Kia Soul 2023 Safe Exit Warning SEW Owner’s Manual
Introduction
The Kia Soul 2023’s Safe Exit Warning (SEW) system is made to address a typical safety worry when getting out of a parked car. The SEW feature works as an additional set of eyes to help avoid potential collisions whether you’re parallel parking on a busy street or in a crowded parking lot.
Please be aware that the data above is based on my knowledge threshold for September 2021. I advise visiting the official Kia website or getting in touch with a Kia dealership for the most precise and current information on the Kia Soul 2023 and its Safe Exit Warning (SEW) system.
Safe Exit Warning SEW
After the vehicle stops, when an approaching vehicle from the rear area is detected as soon as a passenger opens a door, Safe Exit Warning will warn the driver with a warning message and an audible warning to help prevent a collision.
CAUTION
Warning timing may vary depending on the speed of the approaching vehicle.
Detecting sensor
Rear corner radar
Refer to the picture above for the detailed location of the detecting sensors.
CAUTION
For more details on the precautions of the rear corner radars, refer to “Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) (if equipped)” on page 5-71.
Safe Exit Warning settings Setting features
Exit Safety
A: Driver Assistance
- Driving Safety
- Exit Safety
With the vehicle on, select Settings → Driver Assistance → Driving safety→ Exit Safety on the instrument cluster or Settings→ Vehicle→ Driver Assistance
Driving Safety→ Exit Safety on the infotainment system.
WARNING
If Exit Safety is deselected, Safe Exit Warning cannot warn you. The driver should always be aware of unexpected and sudden situations from occurring.
NOTICE
If the vehicle is restarted, Safe Exit Warning will maintain the last setting.
Safe Exit Warning operation
Safe Exit Warning warns the following actions.
- Collision warning when exiting vehicle
Collision warning when exiting vehicle
A: Watch for traffic
The warning light on the side view mirror will blink and the warning message will appear on the cluster, and an audible warning will sound.
- Safe Exit Warning will warn under the following circumstances:
- Your driving speed: below 2 mph (3 km/h)
- The speed of the approaching vehicle from the rear: above 4 mph (6 km/h)
WARNING
- For your safety, change the Settings after parking the vehicle at a safe location.
- If any other function’s warning message is displayed or audible warning is generated, Safe Exit Warning warning message may not be displayed and audible warning may not be generated.
You may not hear the warning sound of Safe Exit Warning if the surrounding is noisy. - Safe Exit Warning does not operate in all situations or cannot prevent all collisions.
- Safe Exit Warning may warn the driver late or may not warn the driver depending and driving conditions. Always check vehicle surroundings.
The driver and passengers are responsible for accidents that occurs while exiting the vehicle. Always check the surroundings before you exit the vehicle.
NOTICE
- After the vehicle is turned off, Safe Exit Warning operates for approximately 3 minutes, but turns off immediately if the doors are locked.
- Images or colors may be displayed differently depends on the instrument cluster specifications or theme.
Safe Exit Warning malfunction and limitations
Safe Exit Warning malfunction
A: Check Blind-Spot Safety system
When Safe Exit Warning is not working properly, the warning message will appear on the cluster, and the master warning light ( ) will appear on the cluster. Have Safe Exit Warning be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
A: Check outside mirror warning icon
When the outside rear view mirror warning light is not working properly, the warning message will appear on the cluster for several seconds, and the master warning light ( ) will appear on the cluster. Have Safe Exit Warning be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Safe Exit Warning disabled
A: Blind-spot safety systems disabled. Radar blocked
When the rear bumper around the rear corner radar or sensor is covered with foreign material, such as snow or rain, or installing a trailer or carrier, it can reduce the detecting performance and temporarily limit or disable Safe Exit Warning.
If this occurs, the Blind-Spot Safety systems disabled. Radar blocked warning message will appear on the cluster.
Safe Exit Warning will operate normally when such foreign material or trailer, etc. is removed, and then the vehicle is restarted.
If Safe Exit Warning does not operate normally after it is removed, Have Safe Exit Warning be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
WARNING
- Even though the warning message does not appear on the cluster, Safe Exit Warning may not properly operate.
- Safe Exit Warning may not properly operate in an area (e.g., open terrain), where any substance are not detected right after the vehicle is turned on, or when the detecting sensor is blocked with foreign material right after the vehicle is turned on.
CAUTION
Turn off Safe Exit Warning to install a trailer, carrier, etc., or remove the trailer, carrier, etc. to use Safe Exit Warning.
Limitations of Safe Exit Warning
Safe Exit Warning may not operate normally, or Safe Exit Warning may operate unexpectedly under the following warning.
- Getting out of the vehicle where trees or grass are overgrown
- Getting out of the vehicle where the road is wet
- The approaching vehicle is very fast or very slow
NOTICE
For more details on the precautions of the rear corner radars, refer to “Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) (if equipped)” on page 5-71.
WARNING
- Safe Exit Warning may not operate normally if interfered by strong electromagnetic waves.
- Safe Exit Warning may not operate for approximately 3 seconds after the vehicle is restarted, or the rear corner radars are initialized.
FAQs
- What is the Safe Exit Warning (SEW) feature in the Kia Soul 2023?
The Kia Soul 2023 has a safety feature called Safe Exit Warning (SEW) that warns passengers when it is risky to open the doors, reducing the chance of collisions with passing cars or cyclists. - How does the SEW system work?
The SEW system makes use of sensors to identify approaching vehicles from the vehicle’s back side. The system will alert the occupants with an audible and visual warning if a vehicle is found, urging them to use caution before opening the doors. - Is the SEW feature standard on all Kia Soul 2023 trims?
On higher trims of the Kia Soul 2023, the SEW feature is typically available as standard or optional equipment. To confirm availability on specific trims, it is always advised to contact your nearby Kia dealership or refer to the vehicle’s specifications. - Can I turn off the SEW feature if I don’t want to use it?
Yes, you can manually turn off the SEW feature in the majority of vehicles that have it. To ensure the safety of all occupants, it is generally recommended to keep the system activated. - Does the SEW feature work when parked on the side of the road?
It is true that the SEW feature is made to function in a variety of situations, including when the car is parked by the side of the road. When occupants try to open the doors while a vehicle is coming up behind them, it warns them. - Will the SEW feature activate if a pedestrian is approaching?
Instead of detecting approaching pedestrians, the SEW feature is primarily made to detect approaching vehicles. Its primary goal is to avoid colliding with oncoming vehicles or bicyclists. Although the system may not be activated by pedestrians, it is still advisable to use caution and always look around you before opening doors. - Can the SEW feature be adjusted based on sensitivity levels?
The vehicle model and its specifications may affect the sensitivity levels of the SEW feature. You may be able to adjust the SEW system’s settings in some cars so that it is sensitive to your preferences. - Does the SEW feature work at all speeds?
When the vehicle is either stationary or moving slowly, the SEW feature is frequently activated at lower speeds. Depending on the vehicle model and its specifications, the precise speed range may change. - Does the SEW feature replace the need to check mirrors before opening the doors?
The SEW feature is an additional safety aid, not a replacement for checking mirrors or visually scanning the area before opening doors. Although it acts as a warning system, it’s crucial to always check your mirrors and keep an eye out for oncoming traffic or pedestrians. - Is the SEW feature reliable in all weather conditions
The SEW feature is made to function well in a variety of weather conditions, such as snow, rain, and fog. Extreme weather or obstructions on the sensors, however, may impair its performance. The sensors can function at their best with routine upkeep and cleaning. - Can the SEW feature prevent all potential accidents?
Although the SEW feature is a useful safety aid, it cannot ensure that all accidents will be avoided. Even with the SEW feature activated, it is crucial for drivers and passengers to pay attention, use their mirrors, and take care when getting out of the car. - Are there any limitations to the SEW feature?
Based on its design and technology, the SEW feature might be constrained. Its functionality may be impacted by variables like sensor range, vehicle speed, obstacles, and system performance. Knowing these restrictions and utilizing the feature as an It’s crucial to rely on assistance in moderation - Does the SEW feature work during nighttime or low-light conditions?
Yes, the SEW feature is made to function in low light or at night. It makes use of sensors and, in some cases, extra lighting to detect approaching vehicles from behind, protecting passengers.
- Can the SEW system be retrofitted to older Kia Soul models?
The ability to retrofit the SEW system to older Kia Soul models will depend on a number of variables, including the compatibility of the vehicle, official retrofit options from Kia, and local laws. For specific questions about retrofitting, it is advised to speak with a Kia dealership or authorized service facility. - Is the SEW feature exclusive to the Kia Soul or available in other Kia models?
The Kia Soul is not the only vehicle with the SEW feature. Depending on the year, trim level, and region, it might also be offered in other Kia models. For information on whether the SEW feature is offered in particular Kia models, it is advisable to check the specifications or get in touch with a Kia dealership.
Useful Links
View Full User Guide: Kia Soul 2023 Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: Kia | Owner’s Manuals and Documents