2021 Subaru Forester: Chipped windshield immediately
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2021 Forester report: chipped windshield immediately. CarComplaints.com lists 2 owner complaints, average mileage 15,050 miles.
NHTSA has 90 owner complaints for the 2021 Forester in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11673017 (filed 07/12/2025): “Windshield cracks with the slightest rock hit making the windshield unsafe to continue use. had two replacements in first six months…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11625815 (filed 11/17/2024): “Having repeat issues with the windshield cracking. my vehicle has around 32k miles, and i'm already on my 3rd windshield. i've never had this issue with any other vehicle. it's been extremely costly. also the transmission failed and had to be replaced at 26,00…”
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 (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 $1,100 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Chipped windshield immediately (2021 Forester)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2021 Forester
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