After a long legal battle, Subaru has resolved a U.S. windshield lawsuit alleging the automaker sold cars with faulty windshields, compensating car owners and lawyers collecting a multimillion-dollar fee.

Subaru Windshield Lawsuit: What Happened

The decade-long class-action lawsuit, which was first filed in 2019, alleged Subaru installed defective windshields on some vehicles that would crack without warning. Plaintiffs further claimed that Subaru hid the flaw from buyers.

Originally, the settlement targeted the 2017–2019 Forester and Outback. It now covers a wider list of models, including:

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

Owners of these vehicles may be reimbursed, but under some very tight conditions.

How Much Are Owners Receiving — and Who Else Is Assisted?

Under the terms of the settlement:

• Each of the four plaintiffs who were identified will get $5,000.
• Class lawyers will reap a whopping $7.25 million in fees.

Broken Subaru owners can expect to receive 125% to 200% of the price of their windshield repairs, depending on how many repairs are documented. Subaru will only reimburse for repairs that fall under specific eligibility requirements, however.

What is an “Eligible” Windshield Crack?

Subaru’s definition of a “qualifying crack” is quite specific. To be eligible for reimbursement:

• The crack must be caused by a single, Discernible Impact Point.
• The crack should be a one-line crack directed towards the edge of the windshield.
• The impact point should be tangible and not exceed 5 mm in diameter.
• The crack pattern should resemble a low-impact crack.

Even with the absence of an apparent impact point, owners are still eligible if they have a qualifying crack pattern confirmed by a dealer.

The Documentation Process: A Few More Hoops

Subaru requires proper documentation from owners who wish to be compensated:

• Proof of repair (invoice or receipt).
• Photographic evidence of the windshield damage.

Owners with multiple repairs are eligible for larger reimbursements:

• 125% for one repair.
• 150% for two repairs.
• 200% for three or more repairs.

For individuals without photos, Subaru offers an online tool where the user must select one of six random photos and the crack that looks most like theirs. Correct selections will be eligible for compensation; incorrect ones will negate the claim.

Is This Settlement Good News for Subaru Owners?

While Subaru owners will eventually be reimbursed for their windshield troubles, opponents say the conditions for eligibility are complicated and might keep many from seeking reimbursement. In the meantime, the huge legal fees included have come under fire, as they reflect an increasing trend whereby lawyers gain most from class-action settlements.

Still, for Subaru drivers who have encountered unexpected windshield repair charges, this settlement offers a long-awaited route of relief, provided they can meet strict requirements.