Subaru owners have until the end of today, January 31, to file claims for reimbursement as part of a class action settlement addressing defective windshields in certain Subaru models.

The lawsuit, Powell, et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc., alleged that some Subaru windshields were prone to cracking under normal driving conditions, leading to unexpected out-of-pocket costs for vehicle owners. While Subaru denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to a settlement to resolve the claims without proceeding to trial.

Why It Matters

The class action lawsuit claimed that certain Subaru models were equipped with front windshields that were defective and more susceptible to cracking than expected. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit argued that this issue led to safety concerns and financial burdens for vehicle owners who had to replace the windshields at their own expense. Subaru, while maintaining that its windshields met safety standards, has agreed to provide financial compensation and an extended warranty as part of the settlement.

Drivers who qualify for reimbursement could receive a cash refund for out-of-pocket expenses related to windshield replacement, as well as an extended warranty covering future windshield issues. The deadline to submit claims for compensation is midnight on January 31.

What To Know

The settlement applies to owners and lessees of certain Subaru models, including:

• 2019–2022 Subaru Ascent
• 2019–2022 Subaru Forester
• 2020–2022 Subaru Legacy
• 2020–2022 Subaru Outback

To qualify for reimbursement, claimants must have experienced a qualifying windshield crack and provide proof of payment for repairs. Acceptable documentation includes receipts, invoices or bank statements that confirm out-of-pocket expenses. Claims must be submitted online or via mail before the deadline to be considered valid.

Additionally, the settlement includes an extended warranty covering future windshield cracks. This warranty will apply to qualifying windshields that experience defects on or after February 5, 2025. The extended warranty coverage lasts for up to eight years or 100,000 miles from the vehicle’s in-service date, whichever comes first.

Who’s Eligible for Reimbursement?

Eligible claimants include current or former owners and lessees of the affected Subaru models who have experienced windshield cracking issues. Individuals who paid out-of-pocket for windshield repairs or replacements due to a defect covered by the settlement may be eligible for reimbursement.

Those who still own their vehicles may also benefit from the extended warranty for future qualifying windshield cracks.

What People Are Saying

A statement on the website for this lawsuit on who is included in the lawsuit’s class notes: “You are a Settlement Class Member if you are a resident of the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii, who currently owns or leases, or previously owned or leased, a Settlement Class Vehicle originally purchased or leased in the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii. The Settlement Class is not intended to exclude military personnel stationed overseas.”

What’s Next

Once today’s claim submission deadline passes, the court will hold a final approval hearing for the settlement on April 21, 2025. If the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved, reimbursement payments will be distributed to eligible claimants who filed timely and valid claims.

For those who qualify and have yet to file, claims can be submitted through the official settlement website at www.subaruwindshieldsettlement.com.