2024 – 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, Ascent & Solterra Driver Mirror Shaking Problem

Class Action Investigation

Updated on January 2nd, 2025 Author: Sergei Lemberg

Lemberg Law is investigating widespread consumer complaints about driver-side mirror shaking and vibrating, especially when traveling at highway speeds. Consumers complain about headaches, visual problems, and safety issues. However, there doesn’t appear to be a solution in sight.

Update: Lemberg Law filed a class action lawsuit concerning this issue on September 20, 2024. This page continues to cover the underlying vehicle problem. For lawsuit-specific information, see our lawsuit page.

What Is the Mirror Shaking Defect?

Our research found that the Subaru mirror shaking defect primarily affects the driver-side exterior mirror on certain recent models. Specifically, the mirror glass or housing vibrates excessively at highway speeds, typically above 55 to 60 miles per hour. As a result, the reflected image becomes blurry or distorted.

In many cases, it persists even after Subaru replaces the mirror assembly. Owners consistently report that replacement mirrors frequently vibrate in the same way, suggesting a deeper design or structural issue rather than an isolated defect.

What Are Owners Experiencing?

Owners report a consistent set of problems tied to the driver-side mirror vibration, including:

• Mirror glass shakes or vibrates at highway speeds, often above 55 miles per hour
• Reflections become blurry, making it hard to judge distance or spot vehicles
• Lane changes and merging feel unsafe due to distorted visibility
• Headlight glare at night appears worse because of constant movement
• Passenger-side mirror remains stable while the driver-side mirror vibrates
• Issue appeared shortly after purchase, sometimes within the first few hundred miles
• Mirror replacements or housing swaps often fail to fix the problem
• Some drivers experience eye strain, headaches, dizziness, or nausea
• Many owners are told by dealers that the condition is normal or has no fix

Together, these reports show a pattern of visibility and safety concerns that persist despite repeated repair attempts.

Example Complaints

Here are direct quotes from Subaru owners that are experiencing the driver-side mirror shaking problem:

➜ 2024 Ascent owner “The drivers side mirror has a constant vibration that causes visibility issues. Has done it since we bought it new.”

➜ 2024 Crosstrek owner: “Driver side exterior mirror has a vibration over 60 mph. The passenger side is fine. I reported to Subaru America at dealership but they will not acknowledge the defect. It makes it difficult to see while vibrating. No warning lights or anything are on.”

➜ 2025 Crosstrek owner: “Upon driving off the lot at highway speeds I noticed that the driver’s side mirror was vibrating more than expected. Over the last few months of ownership and at almost 6,000 miles the vibration has gotten worse.”

Affected Subaru Models

Our research found that the mirror shaking defect is most common in newer Subaru models. However, reports show it is not limited to a single vehicle line or model year.

Models most frequently affected include:

• 2024-2025 Crosstrek
• 2024-2025 Ascent
• 2023–2024 Solterra

Additional owner reports involve:

• 2024-2025 Forester
• 2024 Impreza
• 2024 WRX

Why Does the Side Mirror Vibrate?

Our research found that the vibration is not caused by loose installation or owner use. Instead, evidence points to a design or structural problem within the mirror system itself.

Key factors identified include:

• Insufficient rigidity in the mirror housing or mounting points
• Deficient materials used in the mirror assembly
• Weakness in the mirror actuation unit that allows movement at speed
• A production change involving mirror part suppliers
• Replacement parts that share the same design flaws

Technical Service Bulletins and Repair Attempts

In July 2025, Subaru of America, Inc. issued a technical service bulletin covering certain 2024 to 2025 Crosstrek, Impreza, and Ascent models. Notably the bulletin does not mention the Solterra model. The bulletin attributes the vibration to a parts or supplier change and instructs dealers to add vibration-dampening material to the mirror actuation unit.

According to the bulletin, the repair involves:

• Removing the mirror glass and related components
• Applying a sealant to dampen vibration within the mirror assembly
• Reassembling and testing mirror movement

Although most state the repair was covered under warranty, owner feedback has been mixed. Most owners state the vibration continues after the repair.

What Should You Do if Your Subaru Has a Mirror that Shakes?

If your Subaru Crosstrek, Ascent, Solterra, or another model has a shaking driver-side mirror, Lemberg Law wants to hear from you. We focus on consumer protection cases involving defective vehicles.

We offer free case evaluations, and you do not pay unless we win. In many lemon law cases, Subaru must pay the legal fees.

Contact us today to see if you qualify for compensation.

Sources:

1. NHTSA: 2023 Ascent
2. NHTSA: 2023 Crosstrek
3. NHTSA: 2024 Ascent
4. NHTSA: 2024 Crosstrek
5. Subaru XV Forum
6. Reddit Thread
7. TSB 12-268-25

About the Author:

Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."

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