2013 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 5%of 297 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the visibility of the 2013 Subaru Outback, 5% of the 297 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2013 Subaru Outback purchased certified pre-owned from Subaru dealership in sacramento in april 2014. The front windshield has cracked three times in less than two years. I've replaced it twice, all paid out of pocket. While there appears to be a point where the crack starts, if a rock or debris hit the window it wasn't observed or heard. All cracks have occurred on the outside edge of the window and splinter inward. …”
NHTSA complaint #11016095, filed 2017-08, 50,000 miles“I am initiating this complaint because the recall for the below specified problem remains uncompleted, when in fact it has been fixed and remains unproblematic. Moreover, I have repaired the recall problem regarding the windshield wiper motor on my vehicle, myself, with my own money, with parts supplied by the Subaru dealer. Please clear the status of the recall notice to reflect completed repairs. Consider this letter an affidavit confirming that, I as the owner, have done the repairs for which I am completely within legal right to perform on the above mentioned vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11043236, filed 2017-11, 45,000 miles“While driving the cover of the sunglass holder popped open. The Outback has a sunglass holder located right below the center rear view mirror. There are two tiny clips that hold the cover of this this holder closed. The clips have failed and the cover remains open. This may seem like a trivial problem, but it obstructs part of the mirror. There are many complaints on this condition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10991909, filed 2017-05, 63,680 miles“2013 Subaru Outback front wiper motor caught fire while vehicle was in motion. Just prior to fire, wipers had been activated but would not return to home or stop when turned to off position. Vehicle was purchased new in october 2012. Root cause of wiper motor as determined by Subaru dealer shop. Subaru claims this is unrelated to prior recall for wiper motors wvw32 which had been extended to 2012 models.”
NHTSA complaint #10870295, filed 2016-05, 49,935 miles“The sun roof exploded. There was not prior damage (at least not visible to the naked eye). When it happened there was a very loud popping noise, which could be jarring enough to cause an accident. My sunroof cover was closed when the glass broke, but if it was open I could have been covered in shards of glass. I’m not sure if the sunroof has been inspected by the manufacturer. I have seen that other Subaru owners have experience the same issue. There was no warning the the sunroof is fragile and will potentially explode.”
NHTSA complaint #11472291, filed 2022-07Related recalls
- 16V694000Sep 27, 2016Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014…Covers: Subaru Outback 2010–2014, Legacy 2010–2014
Related service bulletins
- 10171105Jan 31, 2020This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies.
- 10163526Jul 12, 2019"This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies developed to address the following customer concerns: ⢠Power windows inoperative from the…
- 10117544Aug 28, 2017MODELS WITH SUNROOFS ONLY. If you encounter a customer complaint of water leaking into the interior of the vehicle from the map light area, the following 2 areas should be…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 7% |
| 2024 | 23 | 22% |
| 2023 | 19 | 21% |
| 2022 | 280 | 60% |
| 2021 | 108 | 36% |
| 2020 | 383 | 42% |
| 2019 | 387 | 37% |
| 2018 | 273 | 33% |
| 2017 | 233 | 25% |
| 2016 | 91 | 14% |
| 2015 | 143 | 28% |
| 2014 | 10 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 5% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 | 8 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2013 Subaru Outback
67 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSeats
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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