Complaints & Recalls
Consumer Complaints
761 ComplaintsSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
The thermo-valve controller gives out on this vehicle. Through searches and discussions with two separate dealerships, this seems to be an incredibly common issue. It's enough that Subaru has actually completely replaced the design of this piece for whenever it gets replaced. This triggers a check engine light which already removes many features on the Subaru. My understanding is that this part controls and measures the engine temperature which means that drivers have no clue if their engine is overheating or not when it goes out. Subaru has gotten away with covering this part over their Powertrain warranty since the vast majority of their vehicles are having this part break within 3 years. Most drivers are happy with this because the major ($1500-2000) repair is covered. The issue is that people that drive more often, like myself, are stuck footing the bill for a part that Subaru has admitted doesn't work properly just because we've now fallen out of this 60k mileage warranty. From my research, it's not a part that is greatly affected by mileage, so much as time since the dealerships have noted that every replacement they've seen has fallen within 3 years, regardless of the mileage. For that, I'm asking that there be a true recall put in place for this part. This is a major expense for almost anyone and isn't fair for Subaru to hide behind a warranty that won't apply to everyone when they know they created this improperly. Even the reps at the dealership mentioned that they see this far too often for it not to be a recall, but that most people are still under 60k miles, so there aren't normally issues.
Corrective Action:
The thermo-valve controller gives out on this vehicle. Through searches and discussions with two separate dealerships, this seems to be an incredibly common issue. It's enough that Subaru has actually completely replaced the design of this piece for whenever it gets replaced. This triggers a check engine light which already removes many features on the Subaru. My understanding is that this part controls and measures the engine temperature which means that drivers have no clue if their engine is overheating or not when it goes out. Subaru has gotten away with covering this part over their Powertrain warranty since the vast majority of their vehicles are having this part break within 3 years. Most drivers are happy with this because the major ($1500-2000) repair is covered. The issue is that people that drive more often, like myself, are stuck footing the bill for a part that Subaru has admitted doesn't work properly just because we've now fallen out of this 60k mileage warranty. From my research, it's not a part that is greatly affected by mileage, so much as time since the dealerships have noted that every replacement they've seen has fallen within 3 years, regardless of the mileage. For that, I'm asking that there be a true recall put in place for this part. This is a major expense for almost anyone and isn't fair for Subaru to hide behind a warranty that won't apply to everyone when they know they created this improperly. Even the reps at the dealership mentioned that they see this far too often for it not to be a recall, but that most people are still under 60k miles, so there aren't normally issues.
Additional Notes:
The thermo-valve controller gives out on this vehicle. Through searches and discussions with two separate dealerships, this seems to be an incredibly common issue. It's enough that Subaru has actually completely replaced the design of this piece for whenever it gets replaced. This triggers a check engine light which already removes many features on the Subaru. My understanding is that this part controls and measures the engine temperature which means that drivers have no clue if their engine is overheating or not when it goes out. Subaru has gotten away with covering this part over their Powertrain warranty since the vast majority of their vehicles are having this part break within 3 years. Most drivers are happy with this because the major ($1500-2000) repair is covered. The issue is that people that drive more often, like myself, are stuck footing the bill for a part that Subaru has admitted doesn't work properly just because we've now fallen out of this 60k mileage warranty. From my research, it's not a part that is greatly affected by mileage, so much as time since the dealerships have noted that every replacement they've seen has fallen within 3 years, regardless of the mileage. For that, I'm asking that there be a true recall put in place for this part. This is a major expense for almost anyone and isn't fair for Subaru to hide behind a warranty that won't apply to everyone when they know they created this improperly. Even the reps at the dealership mentioned that they see this far too often for it not to be a recall, but that most people are still under 60k miles, so there aren't normally issues.
Mfg Campaign: 11526395
Recall Date: Jun 10, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH down her driveway, she heard an abnormal popping sound coming from the dashboard. The contact observed that a crack had appeared in the center of her windshield that formed at the bottom of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack extended more to the passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact called the local dealer and was advised by the dealer to contact the insurance provider for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH down her driveway, she heard an abnormal popping sound coming from the dashboard. The contact observed that a crack had appeared in the center of her windshield that formed at the bottom of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack extended more to the passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact called the local dealer and was advised by the dealer to contact the insurance provider for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH down her driveway, she heard an abnormal popping sound coming from the dashboard. The contact observed that a crack had appeared in the center of her windshield that formed at the bottom of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack extended more to the passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact called the local dealer and was advised by the dealer to contact the insurance provider for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11526229
Recall Date: Jun 9, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Corrective Action:
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Additional Notes:
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Mfg Campaign: 11526028
Recall Date: Jun 8, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Corrective Action:
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Additional Notes:
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Mfg Campaign: 11526028
Recall Date: Jun 8, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
AIR BAGS
Potential Consequences:
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Corrective Action:
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Additional Notes:
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Mfg Campaign: 11526028
Recall Date: Jun 8, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
Windshield cracked in the bottom black area. This is a known problem for other model years. Subaru should issue a recall / fix for the 2020 Forester also.
Corrective Action:
Windshield cracked in the bottom black area. This is a known problem for other model years. Subaru should issue a recall / fix for the 2020 Forester also.
Additional Notes:
Windshield cracked in the bottom black area. This is a known problem for other model years. Subaru should issue a recall / fix for the 2020 Forester also.
Mfg Campaign: 11525164
Recall Date: Jun 3, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
While driving, I heard a loud POP. I thought something hit the car, but I was not close behind another vehicle or road hazard. For about 15 minutes I thought no harm, no foul. Then suddenly, I saw a long, mostly horizontal crack from the bottom left and extending about 18" toward the center of the windshield. I called the Subaru dealer [where I bought the car] and was quoted $910 parts and $590 labor, but they were unable to give me a service appointment date at that time. I don't feel the car is safe to drive, so I am looking for a quicker repair from an independent windshield replacement shop. At the same time, I researched Subaru windshield cracks and found numerous reports of easily cracking Subaru windshields. It appears that if I replace one Subaru windshield with another Subaru windshield, I may just be waiting for another Subaru windshield crack in the future.
Corrective Action:
While driving, I heard a loud POP. I thought something hit the car, but I was not close behind another vehicle or road hazard. For about 15 minutes I thought no harm, no foul. Then suddenly, I saw a long, mostly horizontal crack from the bottom left and extending about 18" toward the center of the windshield. I called the Subaru dealer [where I bought the car] and was quoted $910 parts and $590 labor, but they were unable to give me a service appointment date at that time. I don't feel the car is safe to drive, so I am looking for a quicker repair from an independent windshield replacement shop. At the same time, I researched Subaru windshield cracks and found numerous reports of easily cracking Subaru windshields. It appears that if I replace one Subaru windshield with another Subaru windshield, I may just be waiting for another Subaru windshield crack in the future.
Additional Notes:
While driving, I heard a loud POP. I thought something hit the car, but I was not close behind another vehicle or road hazard. For about 15 minutes I thought no harm, no foul. Then suddenly, I saw a long, mostly horizontal crack from the bottom left and extending about 18" toward the center of the windshield. I called the Subaru dealer [where I bought the car] and was quoted $910 parts and $590 labor, but they were unable to give me a service appointment date at that time. I don't feel the car is safe to drive, so I am looking for a quicker repair from an independent windshield replacement shop. At the same time, I researched Subaru windshield cracks and found numerous reports of easily cracking Subaru windshields. It appears that if I replace one Subaru windshield with another Subaru windshield, I may just be waiting for another Subaru windshield crack in the future.
Mfg Campaign: 11525189
Recall Date: Jun 3, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.
Corrective Action:
The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.
Additional Notes:
The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.
Mfg Campaign: 11524993
Recall Date: Jun 2, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.
Corrective Action:
The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.
Additional Notes:
The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.
Mfg Campaign: 11524993
Recall Date: Jun 2, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Potential Consequences:
The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.
Corrective Action:
The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.
Additional Notes:
The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.
Mfg Campaign: 11524993
Recall Date: Jun 2, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
This vehicle has approx. 45,000 miles and the electrical has failed. We have replaced the battery and tested all components in which they then operate fine. However overnight the battery fully drains, leaving us with no vehicle again. This vehicle has no accidents, maintained every 3 months and the health report even shows no issues/errors. No other symptoms have been noted. this car works and runs 100% like it did day 1 up until 3 days ago. Where it has died overnight every day. Luckily my husband is a mechanic as he indicated the last instance of a new battery going in, the dashboard was flashing and going haywire to the point that it wouldnt stop until he removed the battery. He indicated that its likely this would have been an electrical fire if the battery was not removed therefore could have caught on fire with myself and our 14 month old inside. There were no warnings, no alerts, no vehcile safety alerts, the mysubaru app in fact still says we have a 100% healthy vehicle.
Corrective Action:
This vehicle has approx. 45,000 miles and the electrical has failed. We have replaced the battery and tested all components in which they then operate fine. However overnight the battery fully drains, leaving us with no vehicle again. This vehicle has no accidents, maintained every 3 months and the health report even shows no issues/errors. No other symptoms have been noted. this car works and runs 100% like it did day 1 up until 3 days ago. Where it has died overnight every day. Luckily my husband is a mechanic as he indicated the last instance of a new battery going in, the dashboard was flashing and going haywire to the point that it wouldnt stop until he removed the battery. He indicated that its likely this would have been an electrical fire if the battery was not removed therefore could have caught on fire with myself and our 14 month old inside. There were no warnings, no alerts, no vehcile safety alerts, the mysubaru app in fact still says we have a 100% healthy vehicle.
Additional Notes:
This vehicle has approx. 45,000 miles and the electrical has failed. We have replaced the battery and tested all components in which they then operate fine. However overnight the battery fully drains, leaving us with no vehicle again. This vehicle has no accidents, maintained every 3 months and the health report even shows no issues/errors. No other symptoms have been noted. this car works and runs 100% like it did day 1 up until 3 days ago. Where it has died overnight every day. Luckily my husband is a mechanic as he indicated the last instance of a new battery going in, the dashboard was flashing and going haywire to the point that it wouldnt stop until he removed the battery. He indicated that its likely this would have been an electrical fire if the battery was not removed therefore could have caught on fire with myself and our 14 month old inside. There were no warnings, no alerts, no vehcile safety alerts, the mysubaru app in fact still says we have a 100% healthy vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11524610
Recall Date: May 31, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
Driving down the highway and the windshield cracks and the cracks keeps getting longer.
Corrective Action:
Driving down the highway and the windshield cracks and the cracks keeps getting longer.
Additional Notes:
Driving down the highway and the windshield cracks and the cracks keeps getting longer.
Mfg Campaign: 11523599
Recall Date: May 24, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
When I applied the brake ,the vehicle suddenly accelerated and smashed into my garage
Corrective Action:
When I applied the brake ,the vehicle suddenly accelerated and smashed into my garage
Additional Notes:
When I applied the brake ,the vehicle suddenly accelerated and smashed into my garage
Mfg Campaign: 11523193
Recall Date: May 22, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
The vehicle was parked in our driveway in Lafayette, CA on 5/16/2023. Outside temperature reached approximately 75 degrees. The windshield developed a spontaneous crack, horizontally spanning the driver's side edge to nearly the middle. No impact point can be observed along the crack line. The vehicle is available for inspection but has not yet been inspected by any authority. Vision may be blurred or compromised along the crack line, which should be deemed a safety issue. Numerous reports of windshield faults for 2019+ Subaru Foresters have been reported online, though Subaru continues to deny these claims.
Corrective Action:
The vehicle was parked in our driveway in Lafayette, CA on 5/16/2023. Outside temperature reached approximately 75 degrees. The windshield developed a spontaneous crack, horizontally spanning the driver's side edge to nearly the middle. No impact point can be observed along the crack line. The vehicle is available for inspection but has not yet been inspected by any authority. Vision may be blurred or compromised along the crack line, which should be deemed a safety issue. Numerous reports of windshield faults for 2019+ Subaru Foresters have been reported online, though Subaru continues to deny these claims.
Additional Notes:
The vehicle was parked in our driveway in Lafayette, CA on 5/16/2023. Outside temperature reached approximately 75 degrees. The windshield developed a spontaneous crack, horizontally spanning the driver's side edge to nearly the middle. No impact point can be observed along the crack line. The vehicle is available for inspection but has not yet been inspected by any authority. Vision may be blurred or compromised along the crack line, which should be deemed a safety issue. Numerous reports of windshield faults for 2019+ Subaru Foresters have been reported online, though Subaru continues to deny these claims.
Mfg Campaign: 11523296
Recall Date: May 22, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that she observed that a crack had started at the bottom of the passenger’s side windshield. The contact stated that the crack had begun to spread and had gone in an arc upwards and stopped at middle of the windshield. The contact had the windshield replaced. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local glass shop and not a dealer to replace the windshield. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that she observed that a crack had started at the bottom of the passenger’s side windshield. The contact stated that the crack had begun to spread and had gone in an arc upwards and stopped at middle of the windshield. The contact had the windshield replaced. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local glass shop and not a dealer to replace the windshield. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that she observed that a crack had started at the bottom of the passenger’s side windshield. The contact stated that the crack had begun to spread and had gone in an arc upwards and stopped at middle of the windshield. The contact had the windshield replaced. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local glass shop and not a dealer to replace the windshield. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11522685
Recall Date: May 18, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
My windshield has cracked - huge lines running across the windshield including the driver's side - three times in 2.5 years necessitating I pay out of pocket to replace the windshield each time. I will now need to get my fourth windshield in less than 3 years of having a brand new car. Though I have been told that it was "outside influence" such as a rock, I did not see or hear a rock hit the windshield. Not to mention I have owned many other cars and have never had to replace the windshield so many times. The latest windshield I replaced was less than a month ago and now I have to replace it again. There was a recall/class action lawsuit on previous years of the Subaru Forester and it is not clear or apparent that they have changed the windshield substantially enough that this issue has been resolved. It is dangerous and defective to have a windshield that has long cracks in it so frequently and consistently. My and my family's safety is at risk when it is difficult to see because of the huge cracks in the windshield, particularly at night or in inclement weather (i.e., rain storms). The problem has happened now 3 times in less than 3 years. A product that warrants so much replacement is defective in nature. I have called both the dealership and Subaru USA - who said that they did know that I was not the only one having these issues. The vehicle has been expected by experts at Safelite and I am taking it to the dealership for an inspection with this latest crack. But because they claim a rock hit it then I have to pay for the replacement - but when this happens with such frequency then how can the windshield not be defective? When this is not the standard for all other cars! And it is dangerous to have an unreliable windshield! No there were no warning messages.
Corrective Action:
My windshield has cracked - huge lines running across the windshield including the driver's side - three times in 2.5 years necessitating I pay out of pocket to replace the windshield each time. I will now need to get my fourth windshield in less than 3 years of having a brand new car. Though I have been told that it was "outside influence" such as a rock, I did not see or hear a rock hit the windshield. Not to mention I have owned many other cars and have never had to replace the windshield so many times. The latest windshield I replaced was less than a month ago and now I have to replace it again. There was a recall/class action lawsuit on previous years of the Subaru Forester and it is not clear or apparent that they have changed the windshield substantially enough that this issue has been resolved. It is dangerous and defective to have a windshield that has long cracks in it so frequently and consistently. My and my family's safety is at risk when it is difficult to see because of the huge cracks in the windshield, particularly at night or in inclement weather (i.e., rain storms). The problem has happened now 3 times in less than 3 years. A product that warrants so much replacement is defective in nature. I have called both the dealership and Subaru USA - who said that they did know that I was not the only one having these issues. The vehicle has been expected by experts at Safelite and I am taking it to the dealership for an inspection with this latest crack. But because they claim a rock hit it then I have to pay for the replacement - but when this happens with such frequency then how can the windshield not be defective? When this is not the standard for all other cars! And it is dangerous to have an unreliable windshield! No there were no warning messages.
Additional Notes:
My windshield has cracked - huge lines running across the windshield including the driver's side - three times in 2.5 years necessitating I pay out of pocket to replace the windshield each time. I will now need to get my fourth windshield in less than 3 years of having a brand new car. Though I have been told that it was "outside influence" such as a rock, I did not see or hear a rock hit the windshield. Not to mention I have owned many other cars and have never had to replace the windshield so many times. The latest windshield I replaced was less than a month ago and now I have to replace it again. There was a recall/class action lawsuit on previous years of the Subaru Forester and it is not clear or apparent that they have changed the windshield substantially enough that this issue has been resolved. It is dangerous and defective to have a windshield that has long cracks in it so frequently and consistently. My and my family's safety is at risk when it is difficult to see because of the huge cracks in the windshield, particularly at night or in inclement weather (i.e., rain storms). The problem has happened now 3 times in less than 3 years. A product that warrants so much replacement is defective in nature. I have called both the dealership and Subaru USA - who said that they did know that I was not the only one having these issues. The vehicle has been expected by experts at Safelite and I am taking it to the dealership for an inspection with this latest crack. But because they claim a rock hit it then I have to pay for the replacement - but when this happens with such frequency then how can the windshield not be defective? When this is not the standard for all other cars! And it is dangerous to have an unreliable windshield! No there were no warning messages.
Mfg Campaign: 11522714
Recall Date: May 18, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
The windshield cracked for no apparent reason. It’s a 2 foot long crack, low on driver side. The crack appeared while the car sat parked in a garage. It wasn’t there when the car was parked and was visible when we returned to drive the car. The windshield is so widely cracked, the risk is s sheet of glass will hurt the driver or passenger. We have not taken it to the dealer for repair yet The windshield cracked without warning or sufficient cause.
Corrective Action:
The windshield cracked for no apparent reason. It’s a 2 foot long crack, low on driver side. The crack appeared while the car sat parked in a garage. It wasn’t there when the car was parked and was visible when we returned to drive the car. The windshield is so widely cracked, the risk is s sheet of glass will hurt the driver or passenger. We have not taken it to the dealer for repair yet The windshield cracked without warning or sufficient cause.
Additional Notes:
The windshield cracked for no apparent reason. It’s a 2 foot long crack, low on driver side. The crack appeared while the car sat parked in a garage. It wasn’t there when the car was parked and was visible when we returned to drive the car. The windshield is so widely cracked, the risk is s sheet of glass will hurt the driver or passenger. We have not taken it to the dealer for repair yet The windshield cracked without warning or sufficient cause.
Mfg Campaign: 11522457
Recall Date: May 17, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware of a crack on the windshield. The contact stated that there was no impact to windshield to cause the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware of a crack on the windshield. The contact stated that there was no impact to windshield to cause the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware of a crack on the windshield. The contact stated that there was no impact to windshield to cause the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11522283
Recall Date: May 16, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Firestone Wauwatosa, WI told me I need to have them recalibrate the Driver Assist System as part of an alignment I took the car in for on 5523. This added $125.00 on top of a $209.99 cost for the lifetime alignment cost. Laura, in the service department at Zeigler Subaru, Kenosha, where we bought the car, said this would only have to be done if the car had been in an accident. Not knowing what is actually required leaves me feeling unsafe.
Corrective Action:
Firestone Wauwatosa, WI told me I need to have them recalibrate the Driver Assist System as part of an alignment I took the car in for on 5523. This added $125.00 on top of a $209.99 cost for the lifetime alignment cost. Laura, in the service department at Zeigler Subaru, Kenosha, where we bought the car, said this would only have to be done if the car had been in an accident. Not knowing what is actually required leaves me feeling unsafe.
Additional Notes:
Firestone Wauwatosa, WI told me I need to have them recalibrate the Driver Assist System as part of an alignment I took the car in for on 5523. This added $125.00 on top of a $209.99 cost for the lifetime alignment cost. Laura, in the service department at Zeigler Subaru, Kenosha, where we bought the car, said this would only have to be done if the car had been in an accident. Not knowing what is actually required leaves me feeling unsafe.
Mfg Campaign: 11521465
Recall Date: May 11, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
We hit a deer, front-end impact, then our Forester started on fire and completely burned up. The airbags did not deploy, we were not injured but the car is a complete loss.
Corrective Action:
We hit a deer, front-end impact, then our Forester started on fire and completely burned up. The airbags did not deploy, we were not injured but the car is a complete loss.
Additional Notes:
We hit a deer, front-end impact, then our Forester started on fire and completely burned up. The airbags did not deploy, we were not injured but the car is a complete loss.
Mfg Campaign: 11521521
Recall Date: May 11, 2023
Need Legal Help?
Featured Attorneys
Barry Edzant
Edzant Price LLC
Valencia, CA • 36 yrs
Focus: Lemon Law, Personal Injury