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Subaru windshield, camera and defroster recalls: what owners need to know
Subaru's visibility recalls split between glass and software. Two are federal safety standard compliance problems with glass: 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles received the wrong paint clearcoat, leaving the windshield insufficiently bonded to the body, and 2019 Crosstrek models left the factory with improperly tempered driver's-side rear-door window glass. The other two are electronic. A software fault kept the audio display from initializing on 2018 Legacy, Outback and BRZ models, so the backup camera image stayed blank while reversing. And on 2023-2025 Solterra electric SUVs, covered together with the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ, HVAC faults such as an electrical compressor failure can leave the defroster and defogger inoperative. Impreza, Outback and Crosstrek appear most often.
Warning signs to watch for
- The rearview camera screen stays blank when you shift into reverse (2018 Legacy, Outback, BRZ).
- The defroster and defogger stop working, typically alongside an HVAC or electrical compressor fault (Solterra).
- A windshield that will not clear in cold or humid weather in an affected Solterra.
- No outward sign at all for the windshield bonding or rear-door glass defects — both are build problems you cannot see.
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these four recalls carries a stop-driving or park-outside instruction. The 2018 Legacy, Outback and BRZ camera fault only appears when reversing, so keep driving but check your mirrors and look over your shoulder until the software is updated. The 2019 Crosstrek is safe to drive; the danger only arises if that window breaks. Solterra owners can drive but should take extra care in cold or humid weather. The 2022 Impreza and Outback windshield problem is the most serious, since the vehicle cannot be repaired and must be exchanged or repurchased.
What the free repair involves
All remedies are free of charge. Dealers reprogram the audio system display software on the 2018 Legacy, Outback and BRZ, and replace the driver's-side rear-door window glass on the 2019 Crosstrek. For the Solterra, dealers update the HVAC control ECU software and inspect the electrical compressor, replacing it if necessary. The 2022 Impreza and Outback windshields cannot be repaired, so Subaru offers a vehicle exchange or repurchase instead.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 1 |
| medium | 3 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-09-04 | Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra defroster can stop working | medium |
| 2022-09-22 | Subaru Impreza and Outback windshields may not be bonded | high |
| 2019-05-30 | Subaru Crosstrek rear door window may break dangerously | medium |
| 2018-12-31 | Subaru Legacy, Outback and BRZ backup camera goes blank | medium |
Common questions
Why is Subaru buying back 2022 Imprezas and Outbacks instead of fixing the windshield?
The incorrect clearcoat was applied where the glass bonds to the body, so the windshield is not sufficiently bonded and the vehicle fails the federal standard. Subaru's remedy is a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge.
Is the Solterra defroster recall handled over the air?
No. It is a dealer visit. Dealers update the HVAC control ECU software and also inspect the electrical compressor, replacing it if necessary, all free of charge. The same recall covers the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ.
My 2018 Outback backup camera only fails sometimes — is that this recall?
It can be. The notice describes a software issue in which the audio display system may not initialize, leaving the camera display blank while reversing. Dealers reprogram the display software free of charge; until then, rely on mirrors.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.