Problems · by component

2018 Subaru Crosstrek visibility/wiper problems

64 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek cite visibility/wiper, 33% of all 195 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
64
33% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the visibility/wiper

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 19, 2025Visibility/wiperODI 11700276
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2024Visibility/wiperODI 11573897
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2022Visibility/wiperODI 11475552
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 17, 2022Visibility/wiperODI 11474324
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2022Visibility/wiperODI 11468857
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 16, 2021Unknown or other, Visibility/wiperODI 11444069

Showing 6 of 64 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2018 Crosstrek problem areas