2021 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 107about this part
- Share
- 36%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 107 complaints about the visibility of the 2021 Subaru Outback, 36% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 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.
“On march 12, 2021, I was sitting in my idle 2021 Subaru Outback when I heard a quick pop sound. When I looked up, there was a crack in the windshield. There was no previous damage to the windshield. I currently have 3600 miles on the vehicle. The crack is very linear. The car wasn't running and the weather was pleasant around 65 degrees.”
NHTSA complaint #11402718, filed 2021-03, 3,600 miles“I had the car only 10 days from the dealership, my husband and I were on the highway heading to an event when we heard a crack, I looked up and there was a horizontal crack heading from left to right in the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11375885, filed 2020-11, 400 miles“An empty plastic box fell on the windshield from maybe 2 feet. The windshield basically shattered, with pieces of glass in the car. We informed our dealership that this is a new car, and we are very scared that their is a defect based on the impact that we saw. Subaru discredited our claim. We have tried everything we can do inform them to look into this possible safety issue. The vehicle was parked, in a garage when the empty box fell on the wind shield. Now we are paying to replace the crack windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11406853, filed 2021-04, 2,000 miles“Just got a new car in jan 2021. Windshield got chipped easily. I already tried with glasses repair kit several times. And recently it got cracked line (around 30cm 90 degree). The same route to work I drove with my old 2006 toyota rav4 and never got any chip for 6 years. Until I got this new 2021 outack, I have to replace the windshield for less than 60 days of driving. One of my friends got the same trim of car the same month also go replaced windshield last week. The route is on hwy880 from fremont to san jose, ca area.”
NHTSA complaint #11404908, filed 2021-03, 2,800 miles“Went out to my car to go home and found a 9 in crack in the windshield. There was no crack when I got out of my car. There is no rock impact and no marks.”
NHTSA complaint #11408314, filed 2021-04, 9,200 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 2021 Subaru Outback
76 complaintsOther or unknown
66 complaintsForward collision avoidance
29 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsLane departure
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsWheels
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 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