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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.
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199 thoughts onSubaru Cracked Windshield Class Action Revised
I have had three windows crack so far in my 2017 Subaru Legacy. The last two windows cracked in the same location (started at the top edge in the middle of the windshield and worked its way across the whole window). Both times the crack started within 4 months of the replacement. Subaru continues to state that it was hit by a rock but I am positive that it was not. I keep having to pay $1200 to fix the windshield which seems pointless anymore since it does not last. Subaru agreed to pay $500 of the last repair which is a joke considering they should accept responsibility for these defective windshields.
I own Crosstrek 2018, and I was surprised by how easily my windshield gets scratched/cracked with this car compared to my previous Subaru cars I had. Thankfully, I haven’t had a major crack, but I had a few rock chips repaired recently. This is the 3rd Subaru car I’ve owned, and I can honestly say that I never had a single rock chip in my first 2 cars. I thought I was just lucky before, but after reading this class action, it makes more sense to me that this car came with a low quality windshield.
I have a 2019 Subaru Outback. I have had my windshield replaced once and then the 2nd windshield has had repairs made to it from 2 small cracks not enough to warrant a replacement windshield. Every time a small stone hits my windshield I cringe and quickly have to check to see what type of damage, if any, was created for fear of another crack in my windshield.
My 2022 Outback windshield stressed cracked within 2000 miles from the passenger side edge and progressed inwards with no impacts. It is wide enough to place a credit card into. The dealer (Balise -Warwick RI) basically called me a liar and did nothing but give me lip service about seeing if Subaru of America may do a “good will” replacement. The dealers are well trained to hide the truth. No more Subarus or any Balise visits for me. Integrity is important.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek cracked windshield club. Had it for about a year.
My 2018 Crosstrek had to have the windshield replace twice for glass cracks and I just had the glass in my 2021 Crosstrek replace yesterday and then driving down the street a small rock hit the class and another crack. I JUST paid $1500. Altogether almost $5k and this glass seems to be breaking every year. This is a problem.
Replaced my 2020 Outback windshield May 20; 2022. Crack started on drivers side of windshield. Car only has 19,000 miles .
Today while parking in reverse the car accelerated very quickly over an 8 inch curb , never stopped till it hit a tree. Felt like I was going 50 mph in reverse would not stop. RAB worked a week ago when nothing was behind me. Car just abruptly stopped. Not today.
My car is a wreck. Never had an accident before in my life . Been driving 45 years.
I’d like to know if I can return or sell vehicle back to dealer due to windshield issue. Have crack also Subaru will take care of it but will replace with same one from what I’ve been reading many that have been replaced gets crack also. Makes no sense to use someone it should be replaced with a better quality glass who can I talk to on this issue I would like to return car and get my full refund
My 2022 Subaru Outback is only 9 months old with 9432 miles. ON 3/31/2022 the windshield suffered the spontaneous windshield breakage problem that Subaru’s suffer from. The windshield cracked from the lower left corner of the glass (looking from the front of the car to the windshield). There was nothing that hit the glass. There are no marks on it other than the crack that start from the lower left edge. The classic Subaru windshield failure issue.
I’ve replaced 2 so far that have spontaneously cracked since I bought the my 2020 Outback in October of 2019. The first was when the vehicle was a year old and the second just 15 months later. Nothing hit the windshield either time.
My 22 Outback didnt make it 2000 miles before the windshield stressed cracked ( no impact) from the passenger side edge large enough to put a credit card into. The dealer (Balise -Warwick RI) basically called me a liar and did nothing. My glass guy says Subaru is using unreasonably thin glass to lighten the cars to make the MPG numbers. No more Subarus or any Balise visits for me ever
3/14/22 I was leaving my friend’s house when I started hearing sharp pops. By the time I got to the end of her road I was concerned enough to stop and check out the car, even though it was dark outside. I didn’t see anything to the body or tires, so I got back in and went home. Two days later I discovered the crack which involves the area where the rear view mirror is attached and extends in both directions, to top edge of windshield and down to a “J”.
I had no idea there was an issue with these windshields. I bought my 2020 Forester in fall of 2020 and it only had 55 miles on it when I took it for the first ride.
I don’t know what to do now.