Before this car was 2 years old, we had two significant dings and one major crack in the windshield. We've owned a lot of cars over the years and only one other time have we had windshield problems but this car seems to get dings at the drop of a hat. We think the large crack started when we were on the interstate and we heard something hit the windshield and the crack started right away at the very top where it meets the rooftop. I haven't replaced it yet because I'm waiting for the next ding or chip to happen before we dish out over $1000 for a new windshield. We've had other issues with this car, like electrical and phone syncing problems that I should report in another complaint. Overall I have loved this car but the windshield and the electrical quirks are definitely annoying.
I purchased my 2019 Forester in May 2019. In March of this year while on a trip out of state the windshield cracked spontaneously in our 2019 Subaru Forester Sport. It is a very significant crack! There were no dings or chips in the windshield, no traffic on the highway and driving in clear weather conditions with no traffic in sight.
The crack started at the roofline on the passenger side of the windshield, traveled vertically down and then toward the center of the windshield and is a fairly sizable crack.
Upon searching Google, spontaneous windshield cracks are apparently a known issue with 2017-2019 Subaru Forester models though no recall has been issued by manufacturer. The windshield is not covered by Subaru warranty.
Upon returning home I contacted the Subaru dealership where the suv was purchased. The service department said the windshield would have to be replaced, there is no recall for windshield replacement and that I would have to pay outright for the replacement because insurance companies lowball the price on labor and will not accept a check from insurance companies.
The cost to replace will be over $1,000 for Sport model because it has the windshield technology in it. Which is what my insurance deductible is.
For a $35,000 car with numerous complaints from this same problem for the Forester model, Subaru should be do a recall!
The 2019 Subaru Forester was less than a week old. I was driving down the road, no one or nothing near me, and I heard a pop. I then saw the crack in the windshield. There was not the "circle" or other damaged areas. I found other reports of windshield issues, took the information to the dealer, and they reluctantly replaced the windshield. They said Subaru covered the cost as a "good faith" courtesy.
4th time is the charm, after warming my car up I'm backing up my driveway and hear the traditional click..that's when I cringed and looked at the passenger side of the windshield and sure enough there it is a 16" crack and this time it will need to be replaced (see photo). there is no way you can tell me that this windshield is/was not defective from the factory, after 3 previous chips I no longer believe it is bad luck. I'm afraid to call Subaru after the last adventure calling them, so I guess I will have to pony up and pay for a new one which I estimate will cost about $600.00.
Update from Mar 10, 2020: I wish to thank Subaru for replacing my windshield under warranty and even providing a rental. Great to see a company stands by its product, no wonder they can't build them fast enough my 2nd in 3 years.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
click to see larger images
Before this car was 2 years old, we had two significant dings and one major crack in the windshield. We've owned a lot of cars over the years and only one other time have we had windshield problems but this car seems to get dings at the drop of a hat. We think the large crack started when we were on the interstate and we heard something hit the windshield and the crack started right away at the very top where it meets the rooftop. I haven't replaced it yet because I'm waiting for the next ding or chip to happen before we dish out over $1000 for a new windshield. We've had other issues with this car, like electrical and phone syncing problems that I should report in another complaint. Overall I have loved this car but the windshield and the electrical quirks are definitely annoying.
- skbrockie, Fort Atkinson, US