Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS (or ESC) will not prevent accidents resulting from improper or dangerous driving maneuvers. Although vehicle control is improved during emergency braking, always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and objects ahead. Vehicle speed must always be reduced in extreme road conditions. The vehicle must be driven at reduced speed in the following cases:
- When driving on uneven, gravel, or snow-covered roads
- When driving on roads with potholes or uneven road surfaces or height differences.
Driving in such conditions increases your vehicle's braking distance.
The ABS constantly monitors the rotational speed of the wheels. If the wheels tend to lock, the ABS repeatedly modulates the hydraulic brake pressure to the wheel.
When you depress the brake pedal in conditions that may lock the wheels, you may hear a "clicking" sound from the brakes or feel a corresponding pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and indicates that your ABS is active.
To get the maximum benefit from ABS in an emergency, do not attempt to modulate brake pressure or pump the brakes. Depress the brake pedal as firmly as possible and let the ABS control the braking force.
✽ NOTICE
A clicking sound may be heard from the engine compartment when starting to move after the engine is started. These conditions are normal and indicate that the anti-lock brake system is operating properly.
- Even with an anti-lock brake system, your vehicle still requires sufficient braking distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Always reduce speed when cornering. The anti-lock brake system cannot prevent accidents caused by excessive speed.
- On loose or uneven road surfaces, ABS activation may increase the braking distance compared with vehicles equipped with a conventional brake system.

The ABS warning light will illuminate for approximately 3 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON. During this time, the ABS performs a self-check. If the light goes off, the system is normal. If the warning light remains on, there may be a problem with your ABS. Contact an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
- When driving on a road with poor traction, such as an icy road, and if you have repeatedly applied the brakes, the ABS will remain active continuously and the ABS warning light may illuminate. Move your vehicle to a safe location and stop the engine.
- Restart the engine. If the ABS warning light goes off, the ABS is operating normally. Otherwise, there may be a problem with the ABS. Contact an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
✽ NOTICE
When you start the vehicle with an external power source due to a discharged battery, the engine may not run smoothly, and the ABS warning light may illuminate at the same time. This is caused by low battery voltage. It does not mean your ABS is malfunctioning.
- Do not pump the brakes!
- Charge the battery before driving the vehicle.
Test yourself
A quick Kia Stinger CK quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.