2020 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 383about this part
- Share
- 43%of 901 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 383 complaints about the visibility of the 2020 Subaru Outback, 43% of the 901 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had 4 cracked windshields that have needed to be replaced in one years time. No windshiled has made it longer than 5 months, two only lasted about 6 weeks. I have replaced all with oem glass. Last three incidence were for unknown cause to me. I purchased my car 10/12/19 . First windshield was replaced 12/19, second 5/20, then 7/20, and again 12/20”
NHTSA complaint #11386549, filed 2021-01, 16,000 miles“The windshield on my Outback cracked with no warning or impact. I had pulled out of my driveway and was just beginning to move forward on my street when I heard a sound in the cabin. I didn't know what it was but looked around as I reached a nearby stop sign. There is a large y-shaped crack from the top of my windshield, partially hidden by the rear view mirror.”
NHTSA complaint #11414184, filed 2021-04, 1 miles“Windshield developed a progressive crack from edge on passenger side for no apparent reason. The crack was not there on friday, 2/26/2021 at the end of the day. However, when I went to drive it on saturday morning, 2/27/2021 there was a 6-8 inch crack. The crack has continued to spread across the windshield. I did not hit anything nor did anything hit the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11398226, filed 2021-02, 7,216 miles“A 12-inch ling crack developed spontaneously in the windshield while the car was parked in my driveway overnight. Only ~3,470 miles on the car. The crack started at the bottom-middle and went upward and toward the passenger side in a j shape. There were no signs of an impact to me, but the dealer said they was signs of impact so it would not be repaired under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11387450, filed 2021-01, 3,470 miles“I went out to my garage and found a 8 inch crack in my windshield. There is no apparent impact point to the crack. The day before, I went grocery shopping and parked it in the garage when I got home. There was no crack. The car is 5 months old. I contacted my local dealer for help, and they said they have no knowledge of a windshield problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11372297, filed 2020-10, 11,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11018906May 14, 2025This bulletin announces the design change made to the Washer Tank.
- 11016229Mar 27, 2025This announcement is in regard to the warranty extension initiated for windshields for the models listed.
- 11016218Mar 24, 2025In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the Front Windshield used in the above listed…
- 11016175Mar 13, 2025This bulletin announces availability of new door window regulator assemblies and door glass run channel seals in response to limited concerns of erratic operation of the…
- 11014867Feb 17, 2025This bulletin announces availability of new door window regulator assemblies and door glass run channel seals in response to limited concerns of erratic operation of the…
- 11014848Feb 13, 2025In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the Front Windshield used in the above listed…
- 11013515Jan 31, 2025This bulletin announces availability of new door window regulator assemblies and door glass run channel seals in response to limited concerns of erratic operation of the…
- 11012261Dec 17, 2024This announcement is in regard to settlement in a class action lawsuit for vehicles that will receive a limited warranty extension for original equipment Subaru windshields…
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 | 107 | 36% |
| 2020 | 383 | 43% |
| 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 2020 Subaru Outback
259 complaintsOther or unknown
153 complaintsEngine
49 complaintsForward collision avoidance
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
48 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsLane departure
20 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsFuel system
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Subaru Outback
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