RoadVitals

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Visibility Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the visibility system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Visibility reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
72
Latest Nov 19, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
37%
of 194 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 72 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming visibility

The 25 most recent of 72, in the owner's own words

Visibility
Filed Nov 19, 2025

The front windshield spontaneously developed a crack about 5 inches long which later suddenly increased to about 15 inches in length. It is our understanding that this problem has occurred in the windshields of other Subaru models. The internet states that Subaru windshields have had a tendency to crack without impact due to the windshield's angle or thinness to accommodate Eyesight technology.

NHTSA ID
11700276
Incident
Jul 7, 2025
Visibility
Filed Feb 25, 2024

While driving home in the evening, I was startled by a sudden cracking sound that I heard. Although nothing appeared to have impacted the windshield, I speculated that it may have been caused by a plastic bag in which I stored trash in my vehicle on occasion. The following day, my partner noticed a significant crack in the windshield as he loaded bags into the car. I recounted the previous night's experience of hearing the disturbing sound that had caught my attention. The crack in the windshield continued to expand, causing me great distress and anxiety about the potential safety implications. As someone who relies on my vehicle for work-related commitments, the thought of the windshield shattering while I was driving deeply concerned me. This experience exacerbated my chronic pain and added financial worries due to the unexpected repair costs. Despite the absence of any apparent cause for the crack, I sought assistance from my car dealership, only to be advised that an independent service center would offer a more cost-effective solution and repair quicker. Following the windshield replacement process, which was completed by an independent service center. I have documented the progress of the crack through photographs. This unforeseen issue, with no prior indicators, caused significant distress for someone who struggles with change and is reluctant to have their vehicle undergoing repairs, beyond routine maintenance. While the windshield has been successfully replaced, I remain vigilant due to the abrupt nature of the initial damage.

NHTSA ID
11573897
Incident
Aug 1, 2023
Visibility
Filed Jun 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that upon inspection, a crack was discovered on the front windshield. The contact stated that the crack was located above the rearview mirror and extended approximately twelve inches. The contact stated that there was no impact on the windshield to cause the windshield to crack. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

NHTSA ID
11525970
Incident
Jun 8, 2023
Mileage
53,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jul 24, 2022

Windshield cracked almost all the way across to other side and then down. This vehicle has the eyesight package. I do not remember date it happened but will state 2 years ago. When it happened it quickly moved across windshield.

NHTSA ID
11475552
Incident
Jul 24, 2022
Visibility
Filed Jul 17, 2022

A windshield that was replaced July 14, 2021 at a Subaru dealership developed a crack for no apparent reason within 6 months (December 2021). The crack began at the bottom passenger-side edge and as of July 17, 2022 the crack has now extended 3/4 the distance across the windshield (upwards towards the top edge of the windshield). This is a very expensive replacement cost ($1,400) at the Subaru dealership. I am concerned about replacing the windshield again if the replacement windshields are defective and prone to cracking.

NHTSA ID
11474324
Incident
Jul 17, 2022
Visibility
Filed Jun 12, 2022

A very, very small pebble hit the windshield while driving and caused a ~9 inch fracture in the windshield. I see that Subaru has had a class action lawsuit for defective windshields, but for some reason did not include the 2018 Crosstrek — but I can assure you, it's the same glass on these vehicles and the smallest pebble caused a nearly foot long crack.

NHTSA ID
11468857
Incident
Jun 10, 2022
Visibility
Filed Mar 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that upon entering his vehicle after a light snowstorm, he noticed a vertical crack had from the bottom passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack had expanded further up the windshield and obstructed his vision while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and claimed they never heard of such a failure. The contact stated that he was also informed that the windshield was not covered under warranty and was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID
11455160
Incident
Jan 4, 2022
Mileage
80,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jan 21, 2022

I got a cracked glass on the empty road and this is a same problem like at Impreza

NHTSA ID
11448368
Incident
Jan 9, 2022
Body & structureElectricalVisibility
Filed Jan 13, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after a heavy rain and starting the vehicle several warning messages appeared on the instrument panel such as the assist braking and eyesight driver assist needed servicing. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that a sensor in the wheel caused the failure. The sensor was replaced however, the failure reoccurred after heavy rains a month a later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the failure reoccurred due to the computer sensor in the rear driver’s side wheel that was replaced was not reset. The contact stated that in December water was noticed on the driver’s side floor and condensation after a heavy rain. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again where the failure was diagnosed as clogged sunroof draining ports. The contact stated that the sunroof port needed to be replaced and unclogged. The manufacturer was notified, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.

NHTSA ID
11447370
Incident
Oct 25, 2021
Mileage
32,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jan 3, 2022

Windshield cracked in cold weather.

NHTSA ID
11445975
Incident
Dec 28, 2021
Visibility
Filed Dec 16, 2021

This is the second time my windshield has spontaneously cracked since buying my 2018 Crosstrek. Both the first and this time, the windshield appears to crack for no apparent reason and the crack grows every day until it crosses the entire windshield. These are costly to repair and should NOT crack without any visible damage.

NHTSA ID
11444069
Incident
Dec 14, 2021
Visibility
Filed Sep 13, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while her husband was approaching the parked vehicle, he noticed a crack on the upper driver’s side of the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

NHTSA ID
11432738
Incident
Sep 10, 2021
Mileage
23,000 mi
Visibility
Filed May 21, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, a small crack appeared on the windshield. The contact stated that after approximately 2 months, the crack expanded. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

NHTSA ID
11418091
Incident
Mar 15, 2021
Mileage
17,000 mi
Visibility
Filed May 13, 2021

WHAT LOOKS LIKE A SMALL CHIP APPEARED ON THE WINDSHIELD WITHOUT ANYTHING HITTING IT. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY IN A SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD.

NHTSA ID
11416396
Incident
May 5, 2021
Mileage
34,500 mi
Visibility
Filed Apr 21, 2021

MY 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK'S WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THERE WAS NO ROCK OR ANYTHING THAT I SAW HIT IT. THE CRACK KEEPS GROWING AND IS NOW ABOUT THE LENGTH OF A DOLLAR BILL. I HAVE HAD A CRACKED WINDSHIELD BEFORE ON A DIFFERENT CAR AND IT IS OBVIOUS WHEN SOMETHING LIKE A ROCK HITS IT. HOWEVER, THIS CRACK SEEMED TO HAVE COME OUT OF NOWHERE. WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE CRACK THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS (~35 MPH)

NHTSA ID
11413205
Incident
Apr 11, 2021
Mileage
15,103 mi
Visibility
Filed Apr 3, 2021

I OWN A SUBARU CROSSTREK (2018)OUR CAR WINDSHIELD HAS A CRACK. I'VE NEVER BEEN INTO ANY ACCIDENT OR COLLISION THAT CAN CAUSE SUCH A CRACK. I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE ALL OF A SUDDEN IS A CRACK ON WINDSHIELD ONE DAY. I JUST PARKED THE CAR IN OUR PARKING LOT IN OUR COMMUNITY ( IT'S A COVERED LOT) AND THE NEXT DAY WHEN I WENT IN TO CAR, I NOTICED THE CRACK.. I'VE BEEN SEARCHING AROUND AND NOTICED THAT SUBARU VEHICLES INCLUDING CROSSTREK HAVE TONS OF REPORTED ISSUES OF WINDSHIELD CRACKS.

NHTSA ID
11406216
Incident
Mar 10, 2021
Mileage
35,000 mi
Driver assistanceVisibility
Filed Apr 2, 2021

THE WINDSHIELD SUDDENLY CRACKED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET. NO IMPACT OR REASON FOR IT. CRACK BEGUN ON THE TOP MIDDLE SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD AND EXTENDED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WINSHIELD IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. WINDOW REPLACEMENT AND EYESIGHT ADAS CALIBRATION REQUIRED.

NHTSA ID
11406072
Incident
Apr 1, 2021
Mileage
2 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 13, 2021

DRIVING MY 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK DOWN THE HIGHWAY TODAY (2/13/2021) WITH NO OTHER CARS VISIBLE ON THE ROAD WITH ME IN THEIR DIRECTION I TURNED ON MY DEFROST AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I NOTICED AT THAT AFTER THAT FUNCTION A CRACKING LINE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD GREW UP FROM THE BOTTOM AND CURVED LEFT. THE CRACK CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 7-10" DURING THE REMAINING 3 HOUR DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY. TO BE CLEAR THERE WAS NO CHIP OR IMPACT. I HAVE PICTURES FROM THE MOMENT I REALIZED IT BEHIND THE WHEEL AND AGAIN OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AT THE END OF MY TRIP. THERE IS NO IMPACT JUST A PERFECT CRACK STARTING FROM BELOW THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WHICH IS PROECTED FROM DEBRE BY THE HOOD AND WIPERS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED MAY 2018, MANUFACTURED AFTER FEB 2018 AND IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD.

NHTSA ID
11396117
Incident
Feb 13, 2021
Mileage
69,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 11, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT NO OBJECT HAD IMPACTED THE WINDSHIELD TO CAUSE THE CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER ADVENTURE SUBARU LOCATED AT 1991 MENTOR AVE, PAINESVILLE, OH 44077 WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,800.

NHTSA ID
11395701
Incident
Feb 9, 2021
Mileage
54,800 mi
Visibility
Filed Jan 27, 2021

I HAVE A TOTAL OF TWO WINDSHIELD CRACKS ON MY ORANGE 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE FIRST OCCURED IN 05/23/2019. I WAS DRIVING ON MIRA MESA BLVD IN SAN DIEGO APPROACHING I-15 NORTH RAMP WHEN A SMALL ROCK FLEW A FROM CARS TIRE AND HIT MY WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, LOWER PORTION NEAR THE WIPER BLADES. I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 45 WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE ROCK CAUSED A SMALL CHIP AND TWO CRACKS. AS I DROVE ON THE FREEWAY TO WORK, THE CRACK BEGAN TO PROPAGATE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED A WINDSHIELD REPAIR COMPANY AND HAVE THEM SEAL THE CRACK TO PREVENT IT FROM SPREADING. COST $75 THE SECOND OCCASION ON 01/24/21 I WAS DRIVING ON THE I-5 FREEWAY NEAR OCEANSIDE HEADING NORTH. I WAS PASSING A TRUCK WHEN A DIME SIZE ROCK FLEW ONCE AGAIN AND HIT MY WINDSHIELD. I WAS DRIVING AT 75 MPH. THIS HIT RIGHT ON THE DRIVER-SIDE AROUND EYE LEVEL TO THE DRIVER. AT THIS POINT, IT SEEMED THE WINDSHIELD WAS WEAK SO I'M GETTING IT REPLACED. COSTING ME $400. THIS WINDSHIELD IS WEAK AND I SHOULD HAVE NOT HAVE TO REPLACE OR REPAIR IT AT SUCH A RAPID RATE.

NHTSA ID
11390121
Incident
May 23, 2019
Mileage
16,000 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Jan 24, 2021

WHILE DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME IN LIGHT SNOW MY WINDOW CRACKED STARTING AT 6 INCHES AND IS NOW OVER A FOOT LONG AND GROWING.

NHTSA ID
11389688
Incident
Jan 24, 2021
Mileage
53,000 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Jan 23, 2021

MY WINDSHIELD GOT A BIG CRACK OUT OF NOWHERE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. IN ADDITION MY WINDSHIELD WIPER NOZZLES AND PUMP HAVE BOTH BEEN REPLACED DUE TO PROBLEMS CLEANING WINDOW BUT CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION STILL AND I CAN'T SEE CLEARLY BECAUSE OF IT.

NHTSA ID
11389589
Incident
Jan 7, 2021
Mileage
18,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jan 13, 2021

WINDSHIELD CRACKED, UNSURE OF TIMING

NHTSA ID
11387895
Incident
Jan 13, 2021
Mileage
25,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Dec 27, 2020

WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE CRACK OCCURRED IN EARLY OCTOBER. THERE WAS NO REASON THE WINDSHIELD SHOULD HAVE CRACKED.

NHTSA ID
11385159
Incident
Oct 8, 2020
Mileage
35,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Dec 27, 2020

A LONG (10-12 INCH) CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THAT A SMALL PEPPLE HIS THE WINDSHIELD WIHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. NO NOTICABLE DAMANAGE UNTIL A FEW DAYS LATER WHEN I NOTICED A LONG (10-12) INCH CRACK IN THE WINDSHEILD NEAR THE DASH (BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD) AND TRAVELING UP AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA ID
11385126
Incident
Dec 26, 2020
Mileage
20,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .