2018 Subaru Forester: Cracked windshield
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2018 Forester report: cracked windshield. CarComplaints.com lists 12 owner complaints, average mileage 28,850 miles.
NHTSA has 156 owner complaints for the 2018 Forester in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11731154 (filed 04/14/2026): “The air conditioning system of my 2017 subaru forrester suddenly went out without warning. i noticed a defect when the a/c started buzzing with a high pitched sound and blowing semi-warm air instead of cool. i took my auto to a car repair shop. he provided thi…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11702872 (filed 12/03/2025): “Unknown…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace windshield, re-calibrate eyesight system (6 reports) had windshield replaced by insurance (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Leaks can often be traced with a water test and resealed; glass replacement is a pro job. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $930 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .