2018 Subaru Outback Visibility & Wipers Problems
Visibility & Wipers complaints account for 272 of 811 total complaints (34%) on the 2018 Subaru Outback, driven mostly by windshields that crack without impact and side mirrors with limited adjustment range. NHTSA lists one related recall (18V935000) for a rear-camera display software issue, unrelated to the cracking reports.
- Visibility & Wipers complaints
- 272
- 34% of 811
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 24,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report
- Windshields develop spontaneous cracks in the lower corners with no chip or road debris impact reported.
- Some owners describe multiple windshield replacements within the first few thousand miles, with cracks reappearing after repair.
- Driver-side and passenger-side mirrors do not adjust far enough outward, leaving a blind spot that owners say increases collision risk.
- Side windows show a distorted or wavy appearance that owners describe as a 'fishbowl' effect when the vehicle is moving or parked.
- The rear-view mirror mount has separated after exposure to heat, in one case cracking the windshield where it is glued.
- Some owners report the rear-view mirror obstructs their line of sight when the seat is raised.
When 2018 Subaru Outback visibility and wiper complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 20, 2017, latest Jul 11, 2025.
Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback
- NHTSA 18V935000Dec 31, 2018Visibility & Wipers71,190 vehicles
Visibility:rearview mirrors/devices
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.
Visibility & Wipers complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2018 Subaru Outback have a lot of visibility and wiper complaints?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 272 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2018 Outback, 34% of its 811 total complaints for the year.
- Is there a recall for windshield cracking on the 2018 Subaru Outback?
- No. The only related recall, 18V935000, covers a software issue that could prevent the rear camera display from initializing, not the windshield cracking reports.
- At what mileage do these visibility problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 24,000 miles for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2018 Outback.
- Are the windshield cracks linked to any crashes?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 injuries or fires tied to Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2018 Outback.