This announcement is in regard to the warranty extension initiated for windshields for the models listed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Subaru Forester visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Subaru Forester have filed 387 NHTSA complaints about the visibility, typically surfacing around 9,000 miles at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
387
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Forester | 23 |
| 2016 Forester | 21 |
| 2017 Forester | 105 |
| 2018 Forester | 146 |
| 2019 Forester (this page) | 387 |
| 2020 Forester | 287 |
| 2021 Forester | 82 |
| 2022 Forester | 20 |
| 2023 Forester | 11 |
When does it fail?
Of the 387 visibility complaints filed for the 2019 Subaru Forester, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 19 model years of Subaru Forester we track for visibility problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 387.
Visibility accounts for 47% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the Front Windshield used in the above listed models and model years from three (3) years / 36,000 miles to eight (8) years / 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). If a customer experiences windshield damage, inspect the damage as per the guidelines supplied in this bulletin to confirm if the damage is covered under the Warranty Extension.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the Front Windshield used in the above listed models and model years from three (3) years / 36,000 miles to eight (8) years / 100,000 miles (whichever comes first).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This announcement is in regard to settlement in a class action lawsuit for vehicles that will receive a limited warranty extension for original equipment Subaru windshields experiencing a qualifying crack.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces availability of a new variable displacement type A/C compressor designed to address a small number of customer concerns regarding an excessive sound heard when the system is OFF.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report that 2019 Forester windshields crack far more easily than windshields on comparable vehicles they've owned. Small rock chips—the kind that would normally be a minor cosmetic repair—rapidly expand into large cracks (18 inches to 3+ feet) within hours, sometimes while the vehicle is parked. A faint "tink" sound that barely registers causes replacement-level damage. Owners with 25+ years of driving history say they've never experienced this frequency of windshield failure.
A significant subset reports spontaneous cracks appearing without any audible impact, no visible chip, and no prior debris contact. These typically originate below the windshield wiper blade or near the defroster heating element. Some owners describe turning on the defroster in cold weather and hearing a loud pop as a large crack forms instantly. No manufacturer investigation has confirmed the cause.
Windshield replacement is expensive by necessity: EyeSight camera calibration requires OEM Subaru glass only; aftermarket glass doesn't work. A single replacement with recalibration runs $2,000–$3,200. Several owners report 17-day dealership backlogs for windshield inventory. Some owners have needed three to five replacements within 18–24 months on vehicles with low mileage (under 25,000 miles). Insurance deductibles and rate increases compound the cost.
One owner documented a rear side window that shattered allegedly from air pressure with no visible impact. Another observed the hood metal is unusually soft and dents from acorns falling on it.
Same Subaru Forester visibility reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Windshield cracking from minor impact and rapid propagation
Small rock chips, pebbles, or minor debris impact the windshield and rapidly develop into large cracks (spanning feet in length) within hours to days, sometimes while the vehicle is parked. Owners report that similar impacts on other vehicles did not result in replacement-level cracks.
When: Throughout ownership, from early weeks to beyond 2 years; occurs at various mileages from under 1,000 to over 23,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield develops a small chip or pit from minor rock impact; Chip rapidly expands into a large crack (18 inches to 3+ feet) within hours; Crack sometimes appears directly in driver's line of sight; Owner heard only a faint 'tink' or 'tick' sound, not a hard impact; Multiple chips accumulate over short periods (3–4 chips in months)
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replacement required; costs $1,000–$1,200+ for OEM Subaru glass. EyeSight camera recalibration required post-replacement, costs $1,000–$2,000 additional. Owners report 17-day backlog at dealership for new windshields. Aftermarket glass cannot be used because EyeSight system requires OEM glass.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru has not issued a recall. Dealer typically attributes cracks to rock impact and denies warranty coverage. Subaru corporate told owners issue is 'environmental' and not manufacturer responsibility. Some dealers covered first replacement as 'gesture of good will' without acknowledging defect. Class-action lawsuit filed against Subaru for 2017–2020 Foresters (and other models) for defective windshields.
Spontaneous windshield cracking without visible impact
Windshield develops substantial cracks while parked or during normal driving, with no audible impact sound, no visible chip or impact point, and no prior contact with debris. Cracks often originate below the windshield wiper area or at the defroster heating element.
When: Often after vehicle has been parked for hours or overnight; some occur while driving at low speeds; temperatures ranging from cool (25°F) to warm (90°F) with defroster/heater in use
Symptoms owners cite: Large crack appears spontaneously, spanning 12 inches to 2+ feet; No sound of impact; owner unaware of any collision or debris strike; Crack originates below windshield wiper blade or near defroster/heating element; No visible chip, dent, or impact point upon close inspection; Crack path is a straight line or gentle curve, not a star-burst pattern; Some cracks appear after defroster or wiper heater is activated; Occurs while parked in garage, driveway, or parking lot
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replacement required; costs $1,000–$1,200+ for OEM glass. EyeSight recalibration $1,000–$2,000. Some owners report multiple spontaneous cracks necessitating 2–4 replacements within 12–24 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru has not issued a recall. Dealers acknowledge spontaneous cracks but claim defect is not confirmed and deny warranty coverage. Some owners report dealers citing 'seam issue' or glass defect in private conversations but corporate offices do not follow up. Online research by owners indicates a known issue in past Subaru models (2015 and earlier Foresters) but ongoing problem not formally acknowledged for 2019 model.
Windshield glass brittleness and susceptibility to chipping
Windshield glass is excessively brittle or thin, chipping or pitting easily from minor road debris (salt, sand, small pebbles, hail) that would not damage windshields on other vehicle brands. Owners with multiple prior vehicles report unprecedented frequency of chips on the 2019 Forester.
When: Throughout first year and beyond; accelerated during winter (salt/sand) and highway driving; can occur at low speeds (30 mph) and even in parking lots
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple small chips or pits accumulate rapidly (3–5+ within weeks to months); Minor debris (salt, sand, hail, tiny pebbles) causes visible chips; Chips progress to cracks within hours or days; Window surface feels rough to the touch with many small divots; Dealership confirms hood metal is also unusually soft (dented by acorns); Owner notes are easier to chip than other vehicles (Honda, Toyota, Volvo, Acura owned for comparison)
Repairs/costs cited: Individual chip repairs are not always effective; cracks typically require full windshield replacement ($1,000–$1,200+) and EyeSight recalibration ($1,000–$2,000). Some dealerships declined repair warranty claims when cracks exceeded 12 inches.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership attributes chipping to road debris and denies it is a manufacturing defect. Subaru has not issued a recall or service bulletin addressing glass brittleness. One owner reports dealer mentioned possibility that thinner glass was used to accommodate EyeSight cameras. No OEM solution or replacement glass option offered.
Thermal stress cracking from defroster/wiper heater use
Windshield cracks originate from or near the windshield defroster heating element or wiper blade heater, particularly when activated in cold or temperature-change conditions. Owners report cracks appearing immediately after turning on defroster or wiper heater.
When: After turning on defroster or wiper heater in cold weather (25–40°F ambient); after vehicle has been parked in sun with interior hot, then A/C activated; after snowstorm or rain
Symptoms owners cite: Crack starts at the bottom center of windshield below defroster or wiper heating element; Crack initiates immediately or within minutes of activating defroster/heater; Path of crack follows area where heating element is located; No visible impact or chip at origin point; Often a straight or gently curved line rather than star-burst; Some owners report sound of 'loud pop' or 'click' when crack forms; Crack length ranges from 6 inches to 2+ feet
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replacement required ($1,000–$1,200+). EyeSight recalibration ($1,000–$2,000). Owners report insurance coverage varies; some insurers hesitant to approve OEM replacement due to unusual circumstances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru and dealers have not formally acknowledged thermal stress as a design or manufacturing defect. One owner reports online research indicated this is a known past issue (2015 Foresters) but no current TSB or recall for 2019 model. Subaru customer service opened claim but dealership did not pursue investigation. One service manager privately acknowledged issue with glass seam or quality but corporate office did not follow up.
Rear side window spontaneous cracking from air pressure
Rear passenger side windows shatter or break spontaneously, without visible external impact, allegedly due to air/wind pressure from nearby vehicles or wind conditions.
When: While driving (truck passing vehicle on road) or while parked (landscaper working nearby, other vehicles driving by)
Symptoms owners cite: Rear passenger window suddenly breaks or shatters; Glass flies into vehicle interior; No rock or debris visible to have caused the break; Break appears to coincide with passage of large vehicle or strong air pressure; Owner believes excessive air/wind pressure caused failure
Repairs/costs cited: Window replacement cost $550 per window. Repair performed at independent shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru dealership told owners repair is not covered under warranty. Subaru corporate office told owners it is 'environmental' and Subaru is not responsible. Owner noted online that other Subaru owners reported the same issue.
Hood metal too soft and prone to denting
Hood metal is unusually soft and dents easily from falling debris (acorns, hail). Hood also wobbles during driving from wind and air circulation.
When: During normal use; dents reported after acorns fell on hood; wobbling occurs while driving at various speeds or going through car wash
Symptoms owners cite: Dents form easily on hood from minor impacts (acorns); Hood metal confirmed by independent mechanic to be very soft; Hood wobbles while driving, allowing air to circulate underneath; Multiple dents on hood surface
Repairs/costs cited: Owner did not repair hood dents; noted it as secondary observation related to overall quality concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not addressed by manufacturer.
Synthesized from 387 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
The car has 12600ish miles. There are no rock chips, etc. The windshield cracked for no apparent reason. It didn't have any when we parked last night and now there is a 6 inch crack coming from the bottom center. There were no instances of rocks, driving over bumps, etc.the car didn't have a crack when we parked it last night and all of the sudden does today.
Was driving on a us hwy when all if a sudden I heard a loud snap. I was passing a semi at the time so thought the sound might have come from the semi throwing rocks. At that time there was no evidence of a chip or crack on the windshield. The next morning the windshield was cracked from the far right side across the driver's line if view.
I have had my 2019 Subaru forester for 18 months. I have 15,500 miles and suddenly my windshield cracked from the bottom center to 13" up towards the driver side. I do not see an impact on glass. No apparent noise of rock or debris. It was approximately 44 degrees and raining. I travel the same route to work for the last two months with no apparent signs of construction or loose road material. I…
On 10/23/19, I noticed a crack in the windshield of my 2019 Subaru forester. I had not seen or heard anything hit the windshield prior to seeing the crack. I took the Subaru forester to the dealership from where I bought it and was informed that windshield replacement was not covered by my warranty. I then paid safelite $772.10 on 10/25/19 to replace the windshield.
Cracked windshield that I had a fix done but crack seems to be getting worse.
My forester have windshield cracked without any reason. No stone hitting no chips. Just broken while it's parked. It's definitely a manufacturing defect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Subaru forester. While driving 40 MPH, the contact heard a loud cracking sound coming from the driver's side window. The contact pulled over and felt some rough spots that were cracks on the glass. The contact called kearny mesa Subaru (4797 convoy st, san diego, ca 92111, (858) 278-7100) and was informed to call her insurance company because they could not assist. The…
Very small rock hit windshield while on highway, causing tiny chip near the driver's a pillar. Within 24 hours the window had cracked across the length of the windshield, necessitating replacement. I have a photo. I believe the resulting destruction of the entire windshield due to a very small chip is preposterous and should not have occurred.
Defected windshield, windshield cracked. Was driving on the freeway attached photos are the same today as the day it happen.
Had visibility trouble with your 2019 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2019 Subaru Forester?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 387 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Across the 262 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 4,200 and 16,000 miles, with the median around 9,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,200; a quarter make it past 16,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Subaru/Forester.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.