Close Kia Sportage Dashboard Warning Lights Guide in Highland Park, IL
Dashboard warning lights serve as your Sportage's way of communicating when something needs attention. Your Kia model is equipped with monitoring systems designed to alert you to potential issues, and understanding these warnings helps you respond appropriately. Some indicators signal minor concerns that can wait until your next service appointment, while others require immediate action to prevent damage or ensure safety. This guide from our Service Department at McGrath Kia of Highland Park covers the common warning lights our technicians see regularly and explains what actions you should take when they illuminate.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light appears as an engine symbol on your Sportage's dashboard and indicates that the onboard diagnostic system has detected an issue with the emissions control system or engine performance. When this light illuminates, it could mean anything from a loose gas cap to a more serious problem with your catalytic converter or oxygen sensors. We recommend bringing your Sportage to our location for a diagnostic scan, which will read the specific trouble codes stored in your vehicle's computer. While you can often continue driving when this light is steady, a flashing check engine light indicates a severe problem that requires immediate attention to prevent engine damage.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This red oil can symbol is one of the more serious warnings on your dashboard and means your engine oil pressure has dropped below safe levels. Low oil pressure can result from insufficient oil in the engine, a failing oil pump, or a clogged oil filter. If this light comes on while driving, pull over safely as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Continuing to drive along Route 41 with low oil pressure can cause significant engine damage within minutes. Our technicians can check your oil level, inspect for leaks, and diagnose whether you need an oil change, pump replacement, or other repairs.
Battery or Charging System Light
When you see the battery symbol illuminate on your dashboard, it typically indicates a problem with your vehicle's charging system rather than the battery itself. This warning means your alternator may not be charging the battery properly, or there could be issues with the drive belt, wiring, or battery connections. Your Sportage may continue running on battery power alone for a limited time, but you should schedule a service appointment promptly. Our team can test your battery, alternator, and charging system to determine which component needs attention and prevent you from being stranded with a dead battery.
Brake System Warning Light
The brake warning light, which displays as the word "BRAKE" or a circle with an exclamation point, can indicate several different issues with your braking system. The most common cause is that your parking brake is engaged, but if the light stays on after releasing it, you may have low brake fluid levels or a problem with your brake system. Low brake fluid could mean worn brake pads or a leak in the hydraulic system. Since your brakes are critical to your safety, we recommend having your Sportage inspected immediately if this light appears. Our service advisors can check your brake fluid, inspect your brake pads and rotors, and examine the entire braking system before your next visit to Chicago Botanic Garden.
AWD Warning Light
The AWD warning light on your Sportage indicates a malfunction in the AWD system, which is one of the key features that makes your vehicle capable in various road conditions. This light might appear if there's a difference in tire sizes or air pressure between the wheels, if there's an issue with the AWD system's sensors, or if a mechanical component has failed. Sometimes this warning appears after driving with the temporary spare tire, which has a different diameter from your regular tires. Our technicians can diagnose AWD system problems using specialized equipment and determine whether you need a simple tire rotation and pressure adjustment or more extensive repairs to restore your system's functionality. Fill out our Ask a Tech form if you have any more questions!
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Testimonials
Wayne is the guy!
“ Nicholas was an excellent salesperson at Kia—friendly, professional, and genuinely helpful throughout the entire process. He took the time to answer all my questions, made everything easy and stress-free, Highly recommend working with Nicholas if you’re looking for a great car-buying experience! ”
“ I took my car in for some recalls and they took care of everything in just a few hours. I was dropped back home instead of waiting on site and when the car was ready they offered to pick me up. Great service all around. ”
“ Highly recommend Kia McGrath in highland park. Great service. Great staff. Go get your car serviced with them. And if you don’t have a car, go buy one from them! I’m Always in and out when I need an oil change! Thank you Jackie at service!! ”
“ Nicholas at McGrath Kia of Highland Park was extremely helpful throughout our process. He was responsive, patient, and answered every question we had. I'd definitely recommend working with him! ”
“ My car was transferred to this dealership from another Mcgrath location. The customer service and follow up from the service team at this dealership has been amazing to say the least. Breana, Joe, Tristan, And Jackie have kept me in the loop every step of the way and return my calls the same day or at least within 24 hours. They are honest and transparent it's refreshing to have this type of quality service. Thank you. ”
“ Mike Delaney was awesome!!! After owning a telluride for 6 years, he taught me 100 new things about my car that I never knew. Patients, friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you so much Mike. ”
“ Thanks Mike Delaney for my new Sorento. ”
“ Jackie Piece is the best...she was very knowledgeable and prompt at solving my issues and concerns. I recommend her great customer service and recommend the Highland Park dealership to anyone who wants the best customer experience. All employees at this dealership are fantastic hard workers. Under new dealership this Highland Park Kia tops any other dealership I've experienced. They are kind and considerate. I've read previous reviews from retrospective reviews about racism and I rebut those comments because I am an African American man and my experience with this dealership was exceptional well and fairly treated. This is the dealership that works with you and guaranteed satisfaction is the end result. ”
Jackie Pierce and Jose are the best and were very
“ Jackie Pierce and Jose are the best and were very knowledgeable and helpful about my concerns. I highly recommend their customer service and I give them a million star rating because of their prompt service and how quickly they were both able to solve my issues and concerns. ”
“ My car needed to be towed in for electrical issues - no car available. I spoke to Jackie, she got me a car within 30 minutes and has gone way out of her way to help me. I have been working with Orest Sosnivka in sales. He too has been extremely helpful, respectful and knowledgeable. ”
“ Pejman was a very kind and helpful salesman! He broke down all the pricing and options for us so that we could get a reliable family vehicle. I really appreciate him making the process seamless and efficient. He even reached out the morning after our purchase, congratulating us offering to go over any features in the vehicle if we needed assistance. Wonderful customer service! Also, I had also called multiple Kia dealerships and no one was real knowledgeable on working with military members who are trying to register their vehicle in their home state. I spoke with Jackie at McGrath who is a former marine and was able to get the process started before we even got to the dealership. These guys got it done and helped us through the process, so would definitely recommend them over us Kia dealerships for military members. Lastly, I did not catch his name, but another salesman took some time to play with and color with my 3 year old. Going above and out of the way to make us feel comfortable. I can't express how much I appreciate that as a mom and it was the extra step that made us want to buy the vehicle from this dealership. Thank you to everyone at McGrath Kia for the wonderful purchasing experience! We love our new Telluride! ”
“ Thank you Isabella for your patience and professionalism you were the best! I had a great experience ❤️ ”
“ Worked with Wayne and Neil! Very good salesman made sure I walked out with what I wanted plus more! Very good and professional people! ”
“ We weee helped by Wayne and he was extremely kind and knowledgeable made our car buying experience seamless ”
“ (Translated by Google) undefined (Original) Thanks Mike! ”
“ (Translated by Google) undefined (Original) McGrath Kia of Highland Park has been phenomenal to work with. Excellent customer service. I came in initially for service on my Kia Sportage. The best customer service I’ve had with a car dealership. Bri really took care of us and gave us a wonderful rental to use. After our car was serviced, we came to look at a new 2025 Kia Sportage. Mike and Isabelle were phenomenal to work with. We came in with a number in mind and they gave us a great deal. No long wait. Extremely kind. Great customer service overall. ”
“ (Translated by Google) undefined (Original) Thank you Mike and Tracy for helping with my new telluride! Great customer service from start to finish ”
“ (Translated by Google) undefined (Original) All the staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful! ”
“ Great experience purchasing new Kia Sportage with Nicolas! ”
“ (Translated by Google) undefined (Original) Thank you Mike Delaney for helping us with our new car! Super fast and easy process! 10/10 customer service ”
“ (Translated by Google) undefined (Original) Great service, great people, great car. Special thanks to Pejman Movafaghi for his professionalism and help during my search. ”
“ Top-notch customer experience at McGrath Kia - Highland Park! Thank you to Tracey who answered our internet inquiry and found the right vehicle for our family. And a huge shout out to Mike D who assisted - start to finish - with the purchase of our new Kia! Thank you - 5 stars! ”
“ Michael Delaney made our Kia purchase and process so easy and painless! What a great experience! Would highly recommend this dealer and salesperson! Their entire team was super helpful and very coordinated communication. ”
“ Thank you to mike delaney for our purchase for my new nissan rogue ”
“ Thank you Mike Delaney for helping me purchase my new Kia Sportage! Can’t wait to drive it. ”
“ Kat Louvar went above and beyond to ensure my experience, from beginning to end, was a positive one. Thanks again Kat! ”
“ Thanks mike Delaney for helping us with our new ride! If you need a car come see mike and McGrath Kia highland park!! 10/10 customer service!!! ”
“ nicolas was so helpful and made us feel at ease throughout the purchase process! ”
“ Great service and professionalism! Highly recommend this dealership and the staff!! ”
“ Thanks to Mike Delaney for all your help with the Kia Carnival!! ”
“ Greg Choina didn’t have to walk us through our purchase - there were plenty of capable salespeople around. But something connected with us and he gave my wife and me his entire day - the General Manager working with us all day long and we couldn’t be happier! We thought we were in the market for a pre-owned vehicle and got an amazing deal that he patiently worked out for us. But nearly minutes from closing, we thought, “Why not apply these generous benefits to a new car purchase?” It ended up being in the same ballpark, yet with ALL the features that each of us were looking for that the used one didn’t have (black exterior, terracotta interior, and tow package) - a custom build he found that the original purchaser reneged on. Kia, especially the Telluride, is kicking butt. But Greg is making all the difference in helping us feel how solidly on top of the world this brand and vehicle has become. Everyone in the market for a family vehicle should stop in to see Greg and his team. Thanks, Kia of Highland Park and Greg C! Happy New Year! ”
“ Our experience at McGrath Highland Park with Greg Choina (GM) was excellent. He took so much care to make sure we got the exact car we wanted. He walked us through all the options and was so helpful and patient as I had a hard time pinning down which vehicle to purchase. The price he offered for our trade-ins was generous and the price of the vehicle was more than fair and in our favor. We had a great time with the whole process and can’t reiterate how helpful and knowledgeable he was in ensuring we got the deal we were hoping for. What a truly wonderful experience! Thankful for all the staff at this location and I would hands down recommend buying a car here! Thanks so much, Greg! ”
“ Huge thanks to Wayne and Abdullah! They went above and beyond to make the whole experience smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable. They were patient, answered all my questions! Highly recommend this dealership! ”
“ Wayne is the guy! Super laid back and on top of his game. No games, no garbage, just a straight shooter who will tell you how he sees it. ”