Hyundai Kona Dashboard Warning Lights
The Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV that’s been in production since 2017. Here we cover the dashboard warning lights for the petrol version of the Hyundai Kona. Dashboard design layout and warning light location may vary depending on your model of Kona, though all warning lights have the same meaning.
| Symbol | Warning Light Description / Action |
|---|---|
 | Name: Hyundai Kona airbag warning light. Description: As part of a system check, the airbag warning light should illuminate for about 6 seconds when the ignition is switched to 'on'. It goes out when all check are completed and passed. The airbag warning light remains illuminated when there is a malfunction with the Safety Restraint System (SRS) air bag operation. In this instance, the airbag system or seat belt pretensioners may not deploy in the event of an accident. Have the system serviced by a Hyundai workshop as soon as possible. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona brake warning light. Description: The brake warning light illuminates for the following reasons: ▷ The parking brake has been applied ▷ Brake fluid levels are low What to do: 1. Ensure the parking brake is fully released. 2. If the light remains on, check the brake fluid reservoir fluid levels. 3. If driving, carefully pull over in a safe location when possible. 4. Stop the engine, open the hood / bonnet and check the reservoir tank. The fluid level should be between MAX and MIN marks on the side of the reservoir tank. Brake fluid levels do drop over time and this is a normal condition associated with the wear of the brake linings. 5. Before adding fluid, clean the area around the cap. If particles drop into the tank, it'll contaminate the fluid. 6. Check braking components for leaks.  Warning If a leak is found or if the warning light remains on, do not continue driving as the brakes will not perform properly. Seek assistance from a Hyundai workshop. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona ABS warning light. Description: The anti-lock braking system or 'ABS' is a safety system that extends on normal brakes to allow a driver to continue to steer the vehicle whilst under heavy braking due to the wheels not locking. The ABS warning light comes on for about 3 seconds when the ignition is switched to 'on', then goes out. ABS fault The presence of the ABS warning light staying illuminated constantly indicates a fault with the system. Most common faults are: • ABS wheel sensor which monitors the wheel rotation. • ABS reluctor ring located at the wheel hub along with the sensor. • ABS fuse. • Faulty ABS control module. Note A fault with the ABS system will not affect normal hydraulics brakes, though there is an increased risk of locking wheels. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona EBD warning light. Description: Both the ABS warning light and the BRAKE warning light illuminating simultaneously means there's a fault with the EBD system. Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is responsible for regulating brake force pressure on individual wheels. The system helps the vehicle to stop more efficiently. With this fault, your brakes will not work normally and you may experience an unexpected and dangerous situation during sudden braking. In this case, avoid high speed driving and abrupt braking. You may also experience the speedometer, odometer, or tripmeter not working as expected. The EPS Warning Light may also illuminate and the amount of steering effort may increase or decrease to effectively turn the steering wheel. Have the system checked by a Hyundai workshop immediately. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona Electric Power Steering (EPS) warning light. Description: The steering wheel and exclamation mark symbol is the EPS warning light and when it stays on, it means there's a fault with the steering. Constant steering from left to right lock can cause the motor to overheat and the system temporarily disables itself to prevent damage. You may notice that greater physical effort is required to steer at slow speeds. If the light remains on, have the system serviced as soon as possible. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona check engine warning light. Description: The check engine warning light, or malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will come on whenever there is a malfunction with either the emission control system or the engine or the vehicle powertrain. Continuous driving with the check engine light on can cause damage to the emissions control system. You may notice an increase in fuel usage and poor drivability. In the event that the check engine warning light flashes, it may indicate the engine is misfiring. This is of greater seriousness as the catalytic converter may be damaged. With the check engine warning light on, particularly if it's flashing, reduce speed and avoid hard acceleration. Have vehicle checked as soon as possible. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona battery warning light. Description: If the battery warning light comes on when driving, it means there's a fault with the charging system and the battery is no longer being charged. There is a possibility that the engine may stop soon. What to do Immediately switch off all electrical accessories such as the A/C. Try not to use electrically operated controls, such as the power windows. Keep the engine running as you may not be able to restart it. Make your way to a vehicle repair garage. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona oil pressure warning light. Description: This warning light stays on because of: ▷ Low oil level ▷ Low oil pressure What to do 1. Pull off the road as quickly but as safely as possible and stop ideally on level ground. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Wait for about 5 minutes to allow the engine oil to drain into the pan. 4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe the end clean and push it all the way back into the slot. Remove it again and check oil levels (A). The level should read between 'F' (Full) and 'L' (Low). If the reading is low, add engine oil (B).  Warning If engine oil levels are acceptable and you didn't add any, do not restart the engine. If you did add oil, restart the engine and check that the warning light has gone out. If the warning light remains on after about 5 seconds, switch off the engine. Driving with the low oil pressure warning light on will severely damage the engine due to internal components not being lubricated. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona master warning warning light. Description: The yellow triangle containing an exclamation mark is the master warning light. It illuminates on the dashboard when there's: • Low washer fluid • An exterior light malfunction • Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) system malfunction • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) The LCD screen will provide more information in the form of a text message. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona tire / tyre pressure warning light. Description: The tire pressure warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ Low tire pressure is detected in one or more tires ▷ A fault has been detected with the system What to do If the warning light comes on when driving, pull over as soon as possible avoid sharp steering or heavy braking. Check tire pressure or replace the tire with the spare. The spare tire is not fitted with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor and so the warning light will remain lit until the correct tire is fitted. Tire pressure system reset Once an appropriate tire has been fitted that has a pressure sensor installed and is inflated to the recommended pressure as detailed on the tire pressure label (found inside the driver's door), the warning light will go out after a few minutes. The TPMS detects the correct tire and pressure values automatically so there's no need to manually reset the tire pressure system. TPMS fault The tire pressure warning light flashes for about 1 minute then remains steadily lit indicating a fault, or that a tire has been fitted without a sensor. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona all wheel drive (AWD) warning light. Description: The AWD warning light illuminates constantly when there's a fault with the all wheel drive system. If you have wheels of different diameter fitted (front / rear) it can cause the AWD warning light to come on. Other frequent reasons include: • Wheel speed sensor • Corroded electrical harness, coupler, seal • Wiring • Control module |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light. Description: ESC helps with vehicle stability during cornering and accelerating. The system can apply the brakes and reduce engine power when needed. The warning light will come on: ▷ Flashing to indicate the system is operational and helping to stabilise the vehicle. ▷ Constantly to indicate a fault with the system. Faults with the ESC system can relate to the ABS system due both system using the same components. Turning off ESC • Briefly pressing the ESC button will turn off traction control only. This can prove beneficial if you find yourself stuck in snow or mud. • Pressing and holding the ESC button for 3 seconds or more will turn off traction control and stability control. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona immobilizer warning light. Description: The immobilizer warning light illuminates for up to 30 seconds and goes out when the system detects the smart key or when the engine is started. The immobilizer light flashes if the smart key is not detected and you are unable to start the engine. This may be due to the battery requiring replacement in the smart key. You can still start the engine by pressing the engine stop/start button directly with the smart key. Sometimes other objects may cause interference with the smart key and immobilizer system such as metal objects or other smart keys. Remove these objects if you are having trouble starting the engine. If you are still unable to start the engine, the smart key may require re-coding. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona LED headlight warning light. Description: The LED headlight warning light illuminates or flashes due to a fault with the LED headlights. The flashing of the LED headlight warning light means there's a fault with a specific LED headlight related part. Have system inspected as soon as possible as continual driving with the LED headlight warning light on will reduce the life of the system. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona icy road warning light. Description: The snowflake warning light indicates that road surfaces may be slippery due to ice. When outside temperatures falls below 4°C (40°F), the warning light and temperature gauge will flash then stay on. A warning alert will also sound once. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) warning light. Description: FCA monitors the road ahead for vehicles and warns or if necessary applies emergency brakes to help prevent or reduce impact. Fault The FCA warning light will come on and stay on indicating a fault with the system. Common faults include the view of the camera (located at the top-centre of the windscreen) having the view obscured by mud, snow dirt etc. This also applies to the radar located on the grill at the front of the vehicle.  Ensure the windscreen is kept clean along with the location of the radar on the front of the vehicle. Another temporary fault is when the camera module overheats. This is often due to the vehicle being parked under direct sunlight on a hot day. Once the camera module cools down, the FCA system will become operational. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona Lane Keep Assist (LKA) warning light. Description: Lane keep assist detects road markings and helps to keep the vehicle between lane lines. The LKA warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ White: Sensor does not detect lane lines or vehicle speed is under 40 mph (64 km/h). ▷ Green: Sensor detects lane lines and the system is able to control vehicle steering. ▷ Yellow: There is a fault with the LKA system. The LKA system may not work due to heavy rain, fog, highly reflecting road surfaces etc. Reasons for the yellow fault light may be due to the camera being obscured by dirt, mud etc (see FCA above). If the system is malfunctioning, restart the vehicle as this may clear the fault. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona all wheel drive (AWD) lock mode warning light. Description: When the AWD lock mode buttons is pressed, the AWS lock mode will transfer a portion of the drive torque to the rear wheels. This helps to increase traction on slippery surfaces. Warning Do not use the AWD lock mode on dry paved roads. Doing so can cause abnormal noise or vibration, and may damage the AWD system. |
 | Name: Hyundai Kona transmission overheating warning light. Description: Under certain conditions, the transmission may overheat. This can happen when making repeated stop-and-go launches of a steep hill, or continuously taking off with harsh acceleration. You may receive the following message of the LCD display: 'Transmission temp. is high! Stop safely'. In this situation, safely pull over as soon as possible, stop the vehicle and leave the engine to run at idle. You can continue driving when you receive the message: 'Trans cooled. Resume driving'. Other messages along with a warning light and warning chime include: 'Transmission Hot! Park with engine on'. |
Battery Discharge Warning Please use the system after starting the vehicle. With red triangle warning. What does it mean? Can’t find in manual.
Hello Fred,
It means that the battery is discharging more than it is charging, so it’s telling you to use the system so that it can begin charging.
hello, my wifi saw the red warning light SOS on the dashboard. When we restarted the car to also check it myself it was dissapeared. Any help?
wife*
What does it mean when screen says Driv.attn.warn and system off, last break
What is the warning light comprising a yellow car sloping down with a guage on its roof at bottom right-hand side of the dashboard? I can find an explanation for every other warning light than that.
Hi Ed,
That warning light sounds like hill descent control.
Blue rectangle lights on either side of the front of the car on the dash
Means?
What does the error code that looks like a rubber duck on a Kona 2020?
WEAR YOUR RUBBERS
My hyundai kona 2018 just showed a system check on the dashboard, can anyone help out
Is the ‘Check System’ warning text coming on with another image or symbol, or is there an image behind the text? There must be some reference for what requires checking.
My Kona 2018 check system lights on dash come on when put into reverse stating something wrong with back sensors can you please help to rectify fault please
THe battery sybmol comes on …blue colour. But there seems to be an arrow pointing into the battery…also blue. What does it mean?
Hi Errol,
That symbol represents regenerative braking. Rather than using your footbrake to slow, use the paddle shifters as this will enable battery regen.
What is the picture of car with arrow pointing to hood and below ( yellow light) on my 2922 kona
A car accident sign appeared in my car when I put the plate number in the front of my car, any solution?
Hi Heba,
The Hyundai Kona Forward Collision Avoidance system makes use of the vehicle’s forward facing camera located at the top-centre of the windshield and a radar that’s located on the front of the vehicle. The radar can be found towards the bottom of the front of the Kona – take a look at the picture above under the Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) part. Are you fixing the number plate in an area that’s obscuring the radar? Also check to ensure the radar is clean and free of dirt. mud, snow etc.
LED Headlight, regarding this point also, what is the solution?
Hi Heba,
Are you getting an LED headlight error light? Again, first thing to do is to check sensors are clear and clean. The LED headlights make use of a camera sensor (top-center of windshield). IF the windshield is dirty in the camera area, you might receive warning messages.
What does it mean when it shows blue lights on either side of a picture of the car on the dash?
Kona limited 2022 :What does it mean when a picture of a car with a red box on top comes on when I turn the car off?
my kona 2022 preferred dah board lights all came on to warn me ( abs , blind spot angles , lights on my mirrors keep flashing , brake going down hill, reverse security system , car shows up showing door open then dissapears, tells me put car in p, hands detected on steering wheel, ) etc im forgetting some what could be problem the lka comes on, rda, fca, esc, master warning light
Hi Mark,
Often when loads of random, unrelated warning lights come on, it can be related to an electrical issue, possibly the alternator. I’d assume your Kona is under warranty, so certainly return it to the dealer for diagnostics.
I have a hire car at present and on the dash there’s a flashing E (white). Could anybody tell me what this is please as I cannot find an answer anywhere?
I have the AWD problem when i start the car everything is good after riding like for 8 mins the awd light comes up or when im taking curves
Check ac charger message after disconnecting the car from charger in hot weather
Hi
My Kona 2019, we have been away for two months, these lights are on and I’m concern steering wheel with exclamation, ABS light, car skidding light, can you advise please, thankyou
Helene
I have a light that came on twice that looks like a tornado no clue what it means, it went back out but it comes and goes. It’s on a Hyundai Kona Sel (2019)