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By Denis Flierl Feb 22 2020 - 7:53am

Subaru Defective Windshield Lawsuit Now Includes Many 2020 Models

The defective windshield class-action lawsuit against Subaru expands to include 2020 Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Legacy, and Impreza models.
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The class-action lawsuit seeking damages against Subaru for defective windshields has expanded this week.

In October of last year, Torque News reported a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Christine Powell by attorney Peter Muhic of Philadelphia and attorneys for a Pittsburgh-based firm, Carlson Lynch LLC contends 2017-2019 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek models have defective windshields.

Watch which Subaru cars are included in the defective windshield class-action lawsuit and click to subscribe to Torque News Youtube for daily automotive news reports.

Now, according to a report from Top Class Actions, 15 new plaintiffs have been added to the lawsuit adding 2020 Subaru Forester, 2020 Subaru Outback, 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, 2017-2020 Subaru Legacy and 2017-2020 Subaru Impreza vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also received complaints from Subaru owners who experienced issues with their windshields, according to the consolidated class action.

2020 Subaru Forester, 2020 Outback, 2020 Crosstrek
2020 Subaru models are added to the new class-action lawsuit

The revised lawsuit claims Subaru manufactured, marketed, distributed, and sold the cars “without disclosing that the class vehicles’ windshields are defective and dangerous due to the fact that the windshields are spontaneously and/or unreasonably cracking, chipping and otherwise breaking,”

According to the new class-action lawsuit filed in February, Subaru “failed to disclose material facts and a safety concern to purchasers and leasees of the class vehicles.” The new complaint combines Christine Powell’s original lawsuit with two additional class action cases over Subaru’s windshields that were filed in California and New Jersey.

2020 Subaru Forester, 2020 Outback, 2020 Crosstrek
2020 Subaru Outback is Subaru of America’s top-selling model

According to court documents, Subaru issued a technical bulletin to its dealers describing the alleged defect in its windshields. Plaintiffs in the case say replacement windshields for Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Legacy and Impreza models are not fixing the problem and contend the defect prevents "the safe and proper operation" of technology intended to prevent collisions.

Subaru uses the EyeSight driver assist safety system attached to the inside of the upper windshield and the lawsuit contends cracks in the windshield hamper the safety system from working properly. All plaintiffs are seeking a trial by jury.

What should Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy owners do?

If you own a 2017-2020 Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, or Legacy model and have experienced a cracked windshield for no apparent reason, you can file a complaint with the NHTSA by going to the website link, or call 1-888-327-4236. Or you can submit your contact information and an attorney from Carlson Lynch will be in touch to review your case further.

You Might Also Like: With The Wrong Wiper Blades Or Tires Your Subaru EyeSight Could Fail

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!

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Comments

James wrote on February 22, 2020 - 1:37pm
The Ascent should be on here too. Mine broke only 4 says after purchasing the car and every tiny object that hits it leaves a nice ding.
Ted wrote on February 22, 2020 - 11:20pm
Ditto. My 2020 Ascent is 2 months old and already has two dings and one crack 18” long.
Mb wrote on February 23, 2020 - 7:22am
No issues with ours yet but we are only a month in a our 2020 Ascent, love the car hoping this is a non issue for us.
C.Rivers wrote on April 26, 2020 - 7:16am
A crack below the wiper blade just appeared. Without any ping to the window. I called the repair shop & was told that this is not covered under warranty & if I wanted it repaired it would cost $1200.00 or more. My reply to the repair person was that nothing like this should be my responsibility to pay for & knowing that coverage should be permitted under the class action. Repair person reply that this has nd been settled yet & I would have to repair it myself. Of courses I was not pleased with this information & knowing the dangers of having this cracked window shield. So of course I have contacted my insurance company & they will repair & recalibrate the technology of the window shield. Again the inconvenience of having to go through my insurance with cost & my time should not rest upon me but Subaru. Disappointed in this of being a customer for over purchase of 10 years. All past experiences have been better.
Regina Wages wrote on September 19, 2020 - 6:03pm
Mine too.. my Crosstrek is 3 mos old. Multiple chips on hood, chips and crack in windshield. Two minor dents. Metal is so soft. For such a high safety rating, this vehicle is crap. My other vehicle is 13 years old with barely any flaws.
Chas Gordon wrote on February 22, 2020 - 2:52pm
It says Impreza, but doea that extend to the CVT WRX as well? It also uses the EyeSight tech.
William Pluemer wrote on February 22, 2020 - 7:59pm
I got a 2015 CVT WRX....?
Bib wrote on February 23, 2020 - 11:43am
Wrx doesn't used eyesight technology...
CA wrote on February 24, 2020 - 10:29am
The CVT version does.
sabra guttridge wrote on April 13, 2020 - 7:24pm
my new WRX PREMIUM no eyesight chipped too today when a undetectable sized pebble hit it at 40 mph. as many time as my 14 Honda Crosstour hit on hwy at 70mph plus and it never chipped or cracked i'm having 2nd thoughts about the quality of the glass regardless of w/ or wo/ eyesight the windows are sub-standard and subaru knows it maybe NTSB should look into the mfg. of the glass and see if same compound for tempering was used and thickness {just sayin} every glass is not the same . but if this cracks this easily maybe a ticata air bag size recall is in order if dealer/co. doesn't step up on their own and ASAP.
Ahmed osama yehia wrote on February 22, 2020 - 3:39pm
Iam ivery interested in subaru
SAYED MOHAMMED wrote on February 23, 2020 - 3:23pm
We own both Hyundai santa fe 2019 AWD and Subaru forester 2019. what I want say Hyundai way better than subaru from suspension setup, transmission shiftting and felling, engine power and reponse, seat comfortable, build quality.
Fernando P Cortes wrote on February 22, 2020 - 4:55pm
Owned an outback with same windshield issue. Now own an ascent and same thing just happened in the middle of a road trip. Had to drive home to switch vehicles, because the small pebble caused a small chip, which minutes after turned into more than 10 inch spider cracks in different directions. Not safe at all.
Dennis Van Maanen wrote on February 24, 2020 - 12:03am
Had our new 2019 Outback less than a month when we heard a barely audible tick while driving and noticed a chip. It developed into a long crack within hours
Donald G. Dalrymple wrote on February 27, 2020 - 4:40pm
My 2020 Outback ( one week old) got a little ding and within hours it turned into 10 " crack. I've had 3 other cars that all got little dings but didn't lead to such big cracks within a few short hours.
Adam wrote on February 22, 2020 - 5:57pm
Let's just keep sueing people for issues like this. Get a windshield replaced. No little crack will affect the collision avoidance system unless it spider webs out and is big. People and lawyers like this are why we the people in the USA are officially screwed. Sneeze in the wrong direction you get sued for making someone else get sick. Now we see why stuff gets so expensive . Who do you think will have to pay if people win any type of payment . Prices will get raised and you and I will be paying it. WOW ONLY IN AMERICA.
Michael Wilkins wrote on February 22, 2020 - 8:39pm
Adam, I see your point... Perhaps you are an owner and suddenly your daughter is driving the car and suddenly eyesight is not working properly because the windshield cracked in that specific spot and she gets killed!!!! How are you going to take that news???? I think you would be oh it's my daughter its ok... You are not going to have any emotions or revenge in your blood... Sure you are not!!! You are taking Subaru to the cleaners period... Please stop patronizing those who you dont have any clue about!!!! I'm an owner and have experienced a near miss accident because of the crack... owned the care for 2 months in 2018... when it happens ot is very scary...
Dale Farnsworth wrote on February 23, 2020 - 5:25am
The method used to replace the roads are the reason windows get cracked but you can’t sue the Highway Dept.! So, sue yourself for not getting it replaced when you hit the rock flying through the air at 70 mph. It’s probable you may get struck by lightning, are you going to sue Mother Nature? Push the drama and don’t accept personal responsibility for anything! Only in America.
Randy B wrote on February 24, 2020 - 7:31am
Wrong roads don't cause the cracks. Got a 2006 mercury mariner 4x4 original windshield no chips, no cracks. In Oregon no less we use gravel on the roads in the winter, either the window is good quality or it'd not.
Different Adam wrote on February 23, 2020 - 6:59am
If you don't have the ability to drive safely should a driver aid fail you have no business operating a vehicle. If you nearly experienced an accident after a safety feature failure, the fault is on you as a driver and your inability to handle changing conditions. Drivers becoming over-reliant on safety systems and then blaming those systems for their own lack of skill and attention on the road are the real issue here.
The Reaper wrote on February 23, 2020 - 9:08am
Mike, how is an eyesight malfunction going to kill his daughter? You are watching too many horror movies.
ted wrote on February 23, 2020 - 1:06pm
always a daughter. anyone care about their sons?
Wade wrote on February 23, 2020 - 4:04pm
Michael, you are an idiot. The eyesight technology is NOT designed to drive the freaking car for you. It is designed as an added feature to help keep you safe. YOU....Michael...are ultimately responsible for driving and controlling your vehicle, not the eyesight tech, not anything but YOU!! Most vehicles don't have that tech in them. Maybe you should own one of those, get in an accident, then sue the manufacturer for not having that tech on the car.. cause I'm sure you would. I tell you what, if you get in an accident or just get pulled over by police for left of center, tell them your lane assist didn't work and see how well that goes over. Idiot.
James Chattman wrote on February 22, 2020 - 8:47pm
This is on Subaru. As I mentioned in an earlier post Subaru uses sub-standard parts in their vehicles that can cause serious damage and injury. They know this yet won't take responsibility or correct their problems. I only hope that no one is seriously injured or killed because of Subaru's unethical business practices and disregard for their customers' safety.
Rog z wrote on February 22, 2020 - 9:25pm
Well Said! for frivolous things it just adds to higher prices, but if it is where lives were lost(Chevrolet) took years and more lives Lost before accepting to make changes, suing is needed even thou they just raise prices and still build inferior products. My windshield cracked from a pebble was a little hole but next was very big. My insurance GEICO replaced the windshield at my home for 50 dollars. Do the same don't due they will replace the windshield with their own rather one from insurance which will probably be a better window.
Linda Plane wrote on February 23, 2020 - 6:56pm
But replacing the windshield doesn't fix the problem.. it will crack again.
Faith Martian wrote on October 21, 2020 - 1:37am
Had my outback for 3 weeks rock hit the window and as I was talking to the guy to repair it it expanded across the window. Constantly had to repair/replace the windshield-disappointing. I am rethinking purchasing another.
Anti-Adam wrote on February 22, 2020 - 11:36pm
You're a complete tool.
Jeff wrote on February 23, 2020 - 12:53pm
Well, this is more of the fact that when you have to replace your windshield in a Subaru with eyesight system, it costs $1500 due to the mandatory recalibration of the system with the new special windshield. You can use your insurance to cover that but then that cost will go up also. Suing is the right move to get the manufacture to use safe quality products. That’s America. If you don’t like then leave. Lived overseas for 17 years in 4 different countries returning last summer. Try doing that then comeback and complain because people are demanding safe consumer focused product buster products that are focused on the bottom line. Seems a little silly to hear upset because want safer products.
Donald G. Dalrymple wrote on September 21, 2020 - 9:22am
I just had my 2nd (Outback) replacement windshield done in Memphis TN. It cost $723.14 including tax of $64.24. That is less than half of the $1500.00 you claim it costs. Do you have any actual data to back up your $1500 cost?

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