2024 Subaru Outback

Primary Symptom: Spontaneous thermal stress fracture propagating across the front windshield. Origin Point: Extreme bottom-right outer edge, directly beneath the passenger-side windshield wiper blade. Inspection History: Initial warranty coverage denied by Sheehy Subaru. A second opinion at Farrish Subaru on August 14, 2026, also resulted in a denial, with the service advisor claiming a chip was found under the wiper blade. Safety Hazard: The crack continues to expand rapidly during normal driving conditions, directly impacting visibility and creating an ongoing structural safety I am filing a safety complaint regarding a spontaneous windshield failure on my 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness. While parked overnight, a clean, continuous crack developed starting at the extreme bottom edge of the glass on the passenger side, directly underneath the windshield wiper blade. The crack exhibits no radiating starburst or spiderweb patterns typical of a high-velocity stone or road debris impact. Two authorized Subaru retailers (Sheehy Subaru and Farrish Subaru) have denied warranty coverage under the 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The dealerships claim an almost microscopic chip point of impact exists under the wiper blade. However, this point sits completely shielded behind the mechanical arm of the wiper blade where external road impact is physically impossible. The superficial pit is a structural stress fracture point caused by excessive residual tension in the acoustic glass, a well-documented manufacturing defect in recent Subaru model years. This constitutes a critical safety hazard as the structural integrity of the acoustic windshield is compromised, and the crack continues to expand rapidly across the field of vision while driving. Subaru of America refuses to acknowledge this systemic glass fragility defect. I request that NHTSA investigate continuing acoustic glass tension failures in 2024 models to force a safety recall.

In November 2024, our 2024 Subaru Outback began leaking a gooey substance from the upper portion of the windshield down the interior windshield. We would wipe it off and it would eventually come back. In September 2025, this gooey substance began leaking in additional spots down the interior windshield. It began to impair driving visibility as it ran further down the windshield. We brought the car in for inspection at our Subaru service center, and they acknowledged that this has been an issue with 2024 Subaru models. They said it is an improper windshield seal that occurred during manufacturing, and they will be replacing the windshield.

I own a 2024 Subaru Outback Wildnerness with approximately 3,000 miles. After about four months of ownership, the windshield suddenly developed a long crack starting from the edge on the passenger side. There was no major rock strike or outside impact - the crack appeared while the vehicle was parked and quickly spread across the glass. This is a major safety concern because the crack extends into the drivers field of vision, reducing visibility. It may also compromise the structural integrity of the windshield in the event of a collision and interfere with the proper function of the Subaru EyeSight safety system, which relies on the windshield mounted cameras. I contacted the dealership, but they claimed the issue was not covered under warranty. After researching, I found that many other Subaru owners have reported similar windshield failures. This appears to be a recurring defect that could pose a significant safety risk.

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, I received a warning that my EyeSight was disabled in the middle of driving. This meant that I was unable to utilize cruise control or any driver assistance functions. The weather was clear, sunny, and there was nothing obstructing the EyeSight cameras, nor were there any cracks in the windshield. The following day, Monday, July 14, EyeSight worked normally in the morning, but was disabled in the afternoon. Again, the cameras were clear of any obstructions and no cracks were visible on the windshield. Cruise control and driver assistance features were unavailable. On the morning of Tuesday, July 15, I came out to a 7-8 inch crack in the windshield, on the passenger side. No impact had occurred to cause this crack and it was not present the previous days. EyeSight is still disabled due to this and the windshield needs a full replacement. All driver assistance/collision prevention features are not available until the windshield is replaced and a recalibration is completed. Advantage Auto Glass of Rockford, IL will be inspecting the glass and can make it available for NHTSA evaluation. However, given that I have owned two Subaru Outbacks now, windshield weakness has been an issue with this vehicle, especially in warmer weather.

I purchased a 2024 Subaru Outback in July 2024 brand new. With less than 1,500 miles, I noticed an unexplained crack in the windshield one morning. The crack originated from the bottom with no visible impact and quickly spread. I wasn't event driving it and had not been driving it. Within a week, another crack appeared in an entirely different location, again with no sign of impact. When I initially brought this to Subaru’s attention, I was told it was due to a small chip from impact. However, I strongly disagree, as there was no such impact. Since that visit, four additional windshield cracks have formed, all originating from the bottom of the windshield, and none show any signs of external impact. I will be taking it back to Subaru for a fair resolution. There have been over 3,000 comments on just this issue with the NHTSA for Subaru Outback years 2022 through 2024.

Weather Conditions •Temperature: 40°F •Precipitation: Light rain Road Conditions: •Location: Interstate 79 South, Pittsburgh, PA •Road Type: Interstate highway •Road Quality: Normal, no visible deficiencies Vehicle Speed: •Approximately 65 mph Vehicle Occupants: •Driver (Adult) •2 Child Passengers Description of Damage: •27-inch crack across the windshield, extending into the driver’s primary field of vision Summary: While driving southbound on Interstate 79 near Pittsburgh, PA, at approximately 65 mph in light rain and a temperature of 40°F, defroster on , I heard a sudden, loud cracking noise from the windshield. Upon pulling over to inspect, I observed a crack approximately 27 inches long, originating at the base of the windshield and extending upward into my direct line of sight. I marked the crack to monitor its progression and continued the trip with caution. Damage Details and Observations: •The crack originates from the lower edge (root) of the windshield. •The crack changes direction as it extends and intersects with a small surface chip. •The chip measures approximately 0.039 inches (1mm) in diameter and 0.0018 inches (0.1mm) in depth. •The chip is located below the hood line and directly behind the windshield wiper bracket, in an area not easily visible during standard inspections. Vehicle Information: Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition which is marketed and designed with enhanced off-road capabilities relative to the standard Outback model. Concerns: Based on the location, characteristics, and progression of the crack, I have strong doubts that this damage was caused solely by a foreign object impact (FOD). Furthermore, even if FOD was a contributing factor, the small size and isolated position of the chip — in an area shielded by the wiper bracket — raises serious concerns about the structural integrity of the windshield itself. The extent and propagation of the crack appear disproportionate to the damage

I have owned the car for one year. In that time, three repairs have been made to the windshield including one full windshield replacement that was completed today (Feb 15, 2024). The OEM windshield has a clear tendency to break/crack under typical road conditions. The incident requiring replacement involved a 12 inch crack appearing during driving. It may have been caused by minor road debris; however three repairs in 1 year is indicative of poor quality glass that endangers drivers through increased incidence of cracking/reduced visibility. I have never had cracks to this extent on any other vehicle owned.

STRESS CRACK ON LOWER PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH DEFROSTER ON IN COLD WEATHER TO WARM VEHICLE. CRACKED ON LOWER PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT ABOVE DEFROSTER. I WAS NOT DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN CRACK OCCURRED. THIS WAS A SPONTANEOUS CRACK ON FRONT WINDSHIELD. I HAVE APPOINTMENT AT DEALER TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD INSPECTED FOR A WARRANTY REPAIR BECAUSE THIS SHOULD BE COVERED WITH BUMPER TO BUMPER SUBARU WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE IS A 2024 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 8000 MILES. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENDING ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE.