2024 SUBARU OUTBACK Visibility/wiper Problems

In November 2024, our 2024 Subaru Outback began leaking a gooey substance from the upper portion of the windshield down the interior windshield. We would wipe it off and it would eventually come back. In September 2025, this gooey substance began leaking in additional spots down the interior windshield. It began to impair driving visibility as it ran further down the windshield. We brought the car in for inspection at our Subaru service center, and they acknowledged that this has been an issue with 2024 Subaru models. They said it is an improper windshield seal that occurred during manufacturing, and they will be replacing the windshield.

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. This appears to be a recurring defect that could pose a significant safety risk.

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. All driver assistance/collision prevention features are not available until the windshield is replaced and a recalibration is completed. Advantage Auto Glass of Rockford, IL will be inspecting the glass and can make it available for NHTSA evaluation. However, given that I have owned two Subaru Outbacks now, windshield weakness has been an issue with this vehicle, especially in warmer weather.

I purchased a 2024 Subaru Outback in July 2024 brand new. With less than 1,500 miles, I noticed an unexplained crack in the windshield one morning. The crack originated from the bottom with no visible impact and quickly spread. I wasn't event driving it and had not been driving it. Within a week, another crack appeared in an entirely different location, again with no sign of impact. When I initially brought this to Subaru’s attention, I was told it was due to a small chip from impact. However, I strongly disagree, as there was no such impact. Since that visit, four additional windshield cracks have formed, all originating from the bottom of the windshield, and none show any signs of external impact. I will be taking it back to Subaru for a fair resolution. There have been over 3,000 comments on just this issue with the NHTSA for Subaru Outback years 2022 through 2024.

Weather Conditions •Temperature: 40°F •Precipitation: Light rain Road Conditions: •Location: Interstate 79 South, Pittsburgh, PA •Road Type: Interstate highway •Road Quality: Normal, no visible deficiencies Vehicle Speed: •Approximately 65 mph Vehicle Occupants: •Driver (Adult) •2 Child Passengers Description of Damage: •27-inch crack across the windshield, extending into the driver’s primary field of vision Summary: While driving southbound on Interstate 79 near Pittsburgh, PA, at approximately 65 mph in light rain and a temperature of 40°F, defroster on , I heard a sudden, loud cracking noise from the windshield. Upon pulling over to inspect, I observed a crack approximately 27 inches long, originating at the base of the windshield and extending upward into my direct line of sight. I marked the crack to monitor its progression and continued the trip with caution. Damage Details and Observations: •The crack originates from the lower edge (root) of the windshield. •The crack changes direction as it extends and intersects with a small surface chip. •The chip measures approximately 0.039 inches (1mm) in diameter and 0.0018 inches (0.1mm) in depth. •The chip is located below the hood line and directly behind the windshield wiper bracket, in an area not easily visible during standard inspections. Vehicle Information: Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition which is marketed and designed with enhanced off-road capabilities relative to the standard Outback model. Concerns: Based on the location, characteristics, and progression of the crack, I have strong doubts that this damage was caused solely by a foreign object impact (FOD). Furthermore, even if FOD was a contributing factor, the small size and isolated position of the chip — in an area shielded by the wiper bracket — raises serious concerns about the structural integrity of the windshield itself. The extent and propagation of the crack appear disproportionate to the damage

I have owned the car for one year. In that time, three repairs have been made to the windshield including one full windshield replacement that was completed today (Feb 15, 2024). The OEM windshield has a clear tendency to break/crack under typical road conditions. The incident requiring replacement involved a 12 inch crack appearing during driving. It may have been caused by minor road debris; however three repairs in 1 year is indicative of poor quality glass that endangers drivers through increased incidence of cracking/reduced visibility. I have never had cracks to this extent on any other vehicle owned.

STRESS CRACK ON LOWER PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH DEFROSTER ON IN COLD WEATHER TO WARM VEHICLE. CRACKED ON LOWER PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT ABOVE DEFROSTER. I WAS NOT DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN CRACK OCCURRED. THIS WAS A SPONTANEOUS CRACK ON FRONT WINDSHIELD. I HAVE APPOINTMENT AT DEALER TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD INSPECTED FOR A WARRANTY REPAIR BECAUSE THIS SHOULD BE COVERED WITH BUMPER TO BUMPER SUBARU WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE IS A 2024 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 8000 MILES. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENDING ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE.

While driving normally on the highway, the sunroof glass exploded with no warning or previous signs of wear. After reviewing dash cam footage, determined that it was not caused by foreign object.

Windshield cracks spontaneously

Windshield cracked unexpectedly

In the 5 whole days of ownership, our windshield chipped pretty easily from a small rock kicked up by another vehicle on the freeway. I’ve had a number of rocks and other things hit the windshield of plenty other cars i’ve had or have driven and non of them have ever chipped or cracked. We barely heard a pop, but all of a sudden a crack appeared. This event happed going maybe 50 mph at the most and caused great alarm for my wife who was driving. We were worried she would lose control of the vehicle. The outside temperature was 114 degrees, maybe that had something to do with it. Either way, we’re worried the crack will quickly expand on our way home to the Bay Area from San Diego. My neighbor and friends hav the same vehicle and mentioned having to replace their windshields multiple times from cracks. They all mention they have models with EyeSight technology.

I was traveling on highway 97 in Oregon and encountered a stretch of highway that had been recently graveled. I slowed down and was immediately passed by a long string of 18 wheeled trucks. By the time the string of trucks passed I had three separate chips in my windshield. The windshield should not break nearly so easy. The gravel used to resurface roads is very small and should never have caused that much damage. I believe the windshield in my Subaru Outback is far too flimsy and should be considered a material defect. They should be recalled and replaced with a more substantial windshield.

Windshield cracked after a tiny pebble hit at around 35mph. Dealer and Subaru of America refuse to take responsibility for their defective and poor quality windshields.

Windshield cracked 40 days after purchase with no apparent stone strike, collision or pressure. ~4 inch crack noticed from the top middle section where eyesight camera is mounted.

Vehicle has a crack in the windshield, likely from a small rock kicked up while driving on the highway. Vehicle is 5 months old with under 6,000 miles.

Subaru case # 231102-1901318 - recorded phone call for full discussion between me & Subaru to address this safety issue due to engineering Tried to help Subaru; was told: : "Engineering is not a consumer facing department." Driver side mirror does not adjust enough outboard to prevent blind spot from being larger than an approaching 4 door long bed pick up in lane to the left of 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Photo #1: with driver side mirror fully adjusted outboard, body of vehicle fills >1/3, <1/2 of mirror area. Should be just a hint of vehicle side. (I'm under 6' tall but drive with seat fairly back & seat back fairly forward. Photo #2 & #3: measured mirror deflection inside housing showing maximum driver side LESS than passenger side (When, given left side driver position, should be same or other way around. Have only good things to say about dealer. Purchased a handful of Subaru's there with positive results. Have only good things to say about Subaru customer service for ~ 25 previous years - until now. They refused to escalate my attempt to help them fix this obvious safety issue. An argument can be made that the blind spot monitor flashes. To which I respond: If you have a dog, do you stop locking your doors? If you have credit monitoring, can you click on all your suspect emails and leave your checkbook & credit cards out? Dealer service manager examined mirror: 1) mirror is same as on other similar models. 2) internal elements might be adjustable to improve ... but 3) Says Subaru engineering refused to authorize any internal mirror adjustment by dealer service department.

While driving on a state highway in the Phoenix Arizona area the moonroof glass exploded and shattered. The time was approximately 9:45 PM, the outside temperature was approximately 95*F , interior AC was set to MAX/AC, speed was 75 MPH. There was no indication of an object hitting the glass and the glass appeared to be broken from the inside going out.

The moon roof shattered. Have not even had the vehicle two days yet. It was fine yesterday (5/26/2023). Went out this afternoon (5/27/2023) and found the moon roof completely shattered and fractured. There is a hole near the rear center and fractures covering the entire moon roof window. We had not even operated the moon roof. This vehicle has less than 100 miles on it. Called the dealership and was told to call my insurance company because I could not prove it was caused by a defect.