2025 Kia Sportage Warning Lights and Indicator User Guide
The numerous warning lights and indications on the 2025 Kia Sportage will be covered in this book, along with their definitions and practical solutions to guarantee the best possible performance and safety for your car.
2023 – 2024 KIA SPORTAGE Review, Price, Mileage, Features and Torque (Brochure)
Video: 2025 Kia Sportage Cluster Display & Warning Lights
Kia Warning and Indicator Lights Guide
The warning light and indicator light indicate a situation where the driver should be careful and whether the various functions are activated.
Warning lights
The warning light indicates situations that require the driver to pay attention.
NOTICE
Warning lights
Make sure that all warning lights are OFF after starting the vehicle. If any light is still ON, this indicates a situation that needs attention.
Airbag warning light
This warning light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP Button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 6 seconds and then goes off.
- When there is a malfunction with the SRS.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Seat belt warning light
Parking brake & brake fluid warning light
This warning light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP Button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds
- It remains on if the parking brake is applied.
- When the parking brake is applied.
- When the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.
- If the warning light appears with the parking brake is released, it indicates the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low:
- Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
- With the vehicle stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add fluid as required (For more details, refer to “Brake fluid” on pages 8-19). Then check all brake components for fluid leaks. If any leak on the brake system is still found, the warning light remains on, or the brakes do not operate properly, do not drive the vehicle. In this case, have your vehicle towed to an authorized Kia dealer and inspected.
Dual-diagonal braking system
Your vehicle is equipped with dual-diag-onal braking systems. This means you still have braking on two wheels even if one of the dual systems should fail. With only one of the dual systems work-ing, more than normal pedal travel and greater pedal pressure are required to stop the vehicle. Also, the vehicle will not stop in as short a distance with only a portion of the brake system working. If the brakes fail while you are driving, shift to a lower gear for additional engine braking and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE
Parking brake & brake fluid warning light
Driving the vehicle with a warning light ON is dangerous. If the Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Light appears with the parking brake released, it indicates that the brake fluid level is low. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light
This warning light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
- When there is a malfunction with the ABS (The normal braking system will still be operational without the assistance of the antilock brake system). In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning light
- When the ABS and regular brake system are not working, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
WARNING
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) System Warning Light
When both ABS and Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Lights are on, the brake system will not work normally and you may experience an unexpected and dangerous situation during sudden braking.
In this case, avoid high-speed driving and abrupt braking. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possi-ble.
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light
This warning light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
- When there is a malfunction with the EPB.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Warning Light
This warning light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP Button to the ON position.
- It remains on until the vehicle is started.
- When there is a malfunction with the EPS.
- When there is a malfunction with the EPS. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Charging system warning light
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
- When there is a malfunction with either the alternator or electrical charging system.
If there is a malfunction with either the alternator or electrical charging system:
- Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
- Turn the engine off and check the alternator drive belt for looseness or breakage.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
This warning light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
- – It remains on until the engine is started.
- When there is a malfunction with the emission control system.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
CAUTION
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
- Driving with the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on may cause damage to the emission control systems which could effect drivability and/or fuel economy.
- If the enhanced engine protection system becomes activated due to lack of engine oil, engine power will be limited. If such condition continues repeatedly, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp will appear.
CAUTION
If the oil pressure lowers due to insuffi-cient engine oil, etc., the engine oil pres-sure warning light turns on and an enhanced engine protection system that limits the engine’s power is activated. After that, engine warning light turns on if driving repeatedly and continuously.
CAUTION
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) appears, potential catalytic converter damage is possible which could result in loss of engine power. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Engine oil pressure warning light
This warning light appears:
- This warning light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP Button to the ON position.
- It remains on until the engine is started.
- When the engine oil pressure is low. If the engine pressure is low:
- Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
- Turn the engine off and check the engine oil level (For more details, refer to “Engine oil and filter” on page 8- 12“). If the level is low, add oil as required.
- If the warning light remains on after adding oil or if oil is not available, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. Continued driveing with the warning light on may cause engine failure.
NOTICE
- When engine oil pressure decreases due to insufficient engine oil, etc., the Engine Oil Pressure warning light will appear.
- The enhanced engine protection system which limits engine power will be activated. When the engine oil pressure is restored, the warning light and the enhanced engine protection system will turn off after the engine is restarted.
CAUTION
Engine Overheating
Do not continue driving with the engine overheated. Otherwise, the engine may be damaged.
CAUTION
Engine damage
If the engine is not stopped immediately after the engine oil pressure warning light appears and stays on while the engine is running, serious engine damage may result.
Exhaust system (GPF) warning light (Gasoline Engine)
This warning light appears:
- When there is a malfunction with Gas-oline Particulate Filter (GPF) system.
- When this warning light appears, it may turn off after driving the vehicle:
- The vehicle should be driven for more than 30 minutes at a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and faster.
- Ensure the following conditions are all met: safe road conditions, trans-mission 3rd gear or above, and engine speed of 1,500 – 4,000 rpm.
If this warning light blinks in spite of the procedure (at this time the LCD warning message will be displayed), have the GPF system checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
CAUTION
Gasoline engine with GPF (if equipped)
If you continue to drive with the GPF warning light blinking for a long time, the GPF system can be damaged and fuel consumption can worsen.
Low fuel level warning light
When the fuel tank is nearly empty. If the fuel tank is nearly empty: Add fuel as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Low fuel level
Driving with the Low Fuel Level warning light on or with the fuel level below “E” can cause the engine to misfire and damage the catalytic converter.
Master warning light
This indicator light appears:
- This warning light informs the driver the following situations
- LED headlamp malfunction (if equipped)
- Lamp malfunction
- High Beam Assist malfunction (if equipped)
To identify the details of the warning look at the LCD display.
If the warning situation is solved, the master warning light will turn off.
Low tyre pressure warning light (if equipped)
This warning light appears:
- This warning light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
- When one or more of your tires are significantly under inflated. (The location of the underinflated tires are displayed on the LCD display).
For more details, refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (if equipped)” on page 7-8.
This warning light remains on after blinking for approximately 60 seconds or repeats blinking on and off at intervals of approximately 3 seconds:
- When there is a malfunction with the TPMS. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
For more details, refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” on pages 7-8
WARNING
Low tyre pressure
- Significantly low tyre pressure makes the vehicle unstable and can contribute to loss of vehicle control and increased braking distances.
- Continued driving with low-pressure tyres will cause the tyres to overheat and fail.
WARNING
Safe stopping
- The TPMS cannot alert you about severe and sudden tyre damage caused by external factors.
- If you notice any vehicle instability, immediately take your foot off the accelerator pedal, apply the brakes gradually with light force, and slowly move to a safe position off the road.
LED headlamp warning light
- Once you set the ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
- When there is a malfunction with the LED headlamp.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
This warning light blinks:
- When there is a malfunction with an LED headlamp-related part.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
CAUTION
LED headlamp warning light
Continuous driving with the LED Headlamp Warning Light on or blinking can reduce LED headlamp (low beam) life.
Forward Safety warning light
This indicator light appears:
- Once you set the ENGINE START/ STOP button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
- When FCA is turned off.
- When the radar sensor or cover is blocked with dirt or snow. Check the sensors and cover and clean them by using a soft cloth.
- When there is a malfunction with FCA. If this occurs, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
For more details, refer to “Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) (Front Camera Only) (if equipped)” on page 6- 4.
Icy road warning light (if equipped)
This warning light is to warn the driver the road may be icy. When the temperature on the outside temperature gauge is approximately below 4 °C (39 °F) the Icy road warning light and outside temperature gauge blinks and then appears. Also, the warning chime sounds 1 time.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light (if equipped)
This warning light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
- When there is a malfunction with the AWD.
In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer
Indicator lights
The indicator light indicates whether the various functions are activated.
Electronic stability control (ESC) indicator light
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP Button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
- When there is a malfunction with the ESC system.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
This indicator light blinks:
While the ESC is operating.
For more details, refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” on page 5-28.
Electronic stability control (ESC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP Button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
- When you deactivate the ESC system by pressing the ESC OFF button.
For more details, refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” on page 5-28.
Auto Stop indicator light
This indicator will appear when the engine enters the Idle Stop mode of ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system.
When the automatic starting occurs, the auto stop indicator on the cluster will blink for 5 seconds.
* For more details, refer to “Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system” on page 5-45.
NOTICE
When the engine automatically starts by ISG system, some warning lights (ABS, ESC, ESC OFF, EPS or Parking brake warning light) may turn on for a few sec-onds. This happens because of the low battery voltage. It does not mean the system is malfunctioning.
AUTO HOLD indicator light (AUTO HOLD) (if equipped)
This indicator light appears:
- White When you activate the auto hold system by pressing the AUTO HOLD button.
- Green When you stop the vehicle completely by depressing the brake pedal with the auto hold system activated.
- Yellow When there is a malfunction with the auto hold system. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
For more details, refer to “AUTO HOLD (if equipped)” on pages 5-31.
2023 – 2024 KIA SPORTAGE Review, Price, Mileage, Features and Torque (Brochure)
Immobilizer indicator light (without smart key) (if equipped)
This indicator light appears:
- When the vehicle detects the immobilizer in your key properly while the ignition switch is ON.
- At this time, you can start the engine.
- The indicator light goes off after starting the engine.
This indicator light blinks:
When there is a malfunction with the immobilizer system.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Immobilizer indicator light (with smart key)
- When the vehicle detects the smart key in the vehicle properly while the ENGINE START/STOP button is ACC or ON.
- At this time, you can start the engine.
- The indicator light goes off after starting the engine.
This indicator light blinks for a few seconds:
- When the smart key is not in the vehicle.
- At this time, you can not start the engine.
This indicator light appears for 2 seconds and goes off:
- When the vehicle can not detect the smart key which is in the vehicle while the ENGINE START/STOP Button is ON.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
This indicator light blinks:
- When the battery of the smart key is weak.
- When there is a malfunction with the immobilizer system.
In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Turn signal indicator light
This indicator light blinks:
- When you turn the turn signal light on. If any of the following occurs, there may be a malfunction with the turn signal system. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
- The indicator light does not blink but appears.
- The indicator light blinks more rapidly.
- The indicator light does not appear at all.
Low beam indicator light
This indicator light appears:
- When the headlamps are on.
High beam indicator light
- When the headlamps are on and in the high beam position.
- When the turn signal lever is pulled into the Flash-to-Pass position.
High Beam Assist indicator light
This indicator light appears:
- When the high beam is on with the light switch in the AUTO light position.
- If your vehicle detects oncoming or preceding vehicles, High Beam Assist will switch the high beam to low beam automatically.
For more details, refer to “High Beam Assist (HBA)” on page 4-97.
Light ON indicator light
This indicator light appears:
- When the taillamps or headlamps are on.
Front fog indicator light if equipped)
- When the front fog lights are on.
The Lane Safety indicator light
The Lane Safety indicator will appear when you turn Lane Keeping Assist on by pressing and holding the Lane Driv-ing Assist button.
If there is a problem with the function, the yellow Lane Safety indicator will appear.
For more details, refer to “Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) (if equipped)” on pages 6-25.
Cruise Indicator Light (if equipped)
This indicator light appears:
- When Cruise Control is enabled.
For more details, refer to “Cruise Con-trol (CC) (if equipped)” on pages 6-58.
Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator light
- When you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP Button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
- When you activate the system by pressing the DBC button.
This indicator light blinks:
- When the DBC is operating. This indicator light appears yellow:
- When there is a malfunction with the DBC system. If this occurs, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
For more details, refer to “Downhill Brake Control (DBC)” on page 5-37.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) LOCK indicator light (if equipped)
This indicator light appears:
- Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
- It appears for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
- When you select AWD lock mode by pressing the AWD LOCK button.
- The AWD lock mode is to increase the drive power when driving on wet pavement, snow covered roads and/or off-road.
NOTICE
AWD lock mode
Do not use AWD LOCK mode on dry paved roads or highway, it can cause noise, vibration or damage of AWD related parts.
SPORT Mode indicator light
- When you select “SPORT” mode as drive mode.
For more details, refer to “Drive mode integrated control system” on page 5-50.
Useful Links:
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