IllustrationWINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED WHILE STATIONARY IN A DRIVEWAY
2018 Subaru Impreza
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Impreza years
Owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Impreza are substantially higher than the model-year median of 56.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Impreza years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
300–25K
1825–50K
150–75K
175–100K
1100–150K
0150K+
51 reports with mileage · 99 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility/wiper. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
5 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports
Visibility/wiper complaints
33 reportsI GOT IN MY CAR IN THE MORNING AND FIRST NOTICED A SMALL CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD. NOTHING HAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE DAY BEFORE TO CAUSE THE CRACK. SINCE THEN IT CONTINUES TO SPIDER WEB AND IMPAIR MY VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING.
I TURNED ON MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WITH FLUID AND MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHIN 5 SECONDS. I HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, SPEEDS WHERE AT 0-5 MPH ON RESIDENTIAL STREET, NO TREES OVERHEAD, CLEAR SKIES, TEMPERATURE AT 95 DEGREES, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE UNDER NO TREES OR BRANCHES AT ALL TIMES. THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE T…
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I TURNED ON MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WITH FLUID AND MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHIN 5 SECONDS. I HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, SPEEDS WHERE AT 0-5 MPH ON RESIDENTIAL STREET, NO TREES OVERHEAD, CLEAR SKIES, TEMPERATURE AT 95 DEGREES, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE UNDER NO TREES OR BRANCHES AT ALL TIMES. THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THAT AREA, OR ANY OTHER AREA, OF MY WINDSHIELD THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSE THIS. THE CRACK STARTED FROM THE TOP MIDDLE, CAME DOWN PAST THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SPLIT OFF INTO MULTIPLE OTHER CRACKS. AT NO POINT IN THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS DID I EVER GETTING HIT ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED UNSEEN DAMAGE OR WEAKENED THE WINDSHIELD.
WITH THE CALL BEING LESS THAN 2-MONTHS OLD AND UNDER 2K MI. THE WINDSCREEN WAS STRUCK WITH A SMALL ROCK JUST BELOW THE DRIVERS WIPER BLADE. I WAS PROCEEDING FROM A FULL STOP AND THE OPPOSING CAR WAS STOPPING AT AN INTERSECTION, SPEED WAS UNDER 25-MPH. THE WINDSCREEN CRACKED OVER 12-IN. FROM A VERY LOW VELOCITY IMPACT. I NOW …
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WITH THE CALL BEING LESS THAN 2-MONTHS OLD AND UNDER 2K MI. THE WINDSCREEN WAS STRUCK WITH A SMALL ROCK JUST BELOW THE DRIVERS WIPER BLADE. I WAS PROCEEDING FROM A FULL STOP AND THE OPPOSING CAR WAS STOPPING AT AN INTERSECTION, SPEED WAS UNDER 25-MPH. THE WINDSCREEN CRACKED OVER 12-IN. FROM A VERY LOW VELOCITY IMPACT. I NOW HAVE TO PAY $500 OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE THE GLASS (AFTERMARKET, OEM IS OVER $800) TO PASS STATE INSPECTION. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS WITH OTHER SUBARUS WITH INFERIOR WINDSCREENS CRACKING.
I ENTERED MY CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AT A RURAL HOME TO SEE THAT MY WINDSHIELD HAD A HAIRLINE CRACK STARTING AT THE TOP BY THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND CURVING TO THE LEFT (LOOKING AT THE CAR). THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN THE PAST TWO DAYS. THE LAST TIME THE CAR WAS DRIVEN, THERE WAS NO CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK IS NOT FROM A …
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I ENTERED MY CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AT A RURAL HOME TO SEE THAT MY WINDSHIELD HAD A HAIRLINE CRACK STARTING AT THE TOP BY THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND CURVING TO THE LEFT (LOOKING AT THE CAR). THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN THE PAST TWO DAYS. THE LAST TIME THE CAR WAS DRIVEN, THERE WAS NO CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK IS NOT FROM A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. IT IS POSSIBLE IT IS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, BUT THERE IS NO ENTRY POINT OF A FOREIGN OBJECT. *TR
FRONT WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED FOR NO REASON. INSURANCE COMPANY WONT COVER IT
2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING BRAND NEW VEHICLE, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED AFTER A SMALL PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING.
THE WINDSHIELD OF MY BRAND-NEW SUBARU IMPREZA *SPONTANEOUSLY* DEVELOPED A CRACK. IMPLICITLY ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A FACTORY DEFECT, THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW WINDSHIELD. UNFORTUNATELY, THE REPLACEMENT DEVELOPED A CRACK, TOO. THE DEALER ARGUED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY HIT BY SOME OBJECT WHEN, IN FACT, IT WAS N…
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THE WINDSHIELD OF MY BRAND-NEW SUBARU IMPREZA *SPONTANEOUSLY* DEVELOPED A CRACK. IMPLICITLY ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A FACTORY DEFECT, THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW WINDSHIELD. UNFORTUNATELY, THE REPLACEMENT DEVELOPED A CRACK, TOO. THE DEALER ARGUED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY HIT BY SOME OBJECT WHEN, IN FACT, IT WAS NOT.
OEM WINDSHIELD CHIPS WITH NO CAUSE. AT 10,000 MILES WINDOW IS COVERED IN CHIPS EVERYWHERE. DEALER ADMITTED CHIPS/CRACKS ARE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH ALL NEW MODELS BUT NOT A WARRANTY OR RECALL CLAIM.
MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
Official recalls
522V624000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights
Aug 12, 2022
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.
21V587000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Jul 29, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
21V264000 · Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:software; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
Apr 15, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Electrical System:software
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Electrical System:ignition
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
19V743000 · Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:software
Oct 18, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
Electrical System:ignition
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
19V744000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
Oct 17, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.