Does Subaru cover wiper blades under warranty?
Subaru does not typically cover wiper blades under its factory warranty. Wipers are treated as wear items that owners replace as part of routine maintenance.
Wiper blades matter for safety, but warranty terms usually address defects in materials and workmanship rather than normal wear and tear. This article explains Subaru’s standard warranty framework, whether wiper blades ever fall under coverage, and how to verify the terms for your vehicle and region.
What Subaru’s warranty covers
Below is a concise overview of the main warranty categories commonly offered with new Subaru vehicles. The specifics—such as exact durations and mileage limits—can vary by model year, region, and any added plans. Always consult your warranty booklet or your Subaru dealer for the precise terms.
- New Vehicle Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for a defined period or mileage (commonly several years and/or thousands of miles).
- Powertrain Limited Warranty: Covers major components of the engine, transmission, and related systems for a defined period or mileage.
- Rust-Through Coverage: Provides protection against certain corrosion issues for a specified time, often with unlimited miles within that period.
- Emissions Warranty: Covers certain emissions-related components for a set period/mileage as required by federal/state regulations; specifics vary by model year and region.
- Roadside Assistance (included with some plans): Provides services such as towing and battery assistance for a defined period.
Wiper blades themselves are not listed as covered items under standard coverage, since they are wear items replaced due to normal use. If you have a defect that falls under a covered category—such as a malfunctioning wiper motor or linkage due to a manufacturing defect—your dealer would evaluate the issue under the applicable warranty.
Are wiper blades ever covered under Subaru warranties?
In practice, Subaru’s standard warranty framework does not treat wiper blades as covered components. They are considered consumables subject to wear and tear, and their replacement is typically the responsibility of the vehicle owner. Exceptions can occur only if a wiper component fails due to a manufacturing defect that is itself a covered defect under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or an extended/added warranty plan, rather than normal wear.
To avoid ambiguity, it’s important to verify with your dealer or by checking your warranty booklet whether any special circumstances apply to your vehicle, model year, or region. If you purchased an extended warranty or maintenance plan, review the specific inclusions, as some plans can differ from the base coverage.
How to verify your coverage
Before you replace your wiper blades, here are steps to confirm whether you’re covered for a particular issue or defect:
- Review your Subaru warranty booklet and any supplemental documents that came with your vehicle or with any added plan.
- Contact your local Subaru dealer with your VIN (vehicle identification number) to get precise, model-year-specific coverage details.
- Ask about any applicable recalls or service campaigns that might involve wiper-related components or associated systems.
Keep in mind that coverage can vary by model year, region, and whether you purchased an extended warranty or maintenance plan. When in doubt, a quick check with the dealer is the most reliable way to confirm whether a particular wiper-related issue is covered.
Bottom line
For the vast majority of Subaru owners, wiper blades are not covered under the standard warranty. Regular replacement due to wear is the owner’s responsibility. If you suspect a defect that might be covered, consult your warranty booklet or speak with your Subaru dealer to determine whether the issue qualifies under a covered defect or an optional plan.
Summary
Wiper blades are typically considered wear items and not covered by Subaru’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Coverage exists for defects in materials and workmanship in other vehicle components, with durations and specifics varying by model year and region. To be sure, review your warranty documentation and check with your local dealer about your exact terms, especially if you carry any extended warranty or maintenance plan.
