I installed the OEM one myself on our 2019. Just follow the directions as it was pretty straight forward. The only recommendation I have is don't apply the clear stick tape under the rubber bump stops until after you have finished the complete install. Where you think the clear stick tape needs to be ends up different once the bug deflector install is finished. Once the install is finished, lightly pry up and mark where the rubber stops contact the hood with some tape or anything really. Remove the bug deflector by removing all screws. Then apply the clear tape in the locations you just marked. Reinstall the bug deflector. I'm only talking about the tape under the rubber bumpers. By all means apply the clear tape under the metal hood mounts first just like the directions show to avoid scratching the hood. If installed properly I see no reason this OEM deflector would cause any rust.
I have the expensive one installed by Subaru Dealership and its waste of hard earned money. Its not like the one i have in my trucks and not even close to the one i have in my 2002 Toyota Highlander which really deflects some lightweight rocks and bugs. This deflector they installed is more of hood protector not deflector. And i can't find anything in the market any variations because its too new. I think Subaru doesn't want to make a real bug rock deflector because they wanted to maintain the shape of the hood which gives Forester that unique "you can easy the road more" feature. Do not buy it if your intention is to protect your windshield. I am now waiting for Subaru to replace my windshield for my wife's 2019 Forester, it was hit by a pea size solid stone. If you can find one in the market a deflector that has a higher shield percentage to deflect rocks and bugs please let me know. Thanks.
The OEM installed in mine only protects the front part of the hood that's all and not defecting anything. A pea size stone hit my windshield. I am Waiting now for my windshield to be replace. Im thinking of installing a generic truck bug deflector like the one installed on my trucks.
I think that's the reason why they design this deflector in low low profile which makes it useless. I have one installed and its totally waste of money and now i am waiting for a new windshield for a pea size rock hit my 2019 Fozzy windshield.
Yeah its totally a waster of time and money just leave it as is.. Forester and Outbacks or most of Subaru cars are prone to being hit by rocks or road debris ( in my opinion) because of the design of its hood in which you can see the road clearly which makes it popular but the downside is rocks would easily hit the windshield. In fact my windshield was hit again but fortunately not that hard and it chipped a little the outer layer of the windshield. Some of my friends at work who has Forester experienced this many times that's why in my opinion the design of the hood plays a great role why it being hit often. I have another friend who has an outback but according to him never been hit by any road debris yet, he got the Outback for 3 years now, well I can say he must have been really lucky and perhaps very careful, not to follow huge trucks with huge tires.
3m is the best for hood protection
