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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2021 Kia Soul Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
3%of 239 total for the year
Median mileage
814miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the visibility of the 2021 Kia Soul, 3% of the 239 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 814 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While driving down the road in wet weather conditions. The vehicle lost all power, lost wipers and headlights. Happened on interstate while traveling at 65 MPH. Vehicle stated key wasn't detected in car. While in motion using other vehicles headlights was able to get over to the side of the highway thankfully. Vehicle was towed to dealer for assessment.”

NHTSA complaint #11372340, filed 2020-10, 814 miles

“Engine does not work properly. It is loud and car shakes. Dealership had me do maintenance and did not fix the problem. Rear windshield wiper pours out fluid and turns on with no reason. They say there is a short however it turns on and blocks my rear window view every while just driving, or using my turn signal, I have to mess with the switch while driving to finally get it to stop.”

NHTSA complaint #11644403, filed 2025-02

“Sunroof failure, spontaneously exploded. Fortunately I was not driving the car when it happened or could have caused an accident. Went to my car one morning and the sunroof looked like an earthquake for no reason. No damage, car was parked my driveway and was definitely not vandalism. Dealer said to contact Kia directly and report the incident to them because they would get nowhere with the factory and I should contact them. …”

NHTSA complaint #11685031, filed 2025-09

“Heading to work on hwy 140, there is no trees nothing that could fall on my car the nearest car was at least half a mile away, it's 30something degrees outside and as my driving I heard a loud boom I opened up the cover to my sunroof and it was shattered, there's nothing that could have landed on it the glass was pointing upwards like it exploded out. That stretch of road I was on has nothing around that could cause that and if it had been a rock it would have hit either the front of my car or my windshield and neither were hit or anything of that nature. …”

NHTSA complaint #11504887, filed 2023-02

“Manufacturer defect: Massive paint delamination/adhesion failure on the roof. Large sheets of paint are flaking off while the vehicle is in motion, creating a debris hazard for following drivers and distracting the operator. The failure has exposed the bare metal structure, which may lead to premature rusting.”

NHTSA complaint #11730709, filed 2026-04

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202518%
202312%
202173%
202031%
201943%
201842%
201710%
201681%
201571%
201471%
2013152%
201261%
2011179%
20101410%

Other parts of the 2021 Kia Soul

Engine
139 complaints
Engine cooling
47 complaints
Other or unknown
27 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
26 complaints
Electrical system
15 complaints
Fuel system
11 complaints
Brakes
10 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
5 complaints
Suspension
5 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Kia Soul

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology