The warning lights in your Kia Telluride are designed to alert you whenever a system requires your immediate attention or when vehicle operation may be affected. Understanding these indicators helps you respond quickly and maintain safe driving conditions.
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Warning lights
After starting the engine, verify that all warning lights turn OFF following their self-check. If any warning light remains ON or illuminates while driving, inspect the affected system as soon as possible.
Air bag warning light
This warning light appears under the following conditions:
When the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position. The indicator performs a system check by illuminating for approximately 3–6 seconds before turning off.
If a malfunction is detected within the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). If the light remains illuminated or comes on while driving, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer without delay.
Seat belt warning light
This indicator reminds the driver that the seat belt has not been properly fastened.
For additional information, refer to the Seat belts section.
Parking brake and brake fluid warning light
This warning light appears under the following circumstances:
When the ENGINE START/STOP button is placed in the ON position.
The light remains illuminated for approximately 3 seconds as part of the normal system check.
It stays on if the parking brake is engaged.
Whenever the parking brake is applied.
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir becomes too low.
If the warning light stays illuminated after releasing the parking brake, inspect the brake fluid level immediately, as it may indicate insufficient brake fluid.
If the brake fluid level is low, follow these procedures:
Drive cautiously to the nearest safe location and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
Turn the engine off and immediately inspect the brake fluid reservoir. Add the recommended brake fluid if necessary (refer to the Brake fluid section), then carefully check the entire brake system for signs of leakage.
If you discover a brake fluid leak, if the warning light remains illuminated after refilling, or if the braking system does not operate normally, do not continue driving.
Have your Kia Telluride transported to an authorized Kia dealer for inspection and repair.
Dual-diagonal braking system
Your Kia Telluride features a dual-diagonal braking system. Even if one hydraulic circuit becomes inoperative, braking capability remains available on two wheels to help maintain a degree of stopping performance.
However, when only one brake circuit remains functional, greater pedal effort and increased pedal travel will be required to slow or stop the vehicle.
Stopping distances will also increase whenever only part of the braking system is operating.
If a brake system malfunction occurs while driving, shift to a lower gear whenever appropriate to take advantage of engine braking, and stop the vehicle safely as soon as conditions permit.
WARNING
Parking brake and brake fluid warning light
Driving with this warning light illuminated can be hazardous. If the Parking Brake and Brake Fluid warning light remains on after the parking brake has been fully released, the brake fluid level may be dangerously low or the braking system may require service.
Have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer immediately.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light
This warning light appears under the following conditions:
For approximately 3 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position while the ABS performs a self-diagnostic check.
If an Anti-lock Brake System malfunction is detected. Conventional braking remains available, although ABS assistance will no longer function properly.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
EBD system warning light
If both the ABS warning light and the Parking Brake/Brake Fluid warning light illuminate simultaneously, the Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) system and the conventional brake system may not be operating correctly. In this situation, your Kia Telluride should be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer without delay.
WARNING
EBD system warning light
If both the ABS warning light and the Parking Brake/Brake Fluid warning light remain illuminated, braking performance may be significantly reduced and sudden braking could become unpredictable.
Avoid high-speed driving, maintain a greater following distance, and do not make abrupt braking maneuvers unless absolutely necessary.
Have your Kia Telluride inspected and repaired by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light : (if equipped)
This warning light appears under the following conditions:
For approximately 3 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position while the system performs its normal self-check.
If the EPB system develops a malfunction. When this occurs, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
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EPB warning light
The EPB warning light may also illuminate together with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator if the ESC system is experiencing a fault. In this situation, the illuminated EPB warning light does not necessarily indicate a malfunction of the Electronic Parking Brake itself.
Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) warning light
This warning light appears under the following conditions:
For approximately 3 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is placed in the ON position during the system self-diagnosis.
If the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system is not operating correctly. If the warning light remains illuminated, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Charging system warning light
This warning light appears under the following circumstances:
When the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position as part of the normal bulb check.
Whenever a malfunction is detected in the alternator or the vehicle's charging system.
If a charging system malfunction occurs, follow these steps:
Carefully drive to a safe location and stop the vehicle.
Turn the engine off and inspect the alternator drive belt for signs of looseness, damage, or breakage.
If the problem cannot be identified or corrected, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
This warning light appears under the following conditions:
For approximately 3 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position while the system performs its normal diagnostic check.
Whenever a malfunction is detected in the engine, powertrain, or emission control system. If the MIL remains illuminated or comes on while driving, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
NOTE
MIL
Driving with the Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated may damage the emission control system and can negatively affect engine performance, fuel economy, and overall drivability.
If the enhanced engine protection system is activated because of insufficient engine oil, engine output will be limited and the maximum available vehicle speed will be reduced. Continued operation under these conditions may cause the MIL to illuminate.
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If engine oil pressure drops because of insufficient oil or another engine-related issue, the engine oil pressure warning light will illuminate and the enhanced engine protection system will reduce engine output. If you continue driving under these conditions, the engine warning light will also appear.
NOTE
If the MIL remains illuminated, damage to the catalytic converter may occur. This condition may also reduce engine performance and limit vehicle speed. Have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
Engine oil pressure warning light
This warning light appears under the following conditions:
After the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position and remains illuminated until the engine starts.
Whenever engine oil pressure becomes too low.
If the engine oil pressure warning light comes on:
Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop the vehicle as soon as conditions allow.
Turn the engine off and immediately check the engine oil level (refer to Changing the engine oil and filter). Add the recommended engine oil if the level is below the specified range.
If the warning light remains illuminated after adding oil, or if engine oil is unavailable, do not continue driving. Have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer immediately. Operating the vehicle with low oil pressure may result in severe engine damage or complete engine failure.
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If the engine oil pressure warning light illuminates while the engine is running, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Continuing to drive with insufficient oil pressure can cause serious engine damage in a very short period of time.
When engine oil pressure drops because of insufficient engine oil or another condition affecting lubrication, the engine oil pressure warning light will illuminate to alert the driver.
The enhanced engine protection system will automatically activate to limit engine output and help reduce the risk of severe engine damage. Once normal engine oil pressure has been restored, both the warning light and the enhanced engine protection system will switch off after the engine has been restarted.
NOTE
Engine overheating
Do not continue driving if the engine is overheating. Operating an overheated Kia Telluride can result in serious engine damage.
NOTE
Engine damage
If the engine oil pressure warning light remains illuminated while the engine is running, stop the engine immediately. Continuing to operate the Kia Telluride under these conditions may lead to severe engine damage.
Exhaust system (GPF) warning light (Gasoline Engine)
This warning light appears under the following conditions:
When the Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) system detects a malfunction.
In some cases, the warning light may turn off after the vehicle is driven under appropriate operating conditions.
Drive for at least 30 minutes at speeds of approximately 50 mph (80 km/h) or higher whenever traffic and road conditions safely permit.
During this drive, ensure the transmission remains in 3rd gear or higher and the engine speed stays between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm.
If the warning light continues to blink even after following the recommended driving procedure (while the corresponding LCD warning message remains displayed), have the GPF system on your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
NOTE
Gasoline engine with GPF (if equipped)
Driving for an extended period while the GPF warning light continues to blink may damage the Gasoline Particulate Filter and may also reduce fuel efficiency.
Low fuel level warning light
This warning light illuminates when the amount of fuel remaining in the tank becomes very low. Refuel your Kia Telluride as soon as possible to avoid running out of fuel.
If the fuel level approaches empty, do not delay refueling.
NOTE
Low fuel level
Driving with the Low Fuel Level warning light illuminated, or allowing the fuel gauge to remain below the "E" mark, may cause engine misfiring and could damage the catalytic converter.
Master warning light
This warning light may illuminate for any of the following conditions:
LED headlamp malfunction (if equipped)
Exterior lamp malfunction
High Beam Assist malfunction (if equipped)
When the Master Warning Light appears, refer to the LCD display for a detailed description of the detected condition.
Once the underlying issue has been corrected, the Master Warning Light will automatically turn off.
Low tire pressure warning light
This warning light appears under the following conditions:
For approximately 3 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position as part of the normal system check.
When one or more tires are significantly underinflated. The LCD display identifies the location of the affected tire.
For additional information, refer to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) section.
If this warning light blinks for approximately 60 seconds and then remains illuminated, or repeatedly flashes at intervals of about 3 seconds, the TPMS itself may be malfunctioning. In this case, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
For additional operating information, refer to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
WARNING
Low tire pressure
Driving with significantly underinflated tires reduces vehicle stability, increases stopping distances, and raises the likelihood of losing control. These conditions can lead to a collision resulting in serious injury, death, or property damage.
Continuing to drive on tires with insufficient air pressure may cause excessive heat buildup, increasing the risk of tire failure.
WARNING
Safe stopping
The TPMS cannot warn you about sudden tire damage caused by road hazards or other external impacts.
If you notice that the vehicle becomes unstable, pulls to one side, or a tire appears damaged, reduce speed immediately, avoid abrupt steering or braking, and stop in a safe location to inspect the tires before continuing to drive.
If you notice that the vehicle becomes unstable while driving, immediately release the accelerator pedal, apply the brakes gently and progressively, and carefully guide your Kia Telluride to a safe location away from traffic before stopping.
LED headlamp warning light
This warning light appears:For approximately 3 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position as part of the normal system self-check.
Whenever a malfunction is detected in the LED headlamp system.
Have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
This warning light blinks:When a fault is detected in a component related to the LED headlamp system.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer without delay.
NOTE
LED headlamp warning light
Continuing to operate the Kia Telluride while the LED Headlamp Warning Light remains illuminated or flashing may shorten the service life of the LED low-beam headlamps.
Forward Safety warning light
This warning light appears:
For approximately 3 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position.
Yellow: Indicates that the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Forward Safety function has been turned off, disabled, or that the system has detected a malfunction.
If the yellow warning light remains illuminated after any dirt, snow, or obstruction has been removed from the sensor and Forward Safety has been re-enabled, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
This warning light flashes red whenever the Forward Safety or Forward Cross-Traffic Safety system is actively intervening.
For additional information, refer to the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) (Sensor Fusion) section.
Emergency steering warning light : (if equipped)
This warning light appears:
For approximately 3 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is placed in the ON position.
Yellow: Indicates that the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Forward/Side Safety function has been switched off, disabled, or that a system malfunction has been detected.
If the warning light remains on after the sensors have been cleaned or any obstruction has been removed while the Forward/Side Safety system is enabled, have your Kia Telluride checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
This warning light flashes red whenever the Forward/Side Safety function is actively operating.
For additional operating information, refer to the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) (Sensor Fusion) section.
Icy road warning light : (if equipped)
This warning light appears when the outside temperature gauge indicates approximately 40°F (4°C) or below, warning the driver that icy road conditions may be possible. Before the warning is displayed, the outside temperature indicator flashes and a single warning chime sounds.
Washer fluid warning light
This warning light illuminates when the windshield washer fluid reservoir is nearly empty. Refill the washer fluid reservoir as soon as practical to maintain proper windshield visibility.
Door ajar warning light
This warning light appears whenever one or more doors are not completely closed or securely latched.
Liftgate open warning light
This warning light appears whenever the liftgate is not fully closed and securely latched.Forward Attention Warning light : (if equipped)
This warning light illuminates:For approximately 3 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position during the normal system check.
When the Forward Attention Warning system is disabled or a malfunction has been detected. If the warning light remains illuminated after the in-cabin camera has been cleaned or any obstruction has been removed, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
When the Forward Attention Warning system detects that the driver should refocus attention on the road ahead.
For additional details, refer to the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) (Sensor Fusion) section.
Indicator lights
This display shows the average vehicle speed since the trip meter was last reset. Pressing the TRIP RESET switch toggles the display between the average vehicle speed corresponding to the A trip meter display and the average vehicle speed corresponding to the B trip meter display. When either of the trip meter displays is reset, the corresponding average vehicle speed value is also reset.