Kia Sportage: Warning and indicator lights

Kia Sportage Owner’s Manual (5th Generation, NQ5; 2022+) / Driver Adjustments / Instrument cluster / Warning and indicator lights

When the Kia Sportage is switched to the ON position, some warning and indicator lights illuminate briefly as a system check. If a warning light stays on, flashes unexpectedly or indicates a fault, have the vehicle checked by an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Symbol	Timing or status	What it indicates
	About 6 seconds	The airbag warning light illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag operation.
	Stays on	The seat belt warning light indicates that a seat belt is not fastened. Refer to the “Seat belts” section.
	About 3 seconds	The parking brake and brake fluid warning light illuminates briefly at start-up.
	Stays on	The parking brake is applied. The brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.
	About 3 seconds	The ABS warning light illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
	Stays on	The Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) warning light indicates a problem with the EBD system.
	About 3 seconds	The Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) warning light illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in the Motor Driven Power Steering system.
	About 3 seconds	The charging system warning light illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in the alternator or electrical charging system.
	Stays on	The master warning light signals a fault affecting one or more vehicle functions. Read the warning message on the LCD display to identify the issue.
	About 3 seconds	The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in the emission control system, engine or vehicle powertrain.
	Remains illuminated until the engine starts	The engine oil pressure warning light indicates low engine oil pressure.
	Stays on	The fuel tank is nearly empty.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or Petrol Particulate Filter (PPF) system.
	Stays on	The urea solution tank is nearly empty.
	While the engine is preheating	The engine is being preheated. Start the engine after the glow indicator light goes out.
	About 3 seconds	On diesel models, the fuel filter warning light illuminates briefly at start-up, then turns off.
	Stays on	Water has accumulated in the fuel filter.
	About 3 seconds	The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in the Electronic Parking Brake system.
	About 3 seconds	The low tyre pressure warning light illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	One or more tyres are significantly underinflated.
	Flashes	A fault has been detected in the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Refer to the “Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” section.
	Yellow, about 3 seconds	The light illuminates when the vehicle starts and turns off if no abnormality is detected in the Forward/Side Safety functions of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
	Flashes red	The Forward/Side Safety function is operating.
	Stays yellow	A problem has been detected, for example, Forward/Side Safety is switched off or has a functional abnormality. Refer to “Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) (Sensor Fusion).”
	About 3 seconds	The Forward Safety warning light illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Refer to “Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) (Sensor Fusion).”
	Yellow, about 3 seconds	The light illuminates when the vehicle starts and turns off if no abnormality is detected in Driver Attention Warning.
	Flashes yellow	The system recommends that the driver take a rest.
	Stays yellow	The forward-facing cameras may be obscured, or Driver Attention Warning may have a functional abnormality or failure. Refer to “Driver Attention Warning (DAW).”
	Stays illuminated	Green: Lane Keeping Assist operating conditions are met. Gray: Lane Keeping Assist operating conditions are not met. Yellow: A fault has been detected in Lane Keeping Assist. Refer to “Lane Keeping Assist (LKA).”
	Stays illuminated	Green: Highway Lane Change Assist is ready to operate. Gray: Highway Lane Change Assist is in standby. Refer to “Highway Driving Assist (HDA).”
	Flashes	Green: Highway Lane Change Assist is operating. White: Highway Lane Change Assist has been cancelled. Refer to “Highway Driving Assist (HDA).”
	Stays on	The Press Brake indicator appears if you try to change gear without pressing the brake pedal or try to start the engine without pressing the brake pedal.
	About 5 seconds	The Parking Brake Engaged indicator appears when the engine is switched off without applying the parking brake lever.
	Stays on	When the `ENGINE START/STOP` button is in the `ACC` or `ON` position and a door is open, the indicator shows that the system is checking for the smart key.
	Flashes	The smart key is not in the vehicle while a door is open and the ignition switch or `ENGINE START/STOP` button is in the `ACC` or `ON` position.
	Stays illuminated	Green: Lane Following Assist is active. Gray: Lane Following Assist operating conditions are not met. Refer to “Lane Following Assist (LFA).”
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Refer to “All Wheel Drive (AWD) system.”
	Stays on	AWD Lock Mode is active. Refer to “All Wheel Drive (AWD) system.”
	About 3 seconds	The LED headlight warning light illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in an LED headlight.
	Flashes	A fault has been detected in a component related to the LED headlight.
	Flashes, then remains displayed	The icy road warning light and outside temperature display flash and then appear. The warning chime sounds once.
	About 3 seconds	The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in the ESC system.
	About 3 seconds	The `ESC OFF` indicator illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	The ESC system has been switched off using the `ESC OFF` button. Refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC).”
	Stays on	The vehicle has detected the key while in the `ACC` or `ON` position.
	Flashes	The key is not in the vehicle, or a fault has been detected in the immobiliser system.
	About 2 seconds	The vehicle cannot detect the key.
	Flashes	A turn signal is operating.
	Stays on	The high-beam headlights are on.
	Stays on	The low-beam headlights are on.
	Stays on	The front fog lights are on.
	Stays on	The rear fog lights are on.
	About 3 seconds	The Intelligent Front-Lighting System warning light illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Flashes	A fault has been detected in the Intelligent Front-Lighting System.
	About 5 seconds	The Auto Stop indicator illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	The engine has entered Idle Stop mode in the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system.
	Stays on	Cruise Control is enabled.
	Stays on	A Cruise Control speed has been set.
	Flashes	The vehicle is travelling faster than 120 km/h.
	Stays on	The washer fluid reservoir is nearly empty.
	Stays on	A door is not securely closed.
	Stays on	The tailgate is not securely closed.
	Stays on	High Beam Assist (HBA) is active. Refer to “High Beam Assist (HBA).”
	About 3 seconds	The Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	DBC has been activated by pressing its button. Refer to “Downhill Brake Control (DBC).”
	Stays on	AUTO HOLD is active.
	About 3 seconds	The SOS warning light illuminates briefly, then turns off.
	Stays on	A fault has been detected in the eCall system. Refer to “Pan-European eCall system.”
	Stays on	The indicator for the selected drive mode is displayed. Refer to “Drive mode integrated control system.”
	Yellow, about 3 seconds	The indicator illuminates when the vehicle starts and turns off if no abnormality is detected in Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.
	Stays on	Yellow: The system has been switched off or has a functional abnormality. When Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is operating, the indicator displays the speed limit. If the vehicle exceeds that limit, the displayed limit turns red. Refer to “Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA).”

TIP

Dual-diagonal braking system

The Kia Sportage has a dual-diagonal braking system. If one of the two circuits fails, the other can still brake two wheels.

With only one circuit working, the brake pedal may travel farther and require more pressure than usual. The vehicle will also need a longer distance to stop than it would with both circuits operating.
Engine oil pressure warning light — Low engine oil pressure
- Drive carefully to the nearest safe place and stop the vehicle.
- Switch off the engine and check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine oil” for details. If the level is low, add oil as required.
- If the warning light remains on after you add oil, or if you cannot add oil, have the vehicle inspected by a professional workshop as soon as possible. Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer or service partner. Continuing to drive with the warning light on may cause engine failure.
Exhaust system (DPF) warning light
- If the diesel particulate filter has a fault, the DPF warning light illuminates and the cluster displays “Keep driving to regenerate exhaust filter.” When it is safe to do so, drive for more than about 25 minutes at 60 km/h (40 mph) or faster, in a gear above second, with the engine speed between approximately 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. The DPF warning light should then turn off.
- If the light does not turn off, it will flash and the cluster will display “Check exhaust system.” Have the vehicle checked by a professional workshop; Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.
Exhaust system (PPF) warning light
- The warning light illuminates when soot has accumulated to a certain level.
- When the PPF warning light is on, it may turn off after all of these driving conditions are met:
  1. Drive faster than 100 km/h (60 mph).
  2. Keep engine speed between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm.
  3. Drive in third gear or higher.
- For safety, meet these conditions only on a road that is not congested.
- In third gear or higher, accelerate to 100 km/h (60 mph) and an engine speed of 2,500–4,000 rpm. Release the accelerator and wait for at least 10 seconds.
- Repeat the procedure until the PPF warning light turns off.
- If the light continues to flash and a warning message appears on the LCD display, have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.
With a dual clutch transmission (DCT), select SPORT mode and manually shift to third gear or higher, then follow the procedure above.

WARNING

Parking brake and brake fluid warning light
- Driving with this warning light on can be dangerous. If it illuminates while the parking brake is released, the brake fluid level is low.
- Have the Kia Sportage inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends contacting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning lights
- If the ABS and parking brake/brake fluid warning lights illuminate together, the braking system may not operate normally. Sudden braking could create an unexpected and dangerous situation.
- Avoid high speeds and hard braking. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorised Kia dealer or service partner as soon as possible.
Safe stopping
- The TPMS cannot warn you about severe, sudden tyre damage caused by external factors.
- If the vehicle becomes unstable, take your foot off the accelerator, brake gently and gradually, and move slowly to a safe place off the road.

CAUTION

Low fuel level warning light
- Driving with the low fuel warning light on or with the gauge below E may cause the engine to misfire.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
- If the MIL illuminates, the catalytic converter may be at risk of damage, which could lead to a loss of engine power. Have the vehicle inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.
Fuel filter warning light
- When this warning light illuminates, engine power, vehicle speed and idle speed may decrease.
- Continuing to drive with the fuel filter warning light on may damage engine components, including the injector, common rail and high-pressure fuel pump. Arrange an inspection as soon as possible. Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.
Exhaust system warning light
- Driving for an extended period while the exhaust system warning light is flashing may damage the system and increase fuel consumption.

NOTE

After starting the Kia Sportage, check that all warning lights have turned off. Any warning light that remains on requires attention.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
- Driving with the MIL illuminated may damage the emission control system and affect vehicle drivability or fuel economy.
- If low engine oil activates the enhanced engine protection system, engine power will be limited. If this condition occurs repeatedly, the MIL will illuminate.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning lights
- If the ABS warning light is on, or the ABS and parking brake/brake fluid warning lights illuminate together, the speedometer, odometer or tripmeter may stop working. The MDPS warning light may also appear, and steering effort may increase or decrease.
- Avoid high speeds and sudden braking. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorised Kia dealer or service partner as soon as possible.
Electronic Parking Brake warning light (EPB)
- The EPB warning light may illuminate when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator appears because ESC is not operating properly. This does not necessarily indicate an EPB fault.
Driving continuously with the LED headlight warning light on or flashing may shorten the service life of the LED headlights.
If the icy road warning light appears while driving, proceed carefully. Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden braking and sharp turns.
Engine oil pressure warning light
- The warning light illuminates when engine oil pressure falls, for example because the engine oil level is too low.
- The enhanced engine protection system may activate and limit engine power. On Smartstream D1.6 and Smartstream D1.6 MHEV engines, the oil pressure warning light and enhanced engine protection system switch off once oil pressure is restored.
- On Smartstream G2.0, Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi and Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi (EURO 7) engines, the warning light and enhanced engine protection system switch off after oil pressure is restored and the engine is restarted.

Transmission shift indicator

The transmission shift indicator shows gear information for the transmission fitted to your Kia Sportage. Automatic transmission shift indicator: (if equipped) Figure 1. Ty...

LCD display

Use the steering wheel control buttons to switch between the available LCD display views and review vehicle information. LCD display controls ...

Kia Sportage: Warning and indicator lights

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