Kia dashboard symbols and meanings
The 43 warning lights and indicators used across 18 Kia models, from the owner's manuals. Pick your model for its exact list, or find the shape below.
Pick your model
- Carnival2022 to 2025
- Carnival Hybrid2025 to 2026
- EV62026
- EV92024 to 2026
- Forte2022 to 2024
- K42025 to 2026
- K52025 to 2026
- Niro2023
- Niro EV2022 to 2026
- Seltos2022 to 2026
- Sorento2021 to 2026
- Sorento Hybrid2022 to 2026
- Soul2022 to 2025
- Soul EV2022
- Sportage2023 to 2025
- Sportage Hybrid2023 to 2026
- Stinger2021 to 2023
- Telluride2022 to 2025
Red lights: stop safely and check now
Airbag (SRS) warning light
The airbag system has a fault, so the airbags may not go off in a crash..
On all Kia models we cover
Seat belt reminder light
A seat belt is not fastened, for the driver or a passenger..
On all Kia models we cover
Brake system warning light
Either the parking brake is on, the brake fluid is low, or the brake system has a fault..
On all Kia models we cover
Battery / charging system light
The charging system is not keeping the battery charged.
On all Kia models we cover
Oil pressure warning light
Oil pressure has dropped too low to protect the engine.
On Carnival, Carnival Hybrid, Forte, K4, K5 and 9 more
Service warning light
This warning light appears: When you set the ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position. The service warning light appears for approximately 3 seconds and then turns off when all checks have been performed. When there is a problem with the hybrid vehicle control system or hardware.
On Carnival Hybrid, EV6, EV9, Niro EV, Sorento Hybrid and 1 more
Trunk / liftgate open light
The trunk, liftgate or back door is not fully closed..
On EV6, Forte, K4, K5, Sorento and 1 more
Engine temperature warning light
The engine is overheating, or the coolant is low.
On Carnival Hybrid, Sorento Hybrid, Sportage Hybrid
Amber lights: get it checked soon
Stability / traction control light
Flashing means the system is working right now to stop a skid.
On all Kia models we cover
Stability control OFF light
Stability or traction control has been switched off, usually with a button..
On all Kia models we cover
Master warning light (exclamation mark)
A message about a problem is showing on the dashboard display.
On Carnival, Carnival Hybrid, EV6, EV9, Forte and 12 more
Tire pressure (TPMS) light
One or more tires is well below the right pressure.
On Carnival, Carnival Hybrid, EV6, EV9, Forte and 11 more
Lane departure / lane assist light
Shows the state of the lane keeping system.
On Carnival, Carnival Hybrid, EV6, EV9, Forte and 11 more
Pre-collision / forward collision light
The collision warning or automatic emergency braking system is off or unavailable..
On Carnival, Carnival Hybrid, EV6, EV9, Forte and 10 more
Low fuel light
The fuel tank is nearly empty, usually with about 30 to 50 miles left..
On Carnival, Carnival Hybrid, Forte, K4, K5 and 9 more
ABS warning light
The anti-lock brake system has a fault.
On Forte, K4, Niro, Niro EV, Seltos and 8 more
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. This warning light blinks: When there is a malfunction with a LED headlamp related part.
On Carnival Hybrid, EV6, EV9, Forte, K4 and 7 more
Door open light
A door, or sometimes the hood or trunk, is not fully closed..
On Carnival, Carnival Hybrid, EV6, EV9, Forte and 6 more
SPORT Mode Indicator Light
(if equipped): (if equipped) This indicator light illuminates: When you select “SPORT” mode as drive mode. For more details, refer to Drive mode integrated control system.
On Forte, Niro, Seltos, Sorento Hybrid, Soul and 1 more
Charging cable connected light
The charging cable is plugged in, so the car will not drive..
On EV6, EV9, Niro EV, Sorento Hybrid, Soul EV
EV mode indicator
This indicator appears: When the vehicle is driven by the electric motor. "EV" indicator ON: Vehicle is driven using the electric motor or the gasoline engine is stopped. "EV" indicator OFF: Vehicle is driven using the gasoline engine.
On Carnival Hybrid, Niro, Sorento Hybrid, Sportage Hybrid
Hybrid / EV system warning light
The hybrid or electric drive system has a fault..
On EV6, EV9, Niro EV, Soul EV
Low outside temperature (ice) light
The outside temperature is near freezing, so roads may be icy..
On EV9, Forte, Niro EV, Sorento Hybrid
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist indicator light
This indicator light appears: When the ENGINE START/STOP Button is in the ON position. It illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off. Yellow: When Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is off, disabled, or a malfunction is detected. While the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist system is in operation, indicates the speed limit and shows the speed limit in red when the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit.
On Carnival, K5, Sportage
Inattentive Driving Warning Light
This indicator light appears: When the ENGINE START/STOP Button is in the ON position. It appears for about 3 seconds and then goes off. Yellow: When DAW is disabled or a malfunction is detected. If the yellow indicator light remains on after the front view camera has been uncovered or unblocked, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
On Carnival Hybrid, EV9, Sorento Hybrid
Power down indicator light
This indicator appears: When the EV button is in the POWER ON or DRIVE READY position. When the power is limited for the safety of the high-powered parts of an electric vehicle. The power is limited for the following reasons. (unless both Service Warning Light and Power Down Indicator Light appear at the same time, it is not a failure.) The high voltage battery charge level is too low, or the voltage is decreasing.
On EV6, EV9, Niro EV
Key / immobilizer light
The car can't detect the key, the key battery is low, or the security system is armed..
On Forte, Telluride
4WD / AWD light
Shows which drive mode is selected, or warns of a fault in the 4WD/AWD system if amber..
On Sorento Hybrid
Green lights: a system is on
Hill descent / downhill assist light
Hill descent control is on and will hold a slow speed going downhill..
On Seltos, Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sportage, Sportage Hybrid and 1 more
Front fog light indicator
The front fog lights are on..
On Carnival Hybrid, Forte, Sorento Hybrid, Soul EV
ECO mode indicator
Eco driving mode is on, or you are driving economically..
On Forte, Niro, Sorento Hybrid, Soul EV
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.
On K5, Sorento, Sportage, Stinger
READY indicator (hybrid)
The hybrid system is on and the car can be driven, even if the engine is silent..
On Niro, Sorento Hybrid, Soul EV
Brake hold / auto hold light
Brake hold is switched on or is holding the car at a stop so you can take your foot off the brake..
On Forte, Stinger
Auto stop indicator
This indicator will appear when the engine enters the Idle Stop mode of the ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system. When the automatic starting occurs, the auto stop indicator on the cluster will blink for 5 seconds.
On Soul, Telluride