VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT. TEMPERATURE HAD BEEN AT OR SLIGHTLY ABOVE FREEZING OVERNIGHT. WHEN DRIVER ENTERED VEHICLE AND SHUT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARD FROM THE CENTER OF THE WINDOW DOWN TO THE POINT OF THE REAR WIPER. OUTSIDE EDGES OF WINDOW ALSO SHATTERED/DISINTEGRATED ALONG THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE SEAL.
2011 kia Soul visibility problems
moderate 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
THE INSIDE OF MY FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS FULL OF WATER. I ONLY HAD THE CAR SINCE AUGUST OF THIS YEAR. *TR
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2011 kia Soul?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.