Verified government source

NHTSA complaint #11603292

This page summarizes an official U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration owner complaint. Use the verification links below to confirm the record directly with NHTSA.

Vehicle

2019 SUBARU OUTBACK

Manufacturer

Subaru of America, Inc.

Components

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Dates

Incident: 07/12/2024
Filed: 07/18/2024

Owner complaint summary

Severe windshield cracking requiring replacement. 2 in 6 month period. 1st was November 2023. Extremely cold temperatures. Cracked directly above heater vents on both sides same time. I watched it go from outer lower edges and move all the way to the center, entire length of the shield. I did not see anything hit the windshield, but they were iced and snow covered. I felt the temperature difference outside compared to in the cabin may have caused the crack. 2nd occurred July 12 2024. Extreme heat ( 100 plus) air-conditioning blasting cold air. Low traffic, at least 4 car lengths between mine and the car ahead. I did not see any debris. I did hear a noise, and then watched the windshield crack from the same location (lower outside edge) this time only the passenger side. The crack started approximately 6 inches. The following morning that crack had moved past midway of the windshield. This is not normal for any other vehicle I have driven. I have been driving 45 years. I have had a rock hit the windshield, some large rocks. In only one case I suffered a chip that was fixed with resin. There is a problem (safety) with this windshield. Installation, glass, design flaw?? I don't know the cause, but It is hazardous. The dealer's mechanic that replaced the 1st one told me "it is a KNOWN issue for my model" someone needs to address and correct an issue that is known which could be catastrophic. I was driving 35 mph in November incident, and 70 mph in July. I can provide documentation re: 1st replacement. I did not take pictures of that one. I can provide photos of 2nd one. I have not done 2nd replacement. I may just trade it out. That is how concerning this issue is to me.

This is an owner complaint filed with NHTSA (ODI #11603292). It is not automatically an official recall, investigation outcome, or manufacturer admission unless the complaint text itself describes one.

Official record ID (ODI): 11603292. This page is the human-readable source link used across afterwarranty. The raw JSON link proxies NHTSA's public API for machine verification; prefer this page when reading the complaint.