Subaru Facing Class Action Lawsuit Over Windshield Cracks in Foresters, Outbacks

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak to anyone who owns or leases a 2017, 2018 or 2019 Subaru Forester, Outback or Legacy and had their windshield crack or chip.

A class action lawsuit has been filed alleging that the windshields in the Outback and Forester vehicles are “defective and dangerous” and that Subaru of America is doing nothing to remedy the problem. In light of these claims, attorneys working with ClassAction.org are opening their own investigation into the issue in the hopes of filing their own class action cases. They're also interested in whether the Legacy models suffer from the same issue.

What Problems Have Drivers Reported with the Windshields?

Drivers have posted countless complaints online and with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration saying that their windshields cracked “out of nowhere,” “overnight,” “by themselves,” “without any outside force,” and even while the vehicles were “not in motion.”

Here is a sample of complaints posted online regarding the Forester and Outback windshields.

My 2019 Subaru experienced spontaneous crack from under the wiper unit on the passenger side of the car.  The dealership insists it must be due to a rock or something hitting the window. Unfortunately, the crack appeared while the car was parked in my driveway and had not been hit by anything.  It has been a nightmare trying to get this windshield in operating condition and have been to the dealership and/or their repair agent…over five times and two going on three installations on a car that is one month old.”
— Owner of 2019 Subaru Outback, CarGurus.com

I had my 2019 Forester for a week when I woke up to a crack on the passenger side. The crack started at the bottom of the window and extended to the middle of the window. I had it ONE week! I can't believe folks are on their 4th replacement! I have been doing a bit of research and some people are on their 7th replacement. That is ridiculous!!...Someone needs to help me understand why Subaru isn't taking responsibility for this seemingly persistent problem? Definitely regretting my decision on buying another Subaru (I've had 2 others in the past).”
— Owner of 2019 Forester, CarGurus.com

2019 Subaru Outback purchased February 2019 with 7500 miles. Windshield crack developed on the passenger side edge, 1/2 up and grew toward the center. The vehicle has eyesight and that will need to be re-calibrated after the replacement. One estimate is up to $1500 including calibration. Subaru doesn't want to know anything. Funny how our 2005 Sienna has 263,000 miles and the original windshield.”
— Martin V., Forked River, NJ, CarComplaints.com

On February 15,2019, four days after the windshield was replaced, I received a rock chip that immediately cracked to a size larger than a dollar bill, beyond repair. I had expected better from the Subaru brand. I decided to purchase a Subaru Outback for the quality and reliability however after experiencing the poor windshield quality, I may not purchase another Subaru.”
— Andrea, 2018 Subaru Owner, CarComplaints.com

While driving on a paved road (No Gravel or rocks present), My windshield cracked in the lover passenger side. I had the windshield Replaced and the safety system recalibrated at a cost of almost $900.”
— 2018 Subaru Forester Owner, Eloy, AZ, NHTSA.gov

I’ve just had a crack appear in my 2017 Subaru Legacy. I was aware that Subaru was having problems with windshields cracking as I had such a problem with my 2015 Outback. Of course, the dealer said that the crack was not covered under the extended warranty provisions...I paid approximately $433 to have the windshield repaired.”
— David A. AGRR Magazine

Did Subaru Recall the Cars?

No. There has been no recall issued over the windshield problem. The lawsuit against Subaru alleges, however, that the car dealer knew about the issue due to the “tremendous volume of complaints” lodged by consumers, but continues to hide its information from the public and deny that any defect exists.

Not only do drivers have to replace or repair the broken or chipped glass, they must also spend money recalibrating their vehicles’ “EyeSight Driver Assist Technology,” which monitors traffic, checks for lane departure and optimizes cruise control.

Even after having their windshields fixed, some consumers have claimed that they needed additional replacements, as it has been alleged that Subaru is replacing the glass with the same defective part.

How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help? 

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