2020 Subaru Forester

(06/22) - Small pebble hits windshield and creates a "star-pattern" crack measuring 2.25 inches in diameter. Booked earliest appointment for windshield replacement on Tuesday 06/27. Have not touched windshield and have not driven vehicle as of this day. (06/24) - Waiting for windshield replacement appointment; star-pattern crack has extended aggressively overnight while parked under shaded carport (average temp 64 degrees), far beyond what is typical. As of 06/24 there are 2 long cracks extending in opposite directions measuring 9 inches above and 13 inches below original impact diameter. Please note that Subaru has had prior class action lawsuits filed for similar issues regarding brittle/unsafe windshields for Subaru Outback and Forester 2016-2020 models.

The thermo-valve controller gives out on this vehicle. Through searches and discussions with two separate dealerships, this seems to be an incredibly common issue. It's enough that Subaru has actually completely replaced the design of this piece for whenever it gets replaced. This triggers a check engine light which already removes many features on the Subaru. My understanding is that this part controls and measures the engine temperature which means that drivers have no clue if their engine is overheating or not when it goes out. Subaru has gotten away with covering this part over their Powertrain warranty since the vast majority of their vehicles are having this part break within 3 years. Most drivers are happy with this because the major ($1500-2000) repair is covered. The issue is that people that drive more often, like myself, are stuck footing the bill for a part that Subaru has admitted doesn't work properly just because we've now fallen out of this 60k mileage warranty. From my research, it's not a part that is greatly affected by mileage, so much as time since the dealerships have noted that every replacement they've seen has fallen within 3 years, regardless of the mileage. For that, I'm asking that there be a true recall put in place for this part. This is a major expense for almost anyone and isn't fair for Subaru to hide behind a warranty that won't apply to everyone when they know they created this improperly. Even the reps at the dealership mentioned that they see this far too often for it not to be a recall, but that most people are still under 60k miles, so there aren't normally issues.

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH down her driveway, she heard an abnormal popping sound coming from the dashboard. The contact observed that a crack had appeared in the center of her windshield that formed at the bottom of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack extended more to the passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact called the local dealer and was advised by the dealer to contact the insurance provider for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

While driving, I heard a loud POP. I thought something hit the car, but I was not close behind another vehicle or road hazard. For about 15 minutes I thought no harm, no foul. Then suddenly, I saw a long, mostly horizontal crack from the bottom left and extending about 18" toward the center of the windshield. I called the Subaru dealer [where I bought the car] and was quoted $910 parts and $590 labor, but they were unable to give me a service appointment date at that time. I don't feel the car is safe to drive, so I am looking for a quicker repair from an independent windshield replacement shop. At the same time, I researched Subaru windshield cracks and found numerous reports of easily cracking Subaru windshields. It appears that if I replace one Subaru windshield with another Subaru windshield, I may just be waiting for another Subaru windshield crack in the future.

The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.