FaultScore

2018 Subaru Impreza window and wiper problems

39 of the 181 complaints about the 2018 Subaru Impreza are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 22% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 25,250 miles.

C

39

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Visibility/Wiper 33 84.6%
Windshield 5 12.8%
Visibility 1 2.6%

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers across every Subaru Impreza year

1993 17 7.0%
2002 17 7.0%
2008 27 11.2%
2017 26 10.7%
2018 39 16.1%
2019 60 24.8%
2020 56 23.1%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

West Hempstead, NY

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Headlights Recall from 8/2022 still has no remedy available. NHTSA Recall Number22V624000

NHTSA complaint #11569799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Nelsonville, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

While parked at a roadside rest for the night I heard a sound similar to cracking but didn’t think anything of it. The next day when the sun came up I noticed the windshield was cracking and had a few chips in it. The chips were not the cause of the cracking and came along the cracks but we’re not centrally located to the cracks meaning they were caused by the windshield cracking. The night before the defrost was on cold because it had been raining and it was warm outside. I immediately took photos. I have been unable to repair the windshield considering it costs over 1000.00 and my insurance doesn’t cover defects in the quality of parts used on the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11528696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brambleton, VA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Subaru has failed to repair the halogen headlight safety recall in a timely manner. This recall was first announced on August 16th, 2022. It has been 9 months and the remedy for the safety recall has not yet been made available.

NHTSA complaint #11521807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11509657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The Dalles, OR

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Have had low visibility at night since purchase in 2018. Thought it was just the bulbs until receiving a recall notice that it is a manufactured issue and there is still no remedy. VERY low night visibility is a serious safety risk to myself and other drivers when having to operate after dark. It has been over 5 months and Subaru has still failed to make a remedy available to resolve problem.

NHTSA complaint #11504453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 25,000 miles Colorado Springs, CO

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, he noticed that a vertical crack had formed on the bottom passenger’s side windshield. The crack quickly extended approximately 30 inches. The contact stated that the crack obstructed his vision while driving at various speeds. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA complaint #11500184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 25,500 miles Arlington, TX

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that he parked and remained at a close distance from the vehicle; however, upon returning to the vehicle, he noticed that there was a large crack on the windshield. The contact inspected the windshield but could not determine the cause of the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,500.

NHTSA complaint #11490560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,500 miles Ladson, SC

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the front windshield was cracked. The contact was unsure what caused the windshield to crack since the vehicle was rarely driven. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer for an inspection. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,500.

NHTSA complaint #11469183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,000 miles Show Low, AZ

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that after he poured water onto the windshield to wash the windshield, the windshield shattered. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.

NHTSA complaint #11463377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fresno, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Rear view mirror fell off while driving. There was no impact or otherwise cause for this to fall off. The mirror took a chunk of glass from the front windshield with it. Very dangerous.

NHTSA complaint #11462933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redding, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield cracked for not apparent reason. Parked car, places visor up, came back to car, took visor down and immediately noticed the crack. I do not remember any rocks hitting the windshield at that spot and I did not notice it at all until this morning when returning to my car. Very unusual.

NHTSA complaint #11455418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodbury, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield on my 2018 Impreza car cracked on the lower left drivers side. The crack was unexpected and was not triggered by anything. It arrived out of no where. There is no chip or indentation. Crack is about the length of 2 dollar bills. I feel this is a manufacturing defect and should be paid for by Subaru. This is absolutely faulty craftsmanship and I am extremely disappointed with the durability considering I take excellent care of my vehicle and have had it for less than 1 year! Not to mention, I do not even want to think about the lack of protection this windshield would have provided me if I were ever been in an accident. As a mother, I prefer to drive a vehicle that is safe with my 2 year old daughter in the back seat. I read that there is an ongoing lawsuit with Subaru concerning 2017-2019 vehicles with windshield defects. I am not the only individual experiencing this. Not to mention, this is not an expense I was prepared for and shouldn’t have to be, if Subaru would make a windshield that was not faulty and safe for its consumers! Subaru needs to make this right and be considerate of its consumers.

NHTSA complaint #11446675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlottesville, VA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I have had 3 windshields crack (all in the Winter months) for no reason with this Impreza. On December 4 2021, I turned on the car and while still in park, a 5" crack started growing from the bottom of the front windshield upward. The crack was not there when I started the car and during the day it grew to 8". This repair costs $1000 each time and from what I have read, Subaru is aware that this is not an isolated incident with these windshields. I complain each time that the windshields are defective and that vehicles I have that are 10 years old have not had a windshield crack or be relaced. Even a Subaru employee joked I should trade before getting another cracked windshield this Winter. I should have heeded that advice.

NHTSA complaint #11442701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Moscow, PA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the driveway and as he sat in the vehicle, he noticed that there was a crack on the passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact looked around but could not determine the cause of the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to an independent mechanic for repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

NHTSA complaint #11441936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

College Park, MD

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Front windshield cracked for no reason.

NHTSA complaint #11439122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield is cracked for the 3rd time without anything hitting it. The past 2 times i have taken it to the Dealer for repair and made them aware of it. I have receipts in my possession showing the cost of replacement from my previous 2 windshields i have replaced from the dealership. Currently the windshield cracked yesterday while it was parked on 6/6/21. No damage to the vehicle was noticed prior to this time. This will be the 3rd windshield i will have to replace at my own cost. I am worried about my safety after the fact the windshield has cracked 3 times and wonder if it's going to happen while I am driving. There was no prior warning for each time it has cracked.

NHTSA complaint #11420036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Yemassee, SC

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE RUBBER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD FROM END TO END IS NOT SECURE PROPERLY. I BOUGHT IT 2/8/2021. MY FIRST TIME WASHING IT WAS 4/12/2021 WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE RUBBER IS LOOSE

NHTSA complaint #11408233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,000 miles Buffalo, NY

VISIBILITY/WIPER

IN 2019, I EXPERIENCED 2 INCIDENTS RELATED TO THE GLASS IN THIS VEHICLE. IN THE FIRST INCIDENT, I NOTICED A CHIP IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WAS PATCHED BY A GLASS REPAIR SERVICE. IN THE 2ND INCIDENT, I NOTICED A CHIP IN THE GLASS OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THIS REQUIRED REPLACING THE ENTIRE GLASS PANE, ALSO DONE BY A GLASS REPAIR SERVICE. IN BOTH OF THESE INSTANCES, THERE WAS NOT A DEFINITE EVENT I COULD IDENTIFY AS THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGE.

NHTSA complaint #11396040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,000 miles SAN Francisco, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWICE IN A SINGLE MONTH DUE TO THE FORMATION OF LARGE CRACKS DURING NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA. BOTH WINDSHIELDS WERE SUBARU OEM INSTALLED AT CERTIFIED SUBARU DEALERSHIPS. THE WINDSHIELD ALSO APPEARED TO HAVE AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CHIPS CONSIDERING ITS AGE AND THE DRIVING CONDITIONS IT EXPERIENCED (PAVED HIGHWAYS)

NHTSA complaint #11395739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 32,654 miles Cedarville, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

ON DECEMBER 13, WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED AT MY HOUSE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED. IT STARTED AT THE TOP CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD AND HAS GROWN SINCE. THERE IS NO IMPACT POINT OR REASON FOR THE CRACK.

NHTSA complaint #11386202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 46,747 miles Santa Monica, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE FRONT WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED

NHTSA complaint #11384042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Audubon, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

WINDSHIELD CRACKED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. CAR ONLY HAS 35K MILES ON IT.

NHTSA complaint #11383985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 18,000 miles Papillion, NE

VISIBILITY/WIPER

ON THE MORNING OF FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 2020, WE FOUND THE WINDSHIELD OF THE 2018 IMPREZA TO HAVE CRACKED OVERNIGHT WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF IMPACTS. THE CRACK ORIGINATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE BOTTOM WHERE THE WIPER BLADE LOCATES, BUT HAS SPREAD QUICKLY IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS ' NOW REACHING ACROSS TO THE DRIVER SIDE, AS SHOWN BY THE PHOTOS. WE HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND REQUESTED A WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY. WE ARE AWAITING FOR A RESOLUTION.

NHTSA complaint #11376851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,000 miles Johnstown, CO

VISIBILITY/WIPER

WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. PARKED AT WORK IN MORNING, WHEN I RETURNED IN THE AFTERNOON ABOUT A 12 INCH CRACK ACROSS PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD. NO CHIPS OR CRACKS WERE THERE BEFORE.

NHTSA complaint #11376710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,000 miles Rapid City, SD

VISIBILITY/WIPER

WINDSHIELD CRACKING WITH ONLY LIGHT IMPACT. HAVE SEVERAL CRACKS FROM THESE IMPACTS. DID NOT HEAR IMPACT, NOTICED CRACK AFTER BEING IN SUN FOR A FEW HOURS. HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A WEAK WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA complaint #11363311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,500 miles Colorado Springs, CO

VISIBILITY/WIPER

DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOTICED THE MORNING OF JULY 12,2020 WHILE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT FROM 6PM TO 8AM AT A RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT. THE DAMAGE APPEARED IN A SMALL "U" SHAPE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND QUICKLY INCREASED IN SIZE WITHIN TWO WEEKS.

NHTSA complaint #11361637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,796 miles BAR Harbor, ME

VISIBILITY/WIPER

WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED WHILE STATIONARY IN A DRIVEWAY

NHTSA complaint #11361375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Cleveland, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I 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.

NHTSA complaint #11349023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,156 miles Tijeras, NM

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11340460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,900 miles Southlake, TX

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11331737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2018 Subaru Impreza problems

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