that a rock had struck the windshield causing the damage. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was informed that she should contact NHTSA as there was an issue with the OEM windshields. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,800.
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while reversing out of his residence garage at approximately 2 MPH, he had noticed a long crack in the front windshield which had started on the passenger's side of the windshield and extended across, moving upwards and stopped underneath the rearview mirror. The contact had not noticed any strike marks on the windshield that could have caused the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was determined that the windshield needed to be replaced. The contact was directed to a third-party windshield repair shop. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
Related recalls (6)
Visibility › Windshield
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle.
Remedy: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
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.
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.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011. The moonroof glass may come loose or detach. The amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied.
Remedy: Subaru has notified the affected owners, and dealers will inspect the glass adhesion condition and either apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass, free of charge.
Visibility/wiper
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011. Components inside the wiper motor bottom cover may overheat.
Remedy: Subaru has notified all affected owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly free of charge. The safety recall began February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Show 1 more recall
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2011 outback and legacy vehicles manufactured from August 3, 2010, through July 1, 2011. The moonroof glass May come loose or detach. The amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass adhesion condition and either apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Outback years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2019 (386), 2020 (383), 2022 (280), 2018 (273) and 2017 (233) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 37% of all complaints for the 2019.
Is there a recall for Subaru Outback window & wiper problems?
Yes — 6 recalls, including 22V-712 (windshield, Sep 22, 2022); 18V-935 (rearview mirrors/devices, Dec 31, 2018); 16V-694 (motor, Sep 27, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Outback window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 21,000 miles; 85% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield (245 mentions), followed by the sun/moon roof assembly (17).
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.