2020 Subaru Forester: Visibility complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 301 owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Forester that list the visibility component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11677565 (filed 07/31/2025): “As i was driving my 2020 subaru forester a cracked suddenly appeared across the driver side of the windshield, possibly from a small pebble. the sunlight reflection off the crack sent blinding sunlight into my eyes which nearly caused a collision with the car stopped in front of me. i now have an…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11635630 (filed 01/13/2025): “The contact owns a 2020 subaru forester. the contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the contact became aware of a 7-inch crack at the bottom of the windshield near the driver’s side pillar running horizontally. the contact stated that there was no impact on the windshield to cause the cr…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11614522 (filed 09/13/2024): “The head unit suddenly stopped working. it unfortunately isn’t covered under warranty. the screen consistently turns on and off.…”
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 .