Subaru’s Defective Mirror Investigation Now Includes Outback, Solterra

Is Subaru facing a pressing safety issue with its side mirrors? A recent report suggests that the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, Ascent, Outback, and Solterra models may all be affected by a potential defect. Are some Subaru rearview mirrors also at risk?

Do your Subaru's side view mirrors shake when you drive on the highway?

I reported on a recent class-action lawsuit filed against Subaru of America that has brought to light a potentially serious issue with the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Ascent models. The lawsuit alleges that the driver's side mirrors of these models have a dangerous defect-they move and shake while driving. New information from Top Class Actions suggests that this safety issue may also plague the Outback and Solterra. 

Top Class Actions says there have been several reports from 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Ascent owners alleging defective mirrors. Now, the issue includes the 2024 Subaru Outback and 2024 Solterra. 

Subaru's rearview mirrors have also been called into question. 

Top Class Actions says, "Specifically, the rear and side view mirrors were said to shake or vibrate when the car is driven at highway speeds, interfering with the operator's ability to monitor blind spots. Some affected drivers have replaced the defective mirrors but are still experiencing issues, suggesting an underlying problem with the manufacturing." 

Driving a car with a loose side view mirror is a serious safety hazard. The mirror's vibrations can compromise your vision and pose a significant risk to both you and other drivers on the road. 

A Texas woman filed the lawsuit I reported on here, saying her 2024 Subaru Crosstrek driver-side mirror vibrates and shakes while driving, and her vision of the road is impaired. It poses a serious problem because she can't see traffic in the blurry mirror. 

The Texas class action lawsuit alleges that the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Ascent driver's side mirrors vibrate and shake so severely drivers cannot see the surrounding traffic.

The class action lawsuit underscores the potential risk: "The Mirror Defect poses an extreme safety hazard to drivers and other operators. A vibrating mirror distorts the reflection of vehicles or objects behind or alongside the vehicle, making it difficult for a driver to accurately judge distances or identify potential hazards, especially at night, thereby significantly increasing the risk of accidents during lane changes or turns." 

Subaru rearview mirrors may shake or flutter.

This complaint has been levied against two more 2024 models, including the 2024 Subaru Outback and the 2024 Subaru Solterra. In addition to vibrating side mirrors, the report says the rearview mirrors may also be shaking. 

Top Class Actions says many Subaru customers have voiced concerns about the rearview mirrors in their 2024 models.

"The primary complaint is that the mirrors tend to shake or flutter, particularly at higher speeds or when driving on uneven roads. This movement can severely obstruct the driver's view of the road behind them, making it challenging to monitor traffic," says the report.

Defective Subaru side and rearview mirrors can shake.

In addition to the driver's side view mirror concerns, some Subaru owners have also reported defective rearview mirrors. The mirrors, critical for checking blind spots and safely changing lanes, exhibit the same vibrations when driving at or above 40 miles per hour. 

Such a defect makes it difficult for drivers to accurately judge the position and speed of nearby vehicles, creating a heightened risk of accidents.

A known safety hazard 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received multiple complaints from concerned owners and lessees regarding the shaking rear and side view mirrors. Initial investigations have identified potential problems with the mirror housing, but further investigation is required, according to Top Class Actions. 

The Class Action Lawsuit states that Subaru of America is reportedly aware of this issue, yet the automaker has not taken the necessary steps to initiate a safety recall to address the defect. 

"Dealers lack a defined process for inspecting and repairing defective mirrors. As a result, many Subaru drivers have been unable to obtain a solution to this hazardous problem. Further complicating matters, some owners allege Subaru dealers failed to disclose this known issue adequately at the time of sale," the report says. 

The lawsuit further alleges that defective vibrating and shaking driver-side mirrors are replaced with the same defective Subaru mirror, not a newly remodeled OEM part that will fix the vibration issue.

"Had it done so, Plaintiff and class members would not have purchased the Class Vehicles or would have paid substantially less for them" if Subaru had warned them about the vibrating mirrors, the suit contends, and accuses Subaru of benefiting from the sale of 2024 Crosstreks and Ascents while "avoiding warranty obligations." 

This issue could significantly affect the resale value of these vehicles, a concern for Subaru owners.

The plaintiff contends the automaker has "actively concealed the Mirror Defect from its customers even though Subaru "has long known that its driver-side mirrors will vibrate due to defective mounting."

CarComplains.com says, "The plaintiff also insists Subaru learned about the mirror vibration problems because of the high number of replacement driver-side mirrors ordered by Subaru. But the plaintiff doesn't say what that number is."

I'll update you on new Crosstrek or Ascent model vibrating mirror developments. Stay tuned. 

Have you experienced mirror vibration? 

We'd like to know if you have purchased a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, Ascent, or Solterra with mirrors that vibrate or shake. If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

What can Subaru customers do now? 

If vibrating side view mirrors are making it difficult to see when driving, you may be eligible to seek compensation. Fill out the form here to take part in a Subaru class action lawsuit investigation.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via FreePik