Many 2017-2022 Subaru Crosstrek owners report their windshields cracking or spontaneously shattering, often without any impact.
Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · Editorial standards
How this problem ranks against the other documented Crosstrek failures — cost, severity, and DIY difficulty at a glance.
| Problem | Years | Severity | Repair cost | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek Cracked Windshields (this page) | 2017-2022 | Major | $400–$1,200 | 1/5 |
| Subaru Crosstrek Hill-Start Assist False Alarm & Warning Light | 2018-2024 | Minor | $60–$250 | 2/5 |
| Crosstrek EyeSight Deactivates | 2018-2023 | Minor | $0–$400 | 1/5 |
This is one of several documented Crosstrek problems we track, and it fits inside the broader Reliability & Common Problems guide. If you're weighing repair against replacement, cross-check the Subaru repair-cost database and any open NHTSA recalls on your VIN before booking a shop.
The OEM windshield on many second-generation Crosstreks appears to be particularly fragile and prone to cracking or shattering from minor impacts, or in some cases, with no obvious cause at all. Cracks often originate from the A-pillar area or along the bottom edge of the glass. This issue compromises structural integrity and can obstruct driver visibility.
The exact root cause is debated, but theories include manufacturing defects in the glass, improper windshield installation leading to stress points, or a design flaw in the vehicle's body that puts undue stress on the windshield during chassis flex or temperature changes.
The exact root cause is debated, but theories include manufacturing defects in the glass, improper windshield installation leading to stress points, or a design flaw in the vehicle's body that puts undue stress on the windshield during chassis flex or temperature changes.
National average $400–$1,200.
Difficulty 1/5. Replacement with OEM or aftermarket windshield designed to address fragility (if available)
Cracks originating from the edge of the windshield (A-pillar or bottom); Spiderweb-like cracks appearing spontaneously; Cracks propagating rapidly across the windshield; Sudden, loud "pop" sound followed by a crack
Owners typically pay $400–$1,200 at an independent Subaru shop, parts and labor included. Our Subaru EyeSight Recalibration Cost guide breaks the job down by parts, labor hours, and where the money actually goes.
The same generation also sees Subaru Crosstrek Hill-Start Assist False Alarm & Warning Light and Crosstrek EyeSight Deactivates. Both are documented with symptoms, cost, and a permanent-fix walkthrough — see the full list in the Crosstrek hub.
We rate it 1/5 on our DIY scale. Confident wrenchers can tackle it in a weekend using the permanent-fix steps above. Cross-reference the reliability & common problems hub for related jobs worth bundling while you're in there.
Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.