Auto User Guide

2023 Kia Sportage Warning and Indicator Lights Guidelines

Kia-LogoKia Sportage 2023 Warning and Indicator Lights – Cluster

As safety and communication in cars are always changing, the 2023 Kia Sportage stands out as a beacon of awareness and connectivity. The Warning and Indicator Lights take centre stage, blending visual cues and real-time feedback in a way that makes driving a realm of vigilance and assurance. These illuminated icons, which are placed strategically in the instrument cluster and dashboard, do more than just look nice. They’re also a communication network that tells the driver important things about the vehicle’s health, state, and possible dangers. This web of visual signals is the perfect example of modern safety and vehicle management. It shows that the Sportage is dedicated to not only keeping its passengers safe but also giving them the information and skills they need to safely navigate the road. As we start this in-depth look, we jump into the complicated world of the 2023 Kia Sportage’s. Each lit-up icon tells a story about safety, performance, and the way that technology and alertness work together to make driving this amazing SUV so enjoyable.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Mileage, Features and Torque

Warning and indicator lights

2023 Kia Sportage dashboard symbols

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.

kia sportage 2023 dashboard symbols and cluster

NOTICE
Warning lights
Make sure that all warning lights are OFF after starting the engine. If any light is still ON, this indicates a situation that needs attention.

Airbag warning lightAir bag 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 ~ 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

Seat belt warning lightThis warning light informs the driver that the seat belt is not fastened.
For more details, refer to “Seat belt restraint system”

Parking brake & brake fluid warning light

Parking brake & brake fluid
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:

  1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
  2. With the engine stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add fluid as required (For more details, refer to “Brake fluid. 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-diagonal 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 working, more than normal pedal travel and greater pedal pressure is required to stop the vehicle.
Also, the vehicle will not stop at 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

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
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 anti-lock brake system).

In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning light

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning lightThese two warning lights appear at the same time while driving:

  • When the ABS and regular brake system are not working, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)

The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light may appear when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Light comes on to indicate that the ESC is not working properly (This does not indicate malfunction of the EPB).

Electric Power Steering (EPS) warning light

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.
    • This indicator light comes on after the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position and then goes out after approximately 3 seconds.
  • When there is a malfunction with the
  •  When there is a malfunction with the

Charging system warning light

Charging system warning light

This warning light appears:

  • 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:

  1.  Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
  2. 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)

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

This warning light appears:

  • When you set the ignition switch or the ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
    • The malfunction indicator light appears for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
  • Whenever there is a malfunction with either the emission control system or the engine or the vehicle powertrain.
    If this occurs, 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 affect drivability and/or fuel economy.
  • If the enhanced engine protection system becomes activated due to a lack of engine oil, engine power will be limited. If such a condition continues repeatedly, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp will appear.

CAUTION
If the oil pressure lowers due to insufficient engine oil, etc., the engine oil pressure warning light turns on and an enhanced engine protection system that limits the engine’s power is activated. After that, the 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 lightEngine oil pressure 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 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. 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 driving 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. If the engine oil pressure is restored, the Engine Oil Pressure warning light and the enhanced engine protection system will turn off.
  • 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 is appeared and stays on while the engine is running, serious engine damage may result.

Exhaust system (GPF) warning  light (Gasoline Engine)

Exhaust system (GPF) warningThis warning light appears:

  • When there is a malfunction with Gasoline 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 50 mph (80 km/h) and faster.
    • Ensure the following conditions are all met: safe road conditions, trans-mission 3rd gear or above, and an 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

Low fuel level warning lightThis warning light appears:
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 of 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 tire pressure warning light (if equipped)

Low tire pressure warning lightThis 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 underinflated. (The location of the underinflated tires is displayed on the LCD display).

For more details, refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
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)”

WARNING
Low tire pressure

  • Significantly low tire pressure makes the vehicle unstable and can contribute to loss of vehicle control and increased braking distances.
  • Continued driving with low-pressure tires will cause the tires to overheat and fail.

WARNING
Safe stopping

  • The TPMS cannot alert you about severe and sudden tire 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

LED headlamp warning light
This warning 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 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 a 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 Head-lamp Warning Light on or blinking can reduce LED headlamp (low beam) life.

Forward Safety warning light

Forward Safety warning lightThis indicator light appears:
When there is a malfunction with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Icy road warning light equipped) (if equipped)

Icy road warning light
This warning light is to warn the driver the road may be icy. When the temperature on the outside temperature gauge is approximately below 39 °F (4 °C) the Icy road warning light and outside temperature gauge blink and then appear. Also, the warning chime sounds 1 time.

All Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light (if equipped)

All Wheel Drive (AWD) warningThis 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

Electronic stability control (ESC) indicator light

Electronic stability control (ESC)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 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.

Electronic stability control (ESC) OFF indicator light

Electronic stability control (ESC) indicatorThis 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.

Auto Stop indicator lightAuto 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.

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 seconds. 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.

Immobilizer indicator light (with-out smart key) (if equipped)

Immobilizer indicator light (without)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)

Immobilizer indicator light (without)This indicator light appears for up to 30 seconds:

  • 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.
    • At this time, you can not start the engine. However, you can start the engine if you press the ENGINE START/STOP Button with the smart key. (For more details, refer to
    • When there is a malfunction with the “Immobilizer system”
  • When there is a malfunction with the immobilizer system.

In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Turn signal indicator light

Turn signal indicator lightThis 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

Low beam indicator light

Low beam indicator lightThis indicator light appears:
When the headlamps are on.

High beam indicator light
This indicator light appears:

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 lightHigh Beam Assist indicator light

This indicator light appears:

  • When the high beam is on with This indicator light appears:
  • If your vehicle detects oncoming or preceding vehicles, High Beam Assist will switch the high beam to low beam automatically.

Light ON indicator light

Light ON indicator lightThis indicator light appears:
When the taillamps or headlamps are on.

Front fog indicator light (if equipped)Front fog indicator lightThis indicator light appears:
When the front fog lights are on.

Lane Safety indicator lightLane Safety indicator lightLane Safety indicator will appear when you turn Lane Keeping Assist on by pressing Lane Safety button.
If there is a problem with Lane Keeping Assist, the yellow Lane Safety indicator will appear.

Cruise Control indicator light (if equipped)Cruise Control indicator lightThis indicator light appears:
When the cruise control system is enabled.
For more details, refer to “Cruise Control (CC) (if equipped)”

Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator light:Downhill Brake Control (DBC) This indicator light appears:

  • 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)

All Wheel Drive (AWD) LOCK indicator light (if equipped)All Wheel Drive (AWD) LOCKThis 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 highways, it can cause noise, vibration, or damage to AWD-related parts.

SPORT Mode indicator light

SPORT Mode indicator light

This indicator light appears :
When you select “SPORT” mode as drive mode.

For more details, refer to “Drive mode integrated control system

FAQ

Q: What does the battery warning light on the 2023 Kia Sportage dashboard mean?
A: The battery warning light indicates that the battery charging system is not working correctly, and the battery may not be charging.

Q: What does the brake system warning light on the 2023 Kia Sportage dashboard mean?
A: The brake system warning light indicates that there may be an issue with the braking system. It could mean that the brake fluid level is low or that there is a problem with the brake system.

Q: What does the check engine warning light on the 2023 Kia Sportage dashboard mean?
A: The check engine warning light indicates that there is a problem with the engine or emissions system. It could be anything from a loose gas cap to a more serious problem.

Q: What does the tire pressure warning light on the 2023 Kia Sportage dashboard mean?
A: The tire pressure warning light indicates that one or more of the tires has low pressure. Check the tire pressure and inflate the tires to the recommended level.

Q: What does the seat belt warning light on the 2023 Kia Sportage dashboard mean?
A: The seat belt warning light reminds you to fasten your seat belt before driving.

Q: What does the airbag warning light on the 2023 Kia Sportage dashboard mean?
A: The airbag warning light indicates that there may be a problem with the airbag system. Have the system checked by a professional as soon as possible.

Q: What does the oil pressure warning light on the 2023 Kia Sportage dashboard mean?
A: The oil pressure warning light indicates that the oil pressure in the engine is low. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and check the oil level.

Q: What does the ABS warning light on the 2023 Kia Sportage dashboard mean?
A: The ABS warning light indicates that there is a problem with the Anti-lock Braking System. Have the system checked by a professional as soon as possible.

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Kia Sportage 2023 User Guide
Download Manuals: https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html
2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Mileage, Features and Torque

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