2020 Subaru Forester: Windshield chip growing crack
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2020 Forester report: windshield chip growing crack. CarComplaints.com lists 10 owner complaints, average mileage 25,500 miles.
NHTSA has 301 owner complaints for the 2020 Forester in this area. 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 ca…”
- 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 …”
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 with one that won't crack (4 reports) replace windshield (2 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 $1,130 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .