2018 Subaru Forester: Visibility/Wiper complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 135 owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Forester that list the visibility/wiper component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11702872 (filed 12/03/2025): “Unknown…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11663188 (filed 05/27/2025): “Windshield cracked sitting parked matching subaru tsb 12-192-15r except model of vehicle and subaru stating not covered under the class action warranty extension…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11641146 (filed 02/06/2025): “Windshield cracked starting in the black area under the driver's windshield wiper. car was idling at a drive through, wipers were on. note: car had fewer than 22,500k miles at the time, was likely around 22,485+. the crack continued to climb to the top edge of the window as my car sat on the drive…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Leaks can often be traced with a water test and resealed; glass replacement is a pro job. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .