How common are windshield and visibility complaints on the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

NHTSA lists 60 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2020 Ascent, which is 19% of the 322 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2020 Subaru Ascent windshield issue?

No. NHTSA lists no related recalls for the Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2020 Ascent.

At what mileage do windshield problems typically show up on the 2020 Ascent?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 8,000 miles, and several complaints describe cracks appearing far earlier, within a few hundred to a few thousand miles.

Did any of these windshield complaints involve crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2020 Ascent.

How does the 2020 Ascent compare to other model years for this issue?

The 2020 Ascent's 19% share of complaints in this category is close to the 2019 model's 18% and the 2021 model's 17%, though the 2024 model year shows a much higher 62% share.

2020 Subaru Ascent Visibility & Wipers Problems

Windshield cracking is the dominant complaint in the Visibility & Wipers category for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, accounting for 60 of 322 total complaints (19%) that year, with a median failure mileage of 8,000 miles. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this issue.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 60; 19% of 322
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 8,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

Owners report the windshield developing large cracks with no apparent impact, rock strike, or accident.
Several drivers noticed small pits and chips spreading across the windshield within weeks of purchase, sometimes within the first week of ownership.
Cracks reportedly appeared while driving at highway speeds, around 65 to 70 mph, with no other vehicles nearby.
Some owners found cracks after the vehicle had been parked and stationary, with no clear cause identified.
One owner reported a side window cracking spontaneously while driving on the interstate.
A repaired windshield crack reportedly reappeared shortly after the repair was completed.

When 2020 Subaru Ascent visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 6, 2020, latest Apr 2, 2026.

60 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2020 to Apr 2026; peak Mar 2020 (4).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Visibility & Wipers complaints by Ascent model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201981 (18%)
202060 (19%)
202117 (17%)
20227 (13%)
20236 (13%)
202431 (62%)
20254 (27%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are windshield and visibility complaints on the 2020 Subaru Ascent?: NHTSA lists 60 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2020 Ascent, which is 19% of the 322 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Subaru Ascent windshield issue?: No. NHTSA lists no related recalls for the Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2020 Ascent.
At what mileage do windshield problems typically show up on the 2020 Ascent?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 8,000 miles, and several complaints describe cracks appearing far earlier, within a few hundred to a few thousand miles.
Did any of these windshield complaints involve crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2020 Ascent.
How does the 2020 Ascent compare to other model years for this issue?: The 2020 Ascent's 19% share of complaints in this category is close to the 2019 model's 18% and the 2021 model's 17%, though the 2024 model year shows a much higher 62% share.