2016 Subaru Outback visibility/wiper problems
83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the visibility/wiper on the 2016 Subaru Outback — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“1.Windshield crack in the deicing area. Driving on a highway heard a loud boom as if a very big rock hit the car. 30-40 second later there was another boom of normal loudness. At this moment windshield crack has been noticed. The windshield will not be available, replacing it on 12/22/2025 2…”
filed Dec 21, 2025
“I had a rock thrown at my vehicle's windshield and required a replacement. I went to a Subaru dealership, Zeigler Subaru of Kenosha, local to me for a replacement. A day after I received my car, the windshield developed a hairline crack emanating from the bottom. I brought it back to the dealer and…”
filed Oct 23, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Visibility/wiper problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 5 | 7% |
| 2024 Outback | 19 | 20% |
| 2023 Outback | 16 | 18% |
| 2022 Outback | 255 | 56% |
| 2021 Outback | 97 | 33% |
| 2020 Outback | 313 | 35% |
| 2019 Outback | 326 | 32% |
| 2018 Outback | 233 | 29% |
| 2017 Outback | 205 | 22% |
| 2015 Outback | 130 | 26% |
| 2014 Outback | 8 | 4% |
| 2013 Outback | 11 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.