Repair cost
$900–$1,600
OEM glass + EyeSight recalibration required
DIY difficulty
1 / 5
Severity
Minor
Annoying or cosmetic — schedule when convenient
Affected
2019-2024
What goes wrong
Thin laminate + heated wiper de-icer creates stress concentration at the EyeSight camera mount; small impacts spider into long cracks.
Symptoms to watch for
- Long horizontal crack starting at the camera bracket
- Crack appears overnight after a cold snap
Root cause
OEM windshield is thinner than aftermarket replacements; thermal cycling around the heated wiper area.
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Buy time with these
- • Park in shade
- • Aftermarket Pilkington glass is thicker and less crack-prone
Permanent fix
- Aftermarket Pilkington or Carlite windshield + recalibration
FAQ
What causes forester windshield cracking?
OEM windshield is thinner than aftermarket replacements; thermal cycling around the heated wiper area.
How much does it cost to fix?
National average $900–$1,600. OEM glass + EyeSight recalibration required
Is this a DIY repair?
Difficulty 1/5. Aftermarket Pilkington or Carlite windshield + recalibration
What are the symptoms?
Long horizontal crack starting at the camera bracket; Crack appears overnight after a cold snap
Sources
- • NHTSA complaint database