2017 Subaru Forester Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 116about this part
- Share
- 20%of 592 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,250miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 116 complaints about the visibility of the 2017 Subaru Forester, 20% of the 592 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,250 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My windshield developed a crack after being parked for a period of 8hrs while I was at work. The crack starts from the bottom and extends vertically and then moves horizontally. I believe it to be internal as it has no exterior marks or chips from the outside. I also havent had any debris hit my vehicle during the last times I have commuted to work.”
NHTSA complaint #11390951, filed 2021-02, 21,349 miles“My windshield was cracked 3 times in the span of 2.5 years of ownership. I've had to completely replace it twice and patch the crack once. The first and third time it happened I was on a highway going ~60mph but the second time was on a 35mph road. I don't tailgate other cars and I've never had so much as a small star crack on my previous vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11317089, filed 2020-03, 10,000 miles“While driving on I-5 from portland to vancouver , bc, my windshield cracked. There was no cause for this. It was 4:30am and raining. I was in seattle when it became apparent. Upon examining the crack, it shows no star or any indication for debris damagin the windsheild. As the day progressed, it is just a crack became an 'n' on my windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11311000, filed 2020-02, 42,000 miles“Since I have gotten my vehicle, my windshield has gotten several cracks and chips (very easily) from rocks flying up off the road. For the second time in three years I am going to have to get my windshield repaired and this time a full replacement is required due to damage from a rock hitting my windshield and causing a large crack.”
NHTSA complaint #11363167, filed 2020-10, 45,641 miles“Windshield exhibited sparkling type fault that compromised ability to see clearly thru the windshield. Especially severe in night driving or direct sunlight. Subaru replaced windshield as a courtesy to me. The same condition is now prevalent in the replacement windshield. I know the dealer will tell me it is another fault, not the manufacturing of the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11282076, filed 2019-11, 10,761 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 25% |
| 2025 | 20 | 20% |
| 2024 | 5 | 16% |
| 2023 | 12 | 16% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 90 | 42% |
| 2020 | 301 | 50% |
| 2019 | 406 | 49% |
| 2018 | 156 | 31% |
| 2017 | 116 | 20% |
| 2016 | 23 | 6% |
| 2015 | 28 | 5% |
| 2014 | 12 | 3% |
| 2013 | 5 | 6% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 9 | 3% |
| 2009 | 11 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 7 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2017 Subaru Forester
166 complaintsElectrical system
106 complaintsOther or unknown
97 complaintsEngine
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
46 complaintsSeats
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
33 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsWheels
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology