A New Ruling In The Subaru Cracked Windshield Lawsuit Now Adds 2.5M Cars

Work for Torque News, follow on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook.

A New Jersey Judge has ruled against Subaru in the cracked windshield lawsuit. See what it means for Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy owners.

The defective windshield class-action lawsuit against Subaru of America will now include 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S. and could cost the Camden, N.J automaker millions. According to court documents obtained from Court Listener, a New Jersey Judge has ruled against Subaru in the cracked windshield lawsuit this week and denied Subaru's motion to dismiss part of the case.

The lawsuit filed last year on behalf of Christine Powell, represented by Attorneys Christopher Moon and Kevin Moon, Moon Law APC, contends 2017-19 Forester and Outback models have "dangerous" windshields that are prone to "cracking, chipping and otherwise breaking." Torque News reported in February that the lawsuit added 15 new plaintiffs to the case.

In March, Subaru asked the Court to dismiss the case stating the plaintiffs have never owned the model years they say have the same defective windshields. Because of the N.J. Judge's ruling this week, the case now includes 2017-2020 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent models.

The court documents filed on November 24 states, "The Court finds that…while defendants (Subaru of America) point out several elements of plaintiffs' CAC that could perhaps be clearer, the Court finds that plaintiffs' allegations against defendants are specific enough to enable them to provide a good-faith response. The Court will deny the defendant's motion for a more definite statement, and the Court will deny in part defendants' motions to dismiss."

Is there a Subaru windshield recall?

The lawsuit against Subaru alleges the automaker knew about the issue due to the "tremendous volume of complaints lodged by consumers but continues to hide its information from the public and denies that any defect exists." There has been no recall issued for the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, or Legacy defective windshield problem.

The ruling allows the consumers to sue over vehicle models they have not owned or leased. It now includes 2017-2020 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent models. If the plaintiffs win the case, The Court will likely require Subaru to replace windshields if owners can prove they cracked for no reason.

What should owners do now?

Owners are responsible for replacing a windshield now. With labor costs and recalibrating the vehicles' EyeSight driver assist technology, replacing a Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, or Ascent windshield could be $1,000 or more.

What should owners do if they have a cracked windshield for no apparent reason? If you own a 2017-2020 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, or 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent model, you can file a complaint with the NHTSA or call 1-888-327-4236. Torque News will give updates on the outcome of the cracked windshield lawsuit.

You Might Also Like: Can Your Subaru Windshield Shatter On Its Own? New Forester And Outback Owners Say Yes

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru

Submitted by Michael Welch (not verified) on November 26, 2020 - 10:54PM

Permalink

The third windshield I had replaced was an after market heavier windshield as suggested by the company that replaced it. It is heavier and haven't had any problems with it. Subaru kept telling me nothing was wrong with their original windshields. My insurance company paid for the there replacements, but I had to pay the$100 deductible. My insurance company should be reimbursed.

My 2019 windshield just cracked with no apparent FOD damage. Who installed the heavier duty windshield. Need to have mine replaced.

316-779-4873

We own a 2015 Forester XT whose windshield cracked after a tiny pebble hit it. Prior to that it’s surface had many little sand inclusions? Never had a windshield do it 47 years of driving. Insurance co would not cover OEM just a one from a windshield replacement co. to Subaru specs! It’s We have eyesite they did the recalibration. All was fine for one year. All of a sudden eyesite stops working after 20 minutes of driving. Subaru dealership would not do anything because it’s not a OEM windshield and they will not calibrate even under extended warranty. Be warned everyone they insist on their windshields and if your insurance co will not cover it$$$$$$$

My 2020 Outback just cracked while driving yesterday. No warning just a loud pop and I had a crack extending from the lower part of the windshield by the passenger wiper up to the middle of the windshield. This is completely unacceptable

Same thing happened to us yesterday. Windshield of 2020 outback cracked and the crack went all the way across the windshield for no apparent reason. And this is the SECOND windshield in 6 months on this new car. We are pissed!

I was at the subaru dealership yesterday getting an oil change and mentioned the cracked windshield I had replaced with only 15k miles on my 2020 Outback. Their Service Consultant was testy and defensive. I just wanted to let him know in case others had the same issue!

That’s sucks I have my 2022 Ascent and 1400 miles and my windshield is cracked no the dealer said is not cover the guaranty I don’t know if I get oem windshield or aftermarket oem cost me 1500 to replace

We just had our windshield crack on our 2020 Outback for the third time ...no apparent reason. Just filed a complaint with vehicle safety administration . Crack starts on bottom of passenger side windshield. After the second time the dealer looked at it and said it was hit with a pebble even though I couldn't see any shatter point. This is just too much of a coincidence.

I have a 2022 Forester with 14000 mile on it and my windshield popped and cracked the same place as yours, passenger side to the right of windshield wiper. Second windshield with only 14000 miles. Subaru had a problem with these windshields.

Submitted by Kirk Mcnamara (not verified) on November 27, 2020 - 4:04AM

Permalink

I never had a car windshield cracked like this not once, but twice already in less than one year. Subaru please step up and take the right honorable actions by recalling and repairing them now.

Submitted by Vyoma (not verified) on November 27, 2020 - 4:37AM

Permalink

This is unfair.. my 2010 Outback cracked twice.. and my 2016 Forester now has chipped.

Lawsuits are useless for me.

My 2016 Forester windshield was hit by a rock the first week I owned the car. Cracked all over. Had it replaced with another Subaru windshield that appears to easily chip. My past Nissan and Toyota cars never had this problem.

I got my 2020 Forester in April and so far 2 stones hit my windshield, that's 2 separate times. So I have 2 chips in the windshield. I have had many cars but this is the first car that this happened to. I believe that these windshields aren't made properly. I'm not happy with my Subaru Forester.

Same here. Happened on my 2007. They should do the right thing and offer relief to all Subaru owners who have experienced this! It's starting to be a trend!!!

Same here 2019 Outback no accidents. Car was sitting in my garage and spli from mirror down. Mirror seems to be issue that caused crack. Long all the way to hood. Filed complaint

2021 Impreza 3 weeks old. 320 miles,. 120 miles. Purchased Jan 11, car was quarantined for 2 weeks but for covid safety. San Bernardino Subaru Feb 9, 2021 appt. complete run around.
Mountain driving is unsafe with windshield appt they said nothing is wrong. The chips on the outside are not warranty covered Specks thru out the entire glass, and many small chip in the glass in outside.
They said not defective and not covered

I'm not finished with Subaru

Submitted by Peter Ajak (not verified) on November 27, 2020 - 9:04AM

Permalink

My Subaru windscreen just cracked last month and wondering what has gone wrong. I hope to be compensated

I have a 2021 Outback bought in January. Last weekend a crack just appeared and is getting bigger . The service at the dealer said they will let Sabaru know and will get back to me in a few week