2023 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 21%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,350miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the visibility of the 2023 Subaru Outback, 21% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,350 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had several times where tiny road pebbles have kicked up hitting the windshield and have caused cracks. There is now also a crack forming where there has not been any impact. I have never had a windshield that has been as fragile as this one. It seems to be a manufacturing issue with the windshield. Based on research online, appears this is a known issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11606894, filed 2024-08“I have had several times where tiny road pebbles have kicked up hitting the windshield and have caused cracks. There is now also a crack forming where there has not been any impact. This is my second windshield replacement in two years. I have never had a windshield that has been as fragile as this one. It seems to be a manufacturing issue with the windshield. Based on research online, appears this is a known issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11648201, filed 2025-03“My 23 Subaru Outback Wilderness windshield cracked within 3 months of ownership. The crack occurred directly at eye-level of the driver side, posing a serious safety hazard. I do not know what, if anything, hit the windshield but it occurred while driving on a busy interstate highway during rush hour.”
NHTSA complaint #11549272, filed 2023-10“Sunroof spontaneously exploded. Temperatures were around 50 degrees, no cars around me at the time and as far as I can tell, nothing could have hit the window at least at that moment. I had been driving for about 1 hour and no sudden changes in temperature or pressure. It sounded very much like an explosion when it happened. Thankfully, the inside slide cover was closed when this happened. If the slide window cover had been opened, It could easily have caused an accident as some of the glass would have fallen on the driver. …”
NHTSA complaint #11525244, filed 2023-06“Driving on highway to my home on I 80 and ridge road, Illinois,a small tick noise was heard and the spider chip noticed on the passenger side windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11515781, filed 2023-04Related service bulletins
- 11018906May 14, 2025This bulletin announces the design change made to the Washer Tank.
- 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…
- 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…
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 | 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 2023 Subaru Outback
22 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2023 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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