Driving along I-495 southbound in Massachusetts just before exit for I-90. Speed was 65 mph. Hood latch failed causing the hood to come up without warning. The windshield was smashed, the roof was dented, and the hood was bent with the hinges partially deformed and cracked. The hood hadn't been opened or touched in several weeks/>2000 miles. Passenger and I were luckily unharmed, I was able to close the hood again, and drove home at 50 on the highway, 25 on regular roads. Windshield was replaced the following week, hood still damaged. Hood secured with bungee cord as I no longer trust the latch. Looking into installing hood pins when I find a replacement hood, simply for safety/liability reasons. The only reason this wasn't a much more serious accident was that I was already in the right hand lane, and was able to pull into the breakdown lane instantly. Had to do this blindly, as I could not see around the hood.

- Westborough, MA, USA

Hood opening accidentally while driving. I was driving on a heavily rainy day when the hood opened up and slammed the windshield. The windshield was completely broken and the hood was severely damaged including the body of the car just above the windshield. I had not opened the hood leading up to the event. Luckily I didn't get into a accident when the incident happened. I subsequently called Subaru about it and advised me that the incident hadn't, to the best of their knowledge, in other 1997 Subaru Outback wagons. I was not directed to file a complaint with your Agency, thus I let it pass. I was reminded of the incident, and the possibility of the accident being more prevalent, when I saw a similar car with the exact same damage to the hood (I.e., pattern and bent).

- Amherst, NY, USA