Subaru Outback Visibility Problems
Owners have filed 331 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the Subaru Outback across 29 model years. The 2020 model year has the most (70). The words owners use most often: “windshield cracked” (33% of reports).
- 331visibility complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 6related recalls
- 59%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Windshield cracked: mentioned in 108 of 331 complaints (33%)
- Without impact: mentioned in 61 of 331 complaints (18%)
- Noticed crack: mentioned in 29 of 331 complaints (9%)
- Obstructed vision: mentioned in 19 of 331 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do visibility problems happen?
Based on 273 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 331 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 1 an injury.
Subaru Outback visibility complaints by model year
| Model year | Visibility complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 1 | 1% | 2,000 |
| 2024 Outback | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2023 Outback | 3 | 3% | 2,350 |
| 2022 Outback | 26 | 6% | 6,750 |
| 2021 Outback | 10 | 3% | 4,500 |
| 2020 Outback | 70 | 8% | 18,121 |
| 2019 Outback | 63 | 6% | 26,000 |
| 2018 Outback | 41 | 5% | 34,900 |
| 2017 Outback | 30 | 3% | 49,500 |
| 2016 Outback | 8 | 1% | 22,828 |
| 2015 Outback | 14 | 3% | 60,000 |
| 2014 Outback | 2 | 1% | 89,904 |
| 2013 Outback | 3 | 1% | 116,000 |
| 2012 Outback | 4 | 1% | 16,891 |
| 2011 Outback | 5 | 1% | 6,642 |
| 2010 Outback | 3 | 1% | 78,000 |
| 2009 Outback | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2007 Outback | 1 | 1% | 15,000 |
| 2006 Outback | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2005 Outback | 2 | 1% | 60,800 |
| 2004 Outback | 5 | 6% | 45,348 |
| 2003 Outback | 3 | 3% | 38,000 |
| 2002 Outback | 6 | 4% | 33,500 |
| 2001 Outback | 3 | 2% | 74,500 |
| 2000 Outback | 6 | 3% | — |
| 1999 Outback | 4 | 4% | — |
| 1998 Outback | 7 | 6% | 35,000 |
| 1997 Outback | 7 | 9% | — |
| 1996 Outback | 1 | 2% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (6)
Visibility:windshield
Model years: 2022
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Risk: An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-22.
Visibility:rearview mirrors/devices
Model years: 2018
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
Fix: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Risk: If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
Visibility/wiper
Model years: 2012
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011. Components inside the wiper motor bottom cover may overheat.
Risk: If the components overheat, the wiper motor bottom cover may melt and potentially catch fire.
Fix: Subaru has notified all affected owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly free of charge. The safety recall began February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Model years: 2012
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011. The moonroof glass may come loose or detach. The amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied.
Risk: The moonroof glass can loosen and detach from the vehicle during driving, resulting in a potential road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru has notified the affected owners, and dealers will inspect the glass adhesion condition and either apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass, free of charge. The safety recall began February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Model years: 2011
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2011 outback and legacy vehicles manufactured from august 3, 2010, through july 1, 2011. The moonroof glass may come loose or detach. The amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied.
Risk: The moonroof glass can loosen and detach from the vehicle during driving, resulting in a potential road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass adhesion condition and either apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 2011. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving during heavy rainfall, the front windshield displayed a distorted view while the windshield wipers were activated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not…
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH the front windshield cracked approximately 6 inches from the heat sensor, no warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not diagnosed as the contact was advised that…
The windshield of vehicle has become completely covered with small dots, making the view from inside at certain times ( early morning & late afternoon - due to angle of sun) difficult to the point of the vehicle being a hazard to drive. These dots, or pinpoints, cover the windshield from top to…
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied in the garage, the contactâs son opened the garage door and became aware of a crack on the front passengerâs side windshield. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer…
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the front passengerâs side mirror had started to detach from the vehicle without an impact to the vehicle, and the mirror had become inoperable. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Outbacks have visibility problems?
No. NHTSA has 331 owner complaints about visibility for the Subaru Outback. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Outback visibility?
Yes: 6 safety recalls list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about visibility problems on the Subaru Outback?
The most frequent phrase is “windshield cracked”, in 108 of 331 complaints, followed by “without impact” (61).
Other Subaru Outback problems
- Electrical System problems (2,285)
- Visibility/wiper problems (1,760)
- Power Train problems (988)
- Engine problems (718)
- Air Bags problems (693)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (530)
- Service Brakes problems (431)
- Steering problems (366)
See all Subaru Outback problems.