Visibility / Wipers Problems
16,981 owner complaints · 109 model lines · median failure at 50,000 miles
Among 16,981 owner complaints for visibility / wipers problems across 109 model lines, the most-reported vehicle is the 2007 Toyota Camry (456 complaints, typically failing near 66,830 miles). Across all vehicles the median failure mileage is 50,000 miles and the typical repair estimate is $350.
Key numbers
| Total complaints (NHTSA) | 16,981 |
|---|---|
| Model lines affected | 109 from 23 makes |
| Median failure mileage | 50,000 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $350 |
| Severity mix | 83 severe · 298 moderate · 0 minor (of 381 vehicle-year patterns) |
| Related serious reports | 135 alleged fires, 313 alleged injuries, 120 alleged crashes |
Worst vehicles for visibility / wipers problems
| Vehicle | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Repair est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Toyota Camry | 456 | 66,830 mi | $350 |
| 2006 Jeep Liberty | 391 | 45,000 mi | $350 |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | 387 | 9,000 mi | $350 |
| 2020 Subaru Outback | 354 | 7,216 mi | $350 |
| 2019 Subaru Outback | 347 | 12,000 mi | $350 |
| 2023 Honda HR-V | 333 | 13,462 mi | $350 |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 287 | 7,000 mi | $350 |
| 2008 Toyota Camry | 273 | 50,000 mi | $350 |
| 2015 Chevrolet Equinox | 264 | 77,221 mi | $350 |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | 263 | 6,500 mi | $350 |
| 2005 Ford F-150 | 259 | 50,880 mi | $350 |
| 2018 Subaru Outback | 255 | 25,000 mi | $350 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Equinox | 236 | 65,000 mi | $350 |
| 2006 Honda Civic | 227 | 45,000 mi | $350 |
| 2017 Subaru Outback | 217 | 36,500 mi | $350 |
People also ask
What is the most common visibility / wipers problem?
Based on 16,981 owner complaints in the NHTSA database, the most-reported failure pattern in this category appears on the 2007 Toyota Camry. Complaint volume reflects how many owners filed reports, not proof of a defect rate.
At what mileage do visibility / wipers problems start?
The median failure mileage across vehicles in this category is 50,000 miles, but the range is wide — the 25th to 75th percentile on individual model lines can span tens of thousands of miles. Individual vehicles fail earlier or later depending on use.
How much does it cost to fix?
The typical repair estimate in this category is $350, with significant spread between model lines — complex components on luxury vehicles can cost several times more than the same repair on a mainstream car.
Are these complaints verified defects?
No. Owner complaints filed with NHTSA are unverified first-person reports. A high complaint count signals a pattern worth checking (open recalls, TSBs, investigations) — not a confirmed defect.
Other component categories
electrical · engine · powertrain / transmission · steering · airbags & restraints · brakes · body & exterior · cruise control · lighting · fuel system · suspension · tires · wheels · seat belts · equipment / accessories
Checking a specific car? Decode its VIN to see the exact build, open safety recalls and crash-test ratings — free, no registration.
Source: ProblemsByVin (CC BY 4.0), aggregated from public NHTSA complaint and recall data. Owner complaints are unverified; volume reflects reporting, not per-vehicle defect rates. See Data Sources & Methodology.