Kia Sorento dashboard symbols and warning lights
Every light in the Kia Sorento owner's manual, 2021 to 2026. Tap a light to see what it means and what to do. Red means stop safely, amber means get it checked soon.
2021 to 2026 Sorento warning lights
Air bag warning light
Stop safely
The manual says: This warning light appears: When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. The light illuminates for approximately 3–6 seconds and then disappears. When there is an SRS malfunction. If this happens, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
What to do: The car drives normally, but get it checked soon. Do not try to repair airbag parts yourself.
Seat belt warning light
Stop safely
The manual says: This warning light informs the driver that the seat belt is not fastened. For more details, refer to Seat belts.
What to do: Fasten all seat belts. If it stays on with everyone belted, a heavy bag on a seat can trigger it.
Parking brake and brake fluid warning light
Stop safely
The manual says: This warning light appears: When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. The light appears for approximately 3 seconds. The light remains on if the parking brake is applied. When you apply the parking brake. When the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low. If the warning light appears when you release the parking brake, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.
What to do: Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle. Do not drive the vehicle if you find a leak in the brake system, the warning light remains on, or the brakes do not operate properly. Have your vehicle towed to and inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light
Check soon
The manual says: This warning light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. If the ABS malfunctions, the normal braking system will still be operational.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
EBD system warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: These 2 warning lights appear at the same time when both the ABS and regular brake system are not working. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
What to do: Check the parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on, the brakes may not work properly: stop and get help rather than driving on.
EPB warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: The 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 an EPB malfunction.
What to do: Release the parking brake before driving. If it flashes or will not release, see a dealer.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) warning light
Stop safely
The manual says: This warning light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When the EPS is malfunctioning. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
What to do: Drive carefully and have it checked. If it came on after a lot of parking manoeuvres, it can reset after the car cools down.
Charging system warning light
Stop safely
The manual says: This warning light appears: When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When either the alternator or electrical charging system is malfunctioning. If either the alternator or electrical charging system is malfunctioning, follow these steps. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
What to do: 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. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
More about the battery / charging system light · Shop jump starters on Amazon
Engine oil pressure warning light
Stop safely
The manual says: This warning light appears: When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position until the engine starts. When the engine oil pressure is low. If the engine oil pressure is low: If the level is low, add oil as required. If the warning light remains on after you add oil, or if oil is not available, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
What to do: 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 ).
More about the oil pressure warning light · Shop engine oils on Amazon
Low fuel level warning light
Check soon
The manual says: This warning light appears when the fuel tank is nearly empty. If the fuel tank is nearly empty, add fuel as soon as possible. NOTE 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.
What to do: Add fuel as soon as possible.
Master warning light
Check soon
The manual says: This warning light appears in 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.
What to do: Read the message on the multi-information display. Red means stop safely; amber means get it checked.
Low tire pressure warning light
Check soon
The manual says: This warning light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When 1 or more of your tires are significantly under inflated. The LCD display shows the location of any under inflated tire.) For more details, refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
What to do: Check all four tires with a gauge and inflate to the pressure on the driver's door sticker. The light goes out after a short drive.
More about the tire pressure (tpms) light · Shop tire inflators on Amazon
LED headlamp warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: This warning light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When there is a malfunction with the LED headlamp. This warning light blinks: When there is a malfunction with an LED headlamp related part. NOTE.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Forward Safety warning light
Check soon
The manual says: This warning light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. Yellow: When Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Forward Safety is deselected or disabled, or when a malfunction is detected. If the yellow warning light remains on after the sensor has been uncovered or unblocked when you set Forward Safety, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
What to do: Clean the windshield and front grille sensor. If it stays on in clear weather, have it checked.
Washer fluid warning light
Check soon
The manual says: This warning light appears when the washer fluid level in the reservoir is nearly empty. In this case, you should refill the washer fluid.
What to do: Top up the washer reservoir with screen wash.
More about the low washer fluid light · Shop washer fluids on Amazon
Door ajar warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: This warning light appears when a door is not closed securely.
What to do: Stop and close every door firmly.
Liftgate open warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: This warning light appears when the liftgate is not closed securely. --> Home Introduction Fuel requirements Vehicle modifications Breaking in your vehicle Risk of burns when parking or stopping your vehicle Vehicle handling instructions Vehicle data collection and Event Data Recorders Overview Exterior overview Interior overview Instrument panel overview Engine compartment overview Specifications Dimensions Engine…
What to do: Close it firmly. Exhaust fumes can get in if you drive with it open.
Electronic stability control (ESC) indicator light
Check soon
The manual says: This indicator light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you turn the ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position. When there is an ESC system malfunction. 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) system.
What to do: If it flashes, ease off and drive gently for the conditions. If it stays on, have the system checked.
Electronic stability control (ESC) OFF indicator light
Check soon
The manual says: This indicator light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When you deactivate the ESC system by pressing the ESC OFF button. For more details, refer to Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
What to do: Turn it back on unless you are stuck in snow or mud. It normally turns on again with the next start.
Auto stop indicator light
Information
The manual says: This indicator light appears when the engine enters Idle Stop mode in the ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system. This indicator light blinks for 5 seconds when the engine starts automatically. For more details, refer to Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system. TIP When the engine starts automatically with the ISG system, warning lights such as the ABS, ESC OFF, MDPS, or parking brake warning light may illuminate for a few seconds.
Turn signal indicator light
Information
The manual says: This indicator light blinks when you engage the turn signal. The turn signal system may be malfunctioning and should be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer if the indicator light does any of the following: The indicator light appears but does not blink. The indicator light blinks more rapidly. The indicator light does not appear at all.
What to do: If it flashes faster than usual, replace the blown bulb on that side.
Low beam indicator light
Information
The manual says: This indicator light appears when the headlights are ON.
What to do: Nothing to do.
High beam indicator light
Information
The manual says: This indicator light appears: When the high beam lights are ON. When the turn signal is set to Flash-to-Pass.
What to do: Dip them for oncoming traffic and when following another car.
High Beam Assist indicator light
Information
The manual says: This indicator light appears: When the light switch is set to AUTO and the high beam lights are ON. If your vehicle detects oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead, High Beam Assist will automatically switch the headlight from high beam to low beam. For more details, refer to High Beam Assist (HBA).
What to do: Dip them for oncoming traffic and when following another car.
Light ON indicator light
Information
The manual says: This indicator light appears when the taillight or headlight is ON. Front fog indicator light: (if equipped) This indicator light appears when the front fog lights are ON.
What to do: Nothing to do.
Lane Safety indicator light
Check soon
The manual says: This indicator light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. Gray when Lane Keeping Assist operating conditions are not satisfied. Green when Lane Keeping Assist operating conditions are satisfied. Yellow when Lane Safety is disabled or a malfunction is detected.
What to do: If amber, clean the windshield in front of the camera. If it stays amber, have it checked.
Cruise Control indicator light
Information · usual colour
The manual says: This indicator light appears when the Smart Cruise Control system is enabled. For more details, refer to Smart Cruise Control (SCC).
What to do: Nothing to do.
Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator light
Information · usual colour
The manual says: This indicator light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When you activate the system by pressing the DBC button. This indicator light blinks when DBC is operating. This indicator light appears yellow when the DBC system is malfunctioning. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
What to do: Drive mode indicator light (NORMAL/ECO/SPORT/SMART/SNOW): (if equipped) This indicator light appears according to which drive mode you select.
Lane Following Assist indicator light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: This indicator light appears: When you press the Lane Following Assist button ON. Yellow when there is a problem with the Lane Following Assist function. For more details, refer to Lane Following Assist (LFA).
What to do: If amber, clean the windshield in front of the camera. If it stays amber, have it checked.
| Light | Colour | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bag warning light | Red | This warning light appears: When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. The light illuminates for approximately 3–6 seconds and then disappears. When there is an SRS malfunction. If this happens, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. | |
| Seat belt warning light | Red | This warning light informs the driver that the seat belt is not fastened. For more details, refer to Seat belts. | |
| Parking brake and brake fluid warning light | Red | This warning light appears: When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. The light appears for approximately 3 seconds. The light remains on if the parking brake is applied. When you apply the parking brake. When the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low. If the warning light appears when you release the parking brake, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low. | |
| EBD system warning light | Red* | These 2 warning lights appear at the same time when both the ABS and regular brake system are not working. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. | |
| EPB warning light | Red* | The 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 an EPB malfunction. | |
| Electric Power Steering (EPS) warning light | Red | This warning light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When the EPS is malfunctioning. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. | |
| Charging system warning light | Red | This warning light appears: When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When either the alternator or electrical charging system is malfunctioning. If either the alternator or electrical charging system is malfunctioning, follow these steps. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. | |
| Engine oil pressure warning light | Red | This warning light appears: When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position until the engine starts. When the engine oil pressure is low. If the engine oil pressure is low: If the level is low, add oil as required. If the warning light remains on after you add oil, or if oil is not available, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. | |
| Door ajar warning light | Red* | This warning light appears when a door is not closed securely. | |
| Liftgate open warning light | Red* | This warning light appears when the liftgate is not closed securely. --> Home Introduction Fuel requirements Vehicle modifications Breaking in your vehicle Risk of burns when parking or stopping your vehicle Vehicle handling instructions Vehicle data collection and Event Data Recorders Overview Exterior overview Interior overview Instrument panel overview Engine compartment overview Specifications Dimensions Engine… | |
| Anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light | Amber | This warning light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. If the ABS malfunctions, the normal braking system will still be operational. | |
| Low fuel level warning light | Amber | This warning light appears when the fuel tank is nearly empty. If the fuel tank is nearly empty, add fuel as soon as possible. NOTE 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 | Amber | This warning light appears in 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 | Amber | This warning light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When 1 or more of your tires are significantly under inflated. The LCD display shows the location of any under inflated tire.) For more details, refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). | |
| LED headlamp warning light | Amber* | This warning light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When there is a malfunction with the LED headlamp. This warning light blinks: When there is a malfunction with an LED headlamp related part. NOTE. | |
| Forward Safety warning light | Amber | This warning light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. Yellow: When Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Forward Safety is deselected or disabled, or when a malfunction is detected. If the yellow warning light remains on after the sensor has been uncovered or unblocked when you set Forward Safety, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. | |
| Washer fluid warning light | Amber | This warning light appears when the washer fluid level in the reservoir is nearly empty. In this case, you should refill the washer fluid. | |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) indicator light | Amber | This indicator light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you turn the ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position. When there is an ESC system malfunction. 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) system. | |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) OFF indicator light | Amber | This indicator light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When you deactivate the ESC system by pressing the ESC OFF button. For more details, refer to Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. | |
| Lane Safety indicator light | Amber | This indicator light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. Gray when Lane Keeping Assist operating conditions are not satisfied. Green when Lane Keeping Assist operating conditions are satisfied. Yellow when Lane Safety is disabled or a malfunction is detected. | |
| Lane Following Assist indicator light | Amber* | This indicator light appears: When you press the Lane Following Assist button ON. Yellow when there is a problem with the Lane Following Assist function. For more details, refer to Lane Following Assist (LFA). | |
| Auto stop indicator light | Green | This indicator light appears when the engine enters Idle Stop mode in the ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system. This indicator light blinks for 5 seconds when the engine starts automatically. For more details, refer to Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system. TIP When the engine starts automatically with the ISG system, warning lights such as the ABS, ESC OFF, MDPS, or parking brake warning light may illuminate for a few seconds. | |
| Turn signal indicator light | Green | This indicator light blinks when you engage the turn signal. The turn signal system may be malfunctioning and should be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer if the indicator light does any of the following: The indicator light appears but does not blink. The indicator light blinks more rapidly. The indicator light does not appear at all. | |
| Low beam indicator light | Green | This indicator light appears when the headlights are ON. | |
| High Beam Assist indicator light | Green | This indicator light appears: When the light switch is set to AUTO and the high beam lights are ON. If your vehicle detects oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead, High Beam Assist will automatically switch the headlight from high beam to low beam. For more details, refer to High Beam Assist (HBA). | |
| Light ON indicator light | Green | This indicator light appears when the taillight or headlight is ON. Front fog indicator light: (if equipped) This indicator light appears when the front fog lights are ON. | |
| Cruise Control indicator light | Green* | This indicator light appears when the Smart Cruise Control system is enabled. For more details, refer to Smart Cruise Control (SCC). | |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator light | Green* | This indicator light appears: For approximately 3 seconds when you press the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position. When you activate the system by pressing the DBC button. This indicator light blinks when DBC is operating. This indicator light appears yellow when the DBC system is malfunctioning. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. | |
| High beam indicator light | Blue | This indicator light appears: When the high beam lights are ON. When the turn signal is set to Flash-to-Pass. |
Source: 2021 Kia Sorento Owner's Manual; 2022 Kia Sorento Owner's Manual; 2024 Kia Sorento Owner's Manual and others. * Usual colour; the manual text doesn't state it.
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