Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
Numerous class action lawsuits against Subaru have been compiled into one complaint by consumers who claim their cars’ windshields are prone to crack.
The first complaint was filed in October 2019 by Christine Powell and the other complaints followed in courts in California and New Jersey.
The plaintiffs maintain that Subaru sold 2017-2020 Subaru Forester, 2017-2020 Subaru Outback, 2017-2020 Subaru Crosstrek, 2017-2020 Subaru Legacy and 2017-2020 Subaru Impreza vehicles to the customers but didn’t disclose the windshields were defective.
The defect allegedly presents a safety hazard to drivers and pedestrians. Spontaneous cracking can impair the driver’s view and distract the driver, according to the consolidated Subaru class action lawsuit. In addition, the plaintiffs claim the replacement windshields they paid for, which were provided by the company, have the same defect and are equally dangerous.
In addition, the customers claim the defect deprives them of the ability to use the company’s EyeSight technology that is built into the windshield.
The customers allege Subaru knew the class vehicles contain the windshield defect and have concealed this information from the public and even continues to deny that the problem exists.
“Selling vehicles with dangerously defective windshields and refusing to take responsibility for the defects is directly contrary to the safety conscious, trustworthy, and reliable image Subaru advertises,” states the Subaru class action lawsuit.
The vehicle owners maintain that Subaru refuses to honor the commitment it gave to loyal customers, is jeopardizing the safety of the public, and making its customers bear the expenses of Subaru’s mistakes.
The car owners argue that Subaru refuses to replace the defective windshields under their warranty, often stating that an impact caused the windshield to crack. The “systematic” denial of these warranty claims is one part of a “concerted effort” to minimize the cost of warranty claims and shift the costs of repairs onto the customers, the plaintiffs allege.
The plaintiffs also state that had the defendants disclosed the defect to the customers, the plaintiffs would not have purchased the vehicles or would have paid less for them.
When purchasing their vehicles, customers relied on the reasonable expectation their class vehicles would be safe and have windshields that did not have any defects and did not pose a threat to their safety, states the class action lawsuit.
“Plaintiffs and the Class members operated their Class Vehicles in a reasonably foreseeable manner and as the Class Vehicles were intended to be used but nevertheless suffered significant damages to their windshields as a result of the defect,” the Subaru class action lawsuit continues.
The Subaru class action lawsuit argues that, “Plaintiffs demand that Defendants accept responsibility for replacing damaged windshields under Subaru’s new vehicle warranty at no charge to Plaintiffs and the Classes and reimburse Plaintiffs and the Classes for losses suffered as a result of the Defect. In addition, or alternatively, Subaru should be required to buy back the Class Vehicles.”
Do you own a Subaru with a windshield that cracks? Leave a message in the comments section below.
The plaintiffs are represented by Katrina Carroll of Carlson Lynch LLP, Peter Houghton Levan Jr. and Peter A. Muhic of Levan Law Group LLC and Amey J. Park and Russell D. Paul of Berger Montague PC.
The Subaru Windshield Class Action Lawsuit is Powell, et al. v. Subaru of America Inc., et al., Case No. 1:19-cv-19114, in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
UPDATE: On March 6, 2020, Subaru asked a judge to dismiss a class action lawsuit claiming the windshields in some Subaru vehicles crack during normal use.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
202 thoughts onSubaru Cracked Windshield Class Action Revised
Just replaced cracked windshield on our 2020 Forester Sport for the second to me in about six months. The second crack developed spontaneously on far right side of window midway where windshield is bonded to frame — exactly where online sources say such cracks develop. There were no rock chips at origin point of long horizontal crack trending to top of frame in front of sensor location and running 23 inches until replaced. Local dealer said cracked windshield was not covered by warranty and charged $78 to recalibrate sensor system.
I’m having the windshield replaced on my 2019 Outback tomorrow (Thursday July 29,2021) for the second time in 30 days. Both times, the Subaru Service Manager thoroughly examined the outside of the glass & could not find any evidence of even the most minor of chips or other damage. The windshield simply started cracking across the windshield and simultaneously the rearview mirror fell off. Subaru USA covered the cost of the 1st replacement 30 days ago, but now for the second failure they are suggesting that my use of a ‘sunshield’ caused the windshield to crack and the rearview mirror to fall off. I’ve used that sunshield for about 20 years and used it on several different vehicles, including older model Subarus with no problem. Their final decision on reimbursement is pending & I have not heard back yet, but in any case I’m stuck with a 2019 Outback with ‘lemon’ windshields that can fail at any time.
2020 Subaru Outback 2nd windshield in three weeks this time from no apparent reason. Crack started at the “a” post midway and extends across to the center of the windshield directly at eye level. Not safe.
I am the owner of a 2019 forester. My windshield cracked yesterday for the THIRD time. I’ve driven my whole life in the mountains, off road, etc and have never had a cracked windshield and am about to purchase my FOURTH windshield on a car that is just over 2 years old! I love my Subaru but this is infuriating A d arguably a safety concern.
I was driving my new 2020 Forester home from the dealership in Whitefish MT to Cut Bank MT when the windshield acquired a long crack rendering the eyesight technology inoperable.
There was no object impacting the windowglass in this incident.
The windshield of my new 2021 Outback cracked after a week. They claim the “pin test” indicates an impact, but I certainly never noticed one. It was a hot day, so I think it cracked due to the glass expanding. Has anyone else had trouble with the 2021s?
Yes it has been discovered that the manufacturer deliberately chose a thinner glass supposedly “improve mileage”.
This is laughable and a false statement. The reason the manufacturer selected a cheaper thinner glass is for increased profits.
I don’t think any of us believes they were interested in giving us better gas mileage.
I am also leasing a 2020 Subaru Forester only 8000 miles and my windshield has cracked twice. First time safelight filled it but this time they replaced the glass but why should my insurance have to cover that added expense? Is there any way to join this class action and could you advise me on how to get out of the lease?
Suzanne,
Have you learned anything new about your windshield. My 2020 Forester windshield just spontaneously cracked yesterday with my 10 year-old granddaughter in the car. I am currently going back and forth with the dealership and Subaru to see what is to be done. I will let you know what develops. Please update me as well.
HI, I am not Suzanne, but my windshield cracked twice. I had to go back and forth with the dealership and Subaru. They are covering the second one, $1000 Subaru coupon. They covered the deductible on the first. It takes some pushing. But I had photos of the initial crack and you can see there are no rock chips there . I took it to a glass company and they said it was obviously a stress crack. I am in the process of getting trade in quotes while I wait to get it fixed and I have had two other dealerships say it is a stress crack. It is frustrating that Subaru doesn’t own up to this problem.
I bought a brand new 2020 Forester last June and in the last six weeks my windshield has cracked twice.
My 2018 Crosstrek just cracked sitting in the driveway on a hot day. Took to dealer, no point of impact, they took pics. A week later when they didn’t call back we called and were told it has a point of impact! Getting fixed as I type, but must pay $500 deductible. Not fair, since I know it was spontaneous. Love this car, but will think twice before buying another Subaru.
2017 outback windshield cracked twice so far. Replaced the first time in 2017 Feb (a month after i bought the car) and 2021 Mar. Unfortunately, the first time it cracked, i went for an original Subaru windshield else I probably would have not seen the second instance of it. The new class suite only covers 2015 and 2016 outbacks.