2016 Subaru Outback visibility/wiper problems
What owners report
“1.Windshield crack in the deicing area. Driving on a highway heard a loud boom as if a very big rock hit the car. 30-40 second later there was another boom of normal loudness. At this moment windshield crack has been noticed. The windshield will not be available, replacing it on 12/22/2025 2. Visibility has been affected 3. No, problem was not reproduced. Dealer representative said that the problem is not covered by Subaru. 4. Windshield was visually inspected by the dealership representative.…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 12/21/2025
“I had a rock thrown at my vehicle's windshield and required a replacement. I went to a Subaru dealership, Zeigler Subaru of Kenosha, local to me for a replacement. A day after I received my car, the windshield developed a hairline crack emanating from the bottom. I brought it back to the dealer and they replaced it again. After that time, it was a whole week and a half when I noticed a hairline crack, this time from the top working its way down. I brought it once again to the dealer for a replac…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 10/23/2025
“Media screen failure. Is available for inspection. Safety of pedestrians or other accident at risk because the screen is useless in bright sunlight. Planning to complain to dealer. No warning signal or alert when backing up when screen is unreadable. This has caused accidents x 3 for my family. Backed into another car with no warning.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 07/05/2024 · crash
“Travelling on I-95 southbound at approx. 70 mph in the right lane at least 8-10 car lengths behind another vehicle in front of me. Clear skies, 78* F, calm weather. I heard a loud, sudden noise followed by wind and what sounded like glass on my roof, thought it was fireworks or a gunshot. Pulled over to make sure my dogs are OK (all good, just spooked!) and see what happened to the car when I observed a large hole and continued cracking noise in the sunroof - glass was pushed outwards/ convex ra…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 06/10/2024
“Windshield cracked on its own, this is the 3rd time I will be replacing windshield.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 03/17/2024
“A crack appeared across the upper middle of the windshield. There was no event, damage, or accident involved. The crack just appeared one day. The crack runs across the windshield in the area of the rear view mirror and in front of the mounted cameras used for the collision avoidance, lane departure system.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 03/24/2023
“Front windshield cracked all the way across. Have not replaced so it is available for inspection. The crack impairs vision. Confirmed by dealer in Macon, GA. Has not been inspected except by the service department at Subaru in Macon, GA. No warning lamps or messages.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 01/24/2023
“Two windshields cracked in 6 years - this is a safety issue that should not happen.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 03/05/2022
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
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- How common are 2016 Subaru Outback visibility/wiper problems?
- 83 owners reported visibility/wiper issues to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Outback, 1 involving a crash. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2016 Subaru Outback visibility/wiper problems?
- No matching recall is on file. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.