29 complaints reported

2020 Subaru Crosstrek VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
29
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Oct 2025

6-8in windshield crack on passenger side, near the bottom just above defrost vents. No apparent trauma to the windshield in that area. No indication that there was a crack forming otherwise; appeared seemingly overnight. Have not yet reported to insurance, dealer, or mfg. I have seen that there was a class action settled recently regarding some Subaru windshields cracking without warning so this may be a known issue. Car is available for inspection upon request.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2025
May 2023

The windshield has formed a crack in the top middle around the area of the rear view mirror with no incident to cause it. The problem is easily identifiable and may cause safety issues if the crack spreads. At this time insurance representatives and the manufacturer have not inspected the windshield. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior. It just cracked out of nowhere.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2023
May 2023

I noticed my windshield spontaneously cracked, without any trauma. This was noticed in the morning after my car had been sitting in the garage overnight. There were no rocks or other debris that hit the car, and there does not appear to be a point of impact. The crack seems to have occurred spontaneously, with no precipitating event or warning. This is dangerous because it could impair visibility, the functioning of eye sight camera/safety system, and could easily expand and cause shattering of glass. It makes me concerned about the integrity of the windshield. Several other subaru owners have reported this problem of spontaneous windshield cracking online. This occurred on my car on 4/3/2023. I have photo evidence of the faulty windshield, it has not yet been inspected by a dealer.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2023
Nov 2022

The windshield has cracked twice and had to be replaced. The first time was December 2021 and the second time was November 2022. Each time, we did not even see impact with a pebble. We just assume that was what caused the crack. My wife and I have been driving for fifty years and this is the first time we have had to replace a windshield. Subaru needs to fix this problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Oct 2022

My car was parked outside when one morning I noticed a 2-inch crack started from the edge of the windshield on the passenger side of my vehicle which grew to 19 inches in the following days. The crack feels smooth from the outside and to my knowledge didn't happen due to any impact. My vehicle is available for any inspection. I have not taken my car to the manufacturer regarding this issue yet.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Oct 2022

My 2020 Subaru crosstrek has repeatedly had its windshield crack for little to no reason. I have noticed my windshield crack in a similar spot (near the vin number area) multiple times with no incidents where a rock or other debris struck the windshield. This provides a visual distraction and safety issue while driving.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2022
Feb 2022

Windshield cracked across bottom portion. Many other Subaru owners have had the same problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2021
Feb 2022

Windshield defective/easily damaged. Minor roadway pebble created a pit. Seems to be an issue with many Subarus.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2021
Dec 2021

The windshield seemed to just start cracking for no known reason.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2021
Nov 2021

AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK IN THE MORNING AROUND 7AM WITH ONLY 2 OTHER CARS IN OTHER LANES NOT NEAR ME, I HEARD A SUDDEN CRACK. I LOOKED OVER TO THE RIGHT LOWER SIDE OF MY WINDSHIELD AND SAW A DENT AND A CRACK ABOUT 2-3 INCHES. I DON'T THINK IT'S A ROCK BUT THAT WOULDN'T HAVE CAUSED SUCH A LOUD AND BIG CRACK ALL OF A SUDDEN. I HAVE OTHER CARS(NOT SUBARUS) AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CRACK FORM LIKE THAT BEFORE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE NEWER SUBARUS, THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND I'M ACTUALLY SCARED TO DRIVE MY SUBARU! THIS SCARE IS A SAFE CAR BUT WITH A WINDSHIELD LIKE THAT, ITS WORRYING ME.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2020
Oct 2021

Windshield spontaneously cracked

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2021
Aug 2021

I BOUGHT MY 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK IN MAY OF 2020. THE WINDSHIELD IS UP TO TWO CRACKS. I HAD THE FIRST FILLED THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND I JUST DISCOVERED THE SECOND TODAY. BOTH CRACKS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2021
Apr 2021

I WOKE UP WITH A HUGE CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD. NO IDEA HOW IT HAPPENED. THIS IS THE THIRD ONE. I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR 11 MONTHS.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2021
Apr 2021

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WITH NO VEHICLES AROUND MY VEHICLE OR PASSING IN THE OPPOSING DIRECTION THE SUNROOF VIOLENTLY SHATTERED ALLOWING GLASS TO RAIN DOWN ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. THERE WERE NO CARS NEARBY OR TREES OVERHEAD

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2021
Mar 2021

WINDOWS WILL NOT ALWAYS GO DOWN WHEN TEMPERATURES AT OR BELOW 26 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. REPORTED PROBLEM TO DEALER ON JANUARY 6, 2021. MADE SERVICE APPOINTMENT FOR JANUARY 19,2021. THEY VERIFIED PROBLEM. DEALER ORDERED REPLACEMENT DRIVER'S SIDE RUN CHANNEL, APPOINTMENT MADE FOR INSTALLATION JANUARY 26, 2021. MORNING OF JANUARY 28, 2021, TEMPERATURE 20 DEGREES F, NONE OF THE WINDOWS WOULD GO DOWN. NO FROST/SNOW/ICE ON WINDOWS. SERVICE APPOINTMENT JANUARY 28-29 DIAGNOSED 'POSSIBLE WINDOW FREEZING NEEDING TO DEFROST IN WINTER TIME'. FEBRUARY 17, 2021, TEMPERATURE 10 DEGREES F, WINDOWS DID NOT GO DOWN. DROVE CAR 30 MINUTES TO THE DEALER, DEFROST AND HEAT ON HIGH. SERVICE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED WINDOWS DID NOT GO DOWN, LEFT CAR WITH DEALER. FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ONE WINDOW STILL DID NOT GO DOWN. RECORDED VIDEO OF WINDOWS NOT GOING DOWN ON MARCH 2,2021,CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA, SERVICE RECORD # 1-66493397585. INITIAL PHONE CALL FROM SERVICES DEPARTMENT LEFT VOICEMAIL OFFERING 'COMPENSATION FOR THE PROBLEM'. I REFUSED COMPENSATION. RECEIVED EMAIL RECOMMENDING PURCHASING AN ACCESSORY TO 'ALLEVIATE THIS CONCERN'. PHONED SUBARU OF AMERICA AGAIN, SERVICE RECORD #1-67542809043, AND AGAIN ADVISED PURCHASE OF ACCESSORY TO 'ALLEVIATE THIS CONCERN'. APRIL 2, 2021, WINDOWS NOT GOING DOWN, RECORDED SECOND VIDEO. PHONED DEALER, WHO INITIATED A THIRD SERVICE RECORD #1-67810220574 WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA. RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT SUBARU OF AMERICA INFORMING ME THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR WINDOWS. THERE ARE INSTANCES IN KEENE,NY WHEN TEMPERATURE IS BELOW ZERO AT NIGHT NEVER ABOVE 15 DEGREES F DAILY AND WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO DOWN FOR DAYS. VEHICLE IS ALWAYS PARKED OUTSIDE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2021
Feb 2021

I GOT HOME FROM WORK, CLEANED THE WINDSHIELD AND THERE WAS NO CRACKS...I DIDNT USE THE CAR THE REST OF THE DAY. NEXT MORNING THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD THE CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION AND WAS PARKED

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2021
Dec 2020

THERE IS A STRESS CRACK ON PASSENGER SIDE FRONT ON WINDSHIELD FROM REARVIEW MIRROR INSIDE THE VEHICLE GOING UPWARD IN AN ARCH AND ENDS AT THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT WAS IN OUR GARAGE AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT COULD HAVE FALLEN ONTO THE CAR FROM THE ROOF OF THE GARAGE. NOTICED CRACK ON 12/13/2020

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2020
Oct 2020

I'VE ONLY HAD MY BRAND NEW 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK FOR 4 1/2 MONTHS AND I JUST GOT A 2ND CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD. LAST MONTH A SMALL PEBBLE FLEW OFF OF A CONSTRUCTION TRUCK, HIT MY WINDSHIELD AND CRACKED IT, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. TWO DAYS AGO, I HEARD A LIGHT TAP WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON A CITY STREET AND NOW I HAVE ANOTHER CRACK. I WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE ROAD AND DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING HIT MY WINDSHIELD. I ASSUME IT WAS A PEBBLE THAT HIT MY WINDSHIELD BUT I'M NOT SURE. I'M NOW AFRAID OF THE WINDSHIELD BECAUSE I DRIVE A LONG DISTANCE TO WORK. MY FEAR IS MY ENTIRE WINDSHIELD SHATTERING IN MY FACE OR MY PASSENGER'S FACE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. I WILL BE GOING TO SAFELITE AGAIN TO GET THIS 2ND CRACK REPAIRED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2020
Sep 2020

WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM A TINY ROCK WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY FORTY MILES PER HOUR ON A FREEWAY.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2020
Aug 2020

WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE DRIVING.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2020
Jul 2020

I HAD MY 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK (BRAND NEW, OFF THE TRUCK) FOR LESS THAN A MONTH WHEN A CRACK APPEARED IN THE LOWER LEFT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY WINDSHIELD. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY HISTORY OF SOMETHING HITTING THE WINDSHIELD, IT JUST CRACKED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: May 2020
Jun 2020

AFTER MY FIRST LONGER DISTANCE TRIP I NOTICED A WINDSHIELD CRACK IN THE MIDDLE OF MY WINDSHIELD STARTING AT THE BOTTOM AND EXTENDING APPROXIMATELY 5 INCHES UP. MY CAR WAS IN A GARAGE A THE TIME. I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF SHOWING OFF MY "NEW CAR". LESS THAN 3000 MILES WERE ON THE ODOMETER AT THE TIME. AT NO TIME DURING MY DRIVE HAD OR HAVE I ENCOUNTERED AN OBJECT STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD, BUT DO FIND A SMALL AREA UNDER THE WIPER BLADES. I HAVE YET TO NOTIFY MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP OF THE CRACK. IT APPARENTLY WAS NOT NOTICED DURING A ROUTINE SERVICE APPOINTMENT. I DO NOT LIVE CLOSE TO A DEALERSHIP.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2020
Jun 2020

AFTER 3 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP A LARGE ROUND CHIP HAS APPEARED ON MY WINDSHIELD. I HAVE NOT HEARD ANY ROCK OR DEBRIS WHILE MOVING OR STATIONARY. MY FRIEND HAS THE SAME CAR AND HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM HAPPEN TWICE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2020
May 2020

JUST UNDER 1600 MILES NOTICED CRACK EXTENDING FROM THE RIGHT HAND EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD APPROX 6 IN. SOME FLAKING ALONG THE LINE. TOOK TO DEALER, SALES MANAGER LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT WAS A STONE CHIP. HIS BOSS CAME OUT AND SAID IT WAS A STONE CHIP FROM 10 FT AWAY THEN A THIRD PERSON CAME OUT OF THE SHOW ROOM AND FROM 15 FT SAID IT WAS STONE CHIP AND TO JUST TURN IT INTO MY INSURANCE COMPANY. MY WIFE DRIVES THE CAR AND SAID THAT NOTHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING. WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE TO HAVE AN OEM REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD (WONDER HOW LONG THAT ONE WILL LAST) OR THE SUBARU EYESIGHT WOULD NOT ALIGN PROPERLY AND THEREFORE NOT WORK. I HAVEN'T GOT A COST FOR THE GLASS AND INSTALLATION YET BUT ALIGNMENT TAKES 1.5 HOURS AT $172.00 PER HOUR. AND IF THE TOTAL IS MORE THAN $750.00 IT COUNTS AS A DING ON MY INSURANCE. *TR

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: May 2020
Apr 2020

IMMEDIATELY AFTER ACTIVATING MY FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, I HEAR A CRACKING "POP" SOUND FROM MY WIND SHIELD AND A 12 INCH CRACK APPEARS, STEMMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND EXTENDING DIAGONALLY TO THE TOP EDGE OF THE WIND SHIELD. MY CAR IS ONLY SEVEN MONTHS OLD WITH LESS THAN 8000 MILES ON IT AND HAS NEVER BEEN STRUCK BY A PIECE OF GRAVEL OR DEBRIS. THIS HAPPENED ON A SUNNY DAY WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH DOWN A CITY STREET IN AMES, IA. SINCE THIS HAPPENED SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY CAUSE, I BELIEVE THE ISSUE IS FROM A MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN THE WIND SHIELD.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2020

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has 29 VISIBILITY/WIPER complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.