2014-2018 Subaru Forester Rear Glass: Backlite vs. Door Glass, Tint Matching, and Replacement

Backlite, Door Glass, or Quarter Glass? Which Part Do You Need?

When ordering a "rear window" for your 2014-2018 Forester, it's critical to know which piece of glass you're replacing. The term can refer to three different parts, each with unique part numbers, costs, and installation procedures.

• Rear Backlite (or Liftgate/Tailgate Glass): This is the largest piece of glass on the rear of the vehicle, mounted in the tailgate. It includes the defroster grid lines and the mounting hole for the rear wiper. This glass is bonded to the tailgate frame with urethane and is the most difficult to replace.
• Rear Door Glass: This is the movable window in the left (driver side) or right (passenger side) rear doors. It attaches to the window regulator, allowing it to go up and down.
• Rear Quarter Glass: This is the small, fixed triangular window located behind the rear door glass. It does not move. There is one on both the driver and passenger sides.

Symptoms of a Failing Rear Window

The symptoms of rear glass failure are typically obvious and require immediate attention.

• Visible Cracks, Chips, or Complete Shattering: Any impact can cause a chip or crack, but due to the nature of tempered glass, it will often shatter completely into small pieces.
• Spontaneous Shattering: While class-action lawsuits have primarily focused on windshields on other Subaru models, some owners report side or rear windows shattering without any apparent impact. This can be caused by hidden stress in the glass or significant, sudden temperature changes.
• Malfunctioning Defroster Grid: If your rear defroster stops working, it could be due to a break in one of the orange or brown lines on the backlite. This is often caused by a scratch or damage to the interior surface of the glass.
• Water Leaks or Wind Noise: A failing urethane seal on the backlite or a worn seal around the door glass can allow water and wind to enter the cabin.

Vehicle-Specific Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

For the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester, there are no specific recalls for the rear door glass, quarter glass, or backlite. However, some related service bulletins and known issues are worth noting.

• Cracked Windshield Class Action Lawsuits: Subaru has faced class-action lawsuits regarding spontaneously cracking *windshields* on various models. While the final settlements focused on later model years (2019+ for the Forester), the underlying owner complaints about brittle glass are a known theme for the brand during this period.
• TSB 12-272-19R - Front Door Glass Run Channel: Subaru issued a technical service bulletin for the *front* doors on 2014-2018 Foresters where water could cause a "judder" or sticking condition as the window moves. This could cause the auto-reverse feature to activate, preventing the window from closing. While this TSB is for the front, similar issues with window channels or seals can affect rear door glass operation.
• TSB 12-289-20R - Rear Gate Stays: Subaru extended the warranty for the rear gate stays (the struts that hold the tailgate up) on 2014-2018 Foresters. While not a glass issue, failing gate stays can cause the tailgate to slam shut, potentially increasing the risk of damage to the backlite.

Buying a Used Rear Window Glass: Inspection Guide

A used OEM window is often the best value, guaranteeing a perfect fit and color match. Aftermarket glass may not have the same tint or quality. Here’s what to check before you buy.

Why Used OEM is a Smart Choice

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass is made by Subaru or its supplier to the exact specifications for your Forester. This ensures that the curvature, size, and tint are a perfect match. For the backlite, it also guarantees the defroster grid connectors and wiper mount are in the correct locations, which is not always the case with cheaper aftermarket glass.

Inspection Checklist

• Verify the Tint: This is the most important step. Ask the seller to confirm if it is standard green tint or the darker factory privacy tint. If possible, compare it side-by-side with your existing glass.
• Inspect the Defroster Grid (Backlite Only): Carefully examine the orange/brown grid lines on the inside of the glass. Look for any deep scratches or breaks in the lines. A single broken line will cause the entire defroster to fail.
• Check for Scratches and Damage: Run your hand over both surfaces of the glass to feel for deep scratches or chips, especially around the edges where damage can hide. Minor surface scuffs are acceptable, but deep scratches can compromise the glass's integrity.
• Confirm Part Number: If a sticker is still present, try to match the part number to the list below to ensure it's for the correct year range and position.

Replacement Difficulty & Labor

Rear Door & Quarter Glass

• Difficulty: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
• DIY Feasible: Yes, for those comfortable with basic tools.
• Procedure: Replacement involves removing the interior door panel, 🎬 Watch: How to remove the rear door panel carefully peeling back the weather barrier, unbolting the glass from the window regulator, and maneuvering the old glass out and the new glass in. 🎬 See this rear door glass replacement tutorial The quarter glass is similar but may require removing more trim.

Rear Backlite (Tailgate Glass)

• Difficulty: 5 out of 5 (Professional Recommended)
• DIY Feasible: No.
• Procedure: The backlite is held in by a strong urethane adhesive that creates a waterproof seal. This requires specialized tools to cut out the old glass and a precise, temperature-controlled process to install the new one. Improper installation will lead to water leaks, wind noise, and potential rust.

Cost Comparison

Part Numbers & Variants

The part numbers for the rear door glass changed slightly during this generation. Always verify compatibility with the vehicle's VIN. The descriptions below are based on common dealer listings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)