Those glass shops that say you don't need a recalibration probably don't have the equipment or skill to do it. Did Safelite use Subaru glass ("Subaru" will be stamped on the windshield bug) or non-Subaru glass? How much does your Subaru dealer charge for re-calibration? I would tend have it re-calibrated at a dealer.

 

I haven't gotten it replaced yet and decided not to go with Safelite because I couldn't get information about their glass, and their customer service is just generally awful.

I am going to call the dealership and see what they charge and also for recommendations on where to get glass replaced. Thanks for the idea!

 

The system "may" need to be recalibrated due to possible variances in the thickness of the new glass or the way the glass is made (the content of the glass and/or any other materials). It could cause an error in the way Eyesight works and "sees" through the glass.

 

@aleahe After you get your current windshield replaced, talk to your insurer about any supplemental glass coverage they may offer. If you own a 2017 or later Forester, it's absolutely worth it.

 

My windshield cracked this afternoon. There was a stone that hit my glass at the bottom, dead center. It will be expensive. I have comprehensive insurance. Glass is covered. I chose $50 deductible. Safelight will be replacing the glass I don’t yet have the info on the glass. I had a Pillington windshield years ago, on a VW and it was good.

 

If you want acoustic glass make sure that Pilkington makes acoustic windshields for your 2019. I recently found out they don't make an acoustic windshield for a 2018 Forester even though the factory Subaru windshield is acoustic glass. Non-acoustic glass will likely be stronger but you will notice an increase in cabin noise.

 

To my mind, "recalibration" is (or at least should be) a process that PROVES that the EyeSight works properly, after the windshield replacement. I don't understand how you could consciously tolerate the possibility of a system which can apply max braking force automatically, working wrongly. Theoretically, it could declare "false emergencies" just as likely as it could fail to notice real emergencies. I'm not happy about the expense of recalibration, or the weakness of windshields either, but to me, we don't have a choice.

 

Had a windshield replaced the other day (not a Subaru, not safelite) and I asked about about Subarus. They said it wasn't necessary to calibrate (reason didn’t make sense), in spite of the sign in their shop saying they would have the ability to do calibrations in 2022.

Translation: Calibration isn't necessary until we have the machine and can charge you for it, then it becomes necessary.

 

There's a real mixed bag of responses about this all across the board from this forum to blogs to Facebook (obviously the most reliable) and everything in between.

I've read some things where people said Subaru would not honor the warranty on the eyesight system if the windshield gets an aftermarket replacement. Obviously that's hard to verify because of course they would say that if you asked.

In the end, it seems just go with what works best for you.

 

I think that any recalibration is to be sure that the readings and such are within spec. There have been discussions when a Subaru is lifted (Outback, Forester, whatever) should be recalibrated after a lift because the angle of the view has changed. As I don't have Eyesight on my 2014 Limited, it's not something I've had to worry about.

Think of it this way - take a picture with your phone camera (or if you have a "real" camera) using a tri-pod. Then raise the camera with the tri-pod and see how the angle and the view changes.

When it comes to replacing the windshield glass, using the camera analogy again, you can put filters over the lens (for use with UV light or fluorescent light) and the way the camera will "read" the data is changed - it's now darker or lighter or changed for the way that the light has changed.

Another way to think of this would be to swap out sunglasses on a drive - the way that your eyes and brain "sees" what you see has changed by the change in the lens over your eyes.

This is all supposition, however, but still a possible reason for having the system checked and/or calibrated after the windshield is replaced. The glass is different.

 

“ I've read some things where people said Subaru would not honor the warranty on the eyesight system if the windshield gets an aftermarket replacement. Obviously that's hard to verify because of course they would say that if you asked.”

If the windshield is a proper aftermarket replacement, the manufacturer CAN’T deny warranty coverage…that’s the law in the US.

 

By far more important to the EyeSight system is whether Subaru would assume legal liability, not warranty coverage, for a car with replaced windshield and uncalibrated EyeSight, after some accident where EyeSight played into the accident. I don't think you have a prayer in trying to hold Subaru liable, if you don't get a calibration.

 

Interesting discussion. The only thing I can add is that I was thinking about this issue a year or so ago. I called my auto insurer (Amica) and let them charge me an additional premium ($106 per year) for "full glass coverage."
Given the importance of the Eyesight system for our safety, plus all the reasons mentioned above, it seemed prudent, and my impression is that this coverage would let me go straight to the dealer for the windshield and calibration.

Their website says this:

If you see “full glass” on your policy, you won’t have to pay a deductible – that means no out-of-pocket expense for a repair or replacement. If “comprehensive” is listed on your auto policy, you may have to pay out of pocket.

 

Interesting discussion. The only thing I can add is that I was thinking about this issue a year or so ago. I called my auto insurer (Amica) and let them charge me an additional premium ($106 per year) for "full glass coverage."

An absolute "must have" with any Subaru acoustic layer windshield, Eyesight or not. What you save out of pocket for one windshield replacement will pay for several years worth of the extra insurance.

 

What qualifies as a proper aftermarket replacement for OEM body parts, oil filters, air filters, etc.?

If you use a NAPA oil filter and the engine fails, the vehicle manufacturer must demonstrate the filter failure directly led to the engine failure before denying a warranty claim.

I’m just quoting the law, not interpreting it…

Manufacturers can’t require owners to use only OEM replacement parts..

Of course, the law is nothing more than how the courts interpret it…

 

Here’s the law’s explanation…

Understanding the Magnuson-Moss Act as it Relates to Aftermarket Car Parts - BRADFORD, LTD

If you’ve ever customized your vehicle with aftermarket car parts, or you often work with people who do, you might have heard that it’s possible to have your warranty cancelled because of the parts you’ve installed. Is this fact or fiction? In truth, it’s a little bit of both. Auto industry...

apb-law.com

 

No argument with you there…it doesn’t make much sense to have a vehicle equipped with safety features that aren’t in optimal operating condition.

 

Glad to hear that Pilkington makes an acoustic windshield for the 2019 Forester. They don't for the 2017-2018's.

 

For you guys that had Safelight calibrate the EyeSight: I assume this is a 3rd-party vendor, unconnected to Subaru, so I'm curious....did they seem to know what they were doing? Do you have any idea what they did to calibrate EyeSight?

I hadn't considered the possible risk to EyeSight if I ever need my windshield replaced, but now I'm wondering. and it'll be nice to have some idea of wehat to expect if/when I find myself in this situation.
Thanks.

 

I had my windshield replaced by Safelite. They told me they licensed the calibration software from Subaru.

 

I just got a crack in my windshield. I have a 1000 deductible and my glass is covered under comprehensive so I would just pay out of pocket. Made appointment with safelite. Price was 1200 or so for everything. I started researching if needed recalibration and even called my dealer ship. They told me 99 percent of time did not need it and that if had windshield replc they could check if needed to be recalibrated and only charge 150 to do so. So I went to appointment thinking I’ll just get glass replaced. They would not do it. Said company policy and could not let me drive car if not calibrated. Safelite charges 600 for this. So I will be looking for a local place that will do it without calibration. Subaru wants like 1500 for everything but said out of stock on windshield and would take 4-6 weeks to get.

 

You may want to file a complaint about your cracked windshield with the NHTSA, here:

Report a Safety Problem | NHTSA

File a complaint with NHTSA if you experienced a vehicle, tire, car seat or equipment safety problem that could be a safety defect.

www.nhtsa.gov

 

@Drew1964 One more reason to have supplemental glass breakage coverage on top of what comprehensive covers. If your insurance company doesn't offer it find one that does. The combination of Eyesight and Subaru's crack-prone acoustic layer windshield (since 2017) make it a must-have. In most cases you'll pay a small deductible or none at all.

With the 2022 refresh the Eyesight cameras are now mounted on the windshield itself. No doubt it's even more insanely expensive to replace.

 

I contacted my insurance (Geico), and they unfortunately don't offer supplemental glass coverage. Would it be effective enough to lower my comprehensive deductible? Or is it wiser to find another insurance company that has the glass coverage?

 

Zero deductible windshield coverage (if the insured has comprehensive and collision) is mandated in some states. Of course, in states that don’t, it’s up to the insurer to determine what coverage to offer.

 

I have Geico with full glass coverage and a $0 deductible and they even reimbursed me for the eyesight test/re-calibration.

My windshield cracked about a year ago when I was leaving to goto work. I called a local glass shop and they told me to call Geico and request OEM glass and eyesight re-calibration. Geico approved both and the local shop installed the OEM windshield. I couldn't get an appointment for the eyesight re-calibration until about 2 weeks after the windshield was installed. I didn't have any eyesight issues nor did the eyesight "activate" during this time. It took about an hour for the dealer to perform calibration/test and they charged me $200. Geico asked me to send them a copy of the invoice and they promptly reimbursed me.

When I picked up my car from the glass shop the guy told me that he replaces a lot of Subaru windshields with alot of them being repeat customers then he started using a extra tube of glue and hasn't had any return. I have no idea if that makes a difference but so far I haven't had to visit him again.

 

I have Geico with full glass coverage and a $0 deductible and they even reimbursed me for the eyesight test/re-calibration.

My windshield cracked about a year ago when I was leaving to goto work. I called a local glass shop and they told me to call Geico and request OEM glass and eyesight re-calibration. Geico approved both and the local shop installed the OEM windshield. I couldn't get an appointment for the eyesight re-calibration until about 2 weeks after the windshield was installed. I didn't have any eyesight issues nor did the eyesight "activate" during this time. It took about an hour for the dealer to perform calibration/test and they charged me $200. Geico asked me to send them a copy of the invoice and they promptly reimbursed me.

When I picked up my car from the glass shop the guy told me that he replaces a lot of Subaru windshields with alot of them being repeat customers then he started using a extra tube of glue and hasn't had any return. I have no idea if that makes a difference but so far I haven't had to visit him again.

That's an amazing and ideal situation. I was told by Geico they don't offer full glass coverage, and when I filed a claim and stated I only wanted OEM, they said I would have to pay for the full cost of the OEM glass plus my already high deductible. Not sure who I need to talk to for a better deal.

 

No-deductible "full glass" coverage is often dictated by state law which is why Geico may offer it to another forum member but not you. I was recently able to negotiate Subaru glass for my 3+ year Forester by convincing my insurance company that no aftermarket windshield had the acoustic feature of Subaru's OEM Subaru. I challenged my insurer to find an aftermarket windshield with all the Subaru OEM features and they came up short when it came to acoustic glass. I don't know if that's the case with the 2019's but as of 6 months ago no aftermarket (including Pilkingon EZ Kool) acoustic windshields were made for the 2017-2018 Forester.