2020 Subaru Forester: Visibility/Wiper complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 252 owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Forester that list the visibility/wiper 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 #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.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11589926 (filed 05/21/2024): “In a three year period i have had to replace my windshield for cracks causing visibility issues. each of these cracks have appeared for no apparent reason.…”
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 .