Close Kia Sorento Dashboard Warning Lights Guide in Salem, VA
Here at Hart Kia, one of the most common questions we receive from Sorento owners is about those mysterious dashboard warning lights. While it's easy to feel concerned when an unfamiliar symbol appears on your instrument cluster, understanding what these lights mean can help you respond appropriately and keep your vehicle running smoothly during your Salem travels.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light is perhaps the most recognized warning indicator. In your Sorento, this amber-colored engine symbol can illuminate for various reasons, from a loose gas cap to more serious emissions or engine issues. When this light appears, we recommend scheduling a diagnostic appointment with our service team. We'll connect your vehicle to our advanced equipment to read the specific trouble codes and determine the exact cause. Don't ignore this light, as driving with certain engine problems can lead to more expensive repairs down the road.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
The red oil can symbol indicates low oil pressure, which requires immediate attention. If this light comes on while driving your Sorento, safely pull over and turn off the engine. Low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage within minutes. Check your oil level using the dipstick, and if it's low, add the manufacturer-recommended oil. However, if the level appears normal and the light remains on, have your Sorento towed to our Service Center rather than continuing to drive it down I-81.
Battery/Charging System Light
When the battery-shaped icon illuminates on your dashboard, it doesn't necessarily mean your battery needs replacement. This light indicates a problem with your charging system, which could involve the alternator, battery, or related wiring. If this light appears while driving, you may have limited time before your Sorento loses electrical power. We recommend bringing your vehicle in promptly so our certified technicians can test the charging system and prevent an unexpected breakdown.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The horseshoe-shaped light with an exclamation point indicates that one or more of your Sorento's tires has low pressure. Proper tire inflation is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Check all four tires plus your spare, and inflate them to the pressure specified on the driver's door jamb sticker. If you've corrected the pressure but the light remains on, stop by our Service Center for a complimentary TPMS check—you may have a slow leak or a sensor issue.
Brake System Warning Light
A red brake warning light requires immediate attention. This could indicate low brake fluid, a problem with your anti-lock braking system, or that your parking brake is still engaged. If the light stays on after releasing the parking brake, check your brake fluid level. If it's low or the light persists, don't continue driving. Have your Sorento towed to our facility, as brake system problems compromise your safety.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Light
The ESC light, which looks like a car with wavy lines beneath it, typically flashes when the system is actively helping you maintain control on slippery surfaces. However, if this light stays on continuously, it indicates a malfunction in the system. While you can still drive your Sorento, the stability control won't be available to help in emergency maneuvers.
When to Visit Our Service Center
While some warning lights indicate minor issues you can address yourself, others require professional attention. Our Kia-certified technicians have the training, experience, and specialized equipment to accurately diagnose and repair your Sorento. We recommend keeping your Owner's Manual handy to reference any unfamiliar warning lights, and never hesitate to contact our Service Department if you're unsure whether a situation requires immediate attention. Regular maintenance can also help prevent many warning lights from appearing in the first place, so schedule a service appointment with us before your next trip to Longwood Park!
Schedule Service for Your Kia Sorento at Hart Kia!
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Testimonials
“ My husband & I had an excellent car buying experience at Hart Kia! We couldn’t recommend Paul enough - he was a wonderful salesman, professional, & very thorough with showing us all the features the car had to offer. He was able to get us in the car we were wanting & in the price range we were hoping for. If you are looking for a new vehicle, visit Hart Kia and ask for Paul! ”
“ Great dealership to work with when purchasing a new vehicle. Craig Bell was our salesperson, great to work with. They had everything well organized, worked with us on price, and the paperwork was all done did you leave which streamlined it. We also love that when we left the dealership we had a genuine Virginia state license plate already on our car we didn't have to wait for one to be mailed to us. Great people to work with from salesperson to financing people. ”
“ Our salesman was named Craig and he did a wonderful job. Before we could drive away he was so thorough and set us up in the system for our infotainment. Seltos has a lot of nice bells and whistles. ”
“ Craig Bell was great, truly down to earth and super helpful. Thank you! ”
“ GREAT DEALERSHIP GREAT PEOPLE!! CRAIG IS EXTREMELY HELPFUL IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A CAR ASK FOR CRAIG THANK ME LATER :) ”
“ Absolutely amazing experience! Craig is hands down the best salesman I’ve ever worked with, and that’s coming from a sales representative. Craig is extremely down to earth, honest and beyond thorough. I would recommend anyone looking to buy a Kia to head to Hart Kia and ask for Craig! ”
“ Great experience in looking for my new vehicle! ”
“ The salesman, Craig was helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. Closing out my paperwork was just as good. I’ve purchased from Hart Kia before, great experience then and now. I enjoy my new ride! Thanks Hart Kia! ”
“ I had a great experience with my purchase, the whole team there was awesome and Craig Bell is a great salesman I enjoyed my time at the dealership. And my K5 is a great purchase very happy with my new car. ”
“ Outstanding sales support and availability. Craig Bell listened to our needs and explained the features. Sale process was timely with no sales pressure. We elected Hart as they are local for sales and service support. So go visit Hart and Craig if you are in the market for a Kia. ”
“ Great to work with and made the purchase of my new KIA a pleasurable experience. ”
“ Friendly and fast service for my vehicle. I’m a new customer so I really enjoyed the experience with them. ”
“ I would recommend everyone buy their next car with HART Kia. Shane was my agent. He provided excellent service from start to finish and is still available to help out with new car questions. Amazing staff, and service- Love HART Kia! ”
“ Oil change, tire rotation and inspection done. Everything turned out well. ”
“ Amazing customer service and so happy with our new Kia!! ”
“ They had the car we wanted and at the Price we were looking for and gave me what I wanted for my trade. Craig are salesman was easy to work with and explained everything well. Eric Matthews the finance officer likewise was very professional explained everything no pressure for additional purchases and we left completely satisfied with everybody and our car ”
“ I am thoroughly impressed with Hart Kia. I dreaded buying a new car but the no pressure process was very easy. They spent time going over every detail of our new car until we felt comfortable using all the new features. Several months later we used the collision services. Again, we were treated with patience and curtesy as the staff walked us through each step of the process. Incredibly nice employees who genuinely seem to enjoy their work. We drive 45 minutes to use Hart Kia services and will continue to do so. I highly recommend! ”
“ Ralph was very upfront and honest. He made the process very easy. ”
“ Very pleasant an helpful love my experience there Would definitely recommend ”
“ Just purchased my 3rd Kia. This is the 2nd one purchased from Hart. They were efficient with their paperwork, fair with their prices, very easy to get everything done in a timely fashion. Absolutely LOVE my new Kia! ”
“ Had the car i wanted and was able to get the deal I needed. Staff focused on me directly from the moment I arrived until I left the lot in my new vehicle. Got everything processed quickly and efficiently. Highly recommend them for all your KIA needs for sure. ”
“ Great experience. Everyone was very helpful. I love my new car! Thank you! ”
“ Highly recommended this place. All staff were very welcoming and accommodating and took good care of us throughout the sales process despite many odd requester we had because of having a new born with us at the dealership. Our salesman was knowledgeable on all the vehicles we were looking at and on any and all rebates an incentives available to us to help give us the best deal on our car. 10/10 would highly recommend this dealership! ”
“ Pleasant experience dealing with Hart Kia, salesman was helpful and knowledgeable , and I drove away in a beautiful new car! ”
“ Hart Kia was great to work with! If you get a chance to go in there ask for Craig Bell! He got me to the payment on wanted and they gave me top dollar on my trade in! The manager Matt was also very great to work with as well. I wasn't sure if I would be buying a car from them yesterday, but after speaking to Craig and seeing how helpful he was, even when it was very busy, I knew that I couldn't buy anywhere else! I definitely made the right decision. Go see Craig, he is good at what he does! ”
“ Woody is a great Service Director ”
“ Hart Kia was really great to work with when purchasing my new vehicle. They made you feel right at home while going through the buying process. Answered all my questions and made sure I got the best deal. Everyone was so kind and helpful. ”
“ Isac Henderson, is very friendly and knowledgeable. He is one of the nicest sales person I have ever met. I never felt pressured he just made me feel valued. I really appreciated that. ”
“ Great staff no pressure. Good selection of vehicles ”
“ Kennie Bowen in sales did an outstanding job working with us on our new 2025 KIA K5, he excided all of our expectations. Shout out to the finance department you guys rock Entire staff was professional ”
“ Hart Kia has knowledgeable and helpful staff to help you with your car buying experience. Most important to me was how Eric Darby listened to me and helped me purchase the car to best fit my needs. ”
“ My experience with Hart Motors and My Salesman Kennie Bowen and Sales Manager Jaysom Ly nch was great. Very nice, helpful,and knowledgeable. Very pleased. ”
“ Everyone was really nice and helpful ”
“ Kennie Brown was amazing. He found a car for us to look at that was being used as a shuttle just so we could see the color. It would have been easy to say we couldn't see it. He went above and beyond the call of duty. ”
“ Had a great experience purchasing a Kia Carnival! The salesman we worked with (Craig) was a pleasure to work with- very thorough, good communication, didn’t make us feel rushed and got us what we wanted (at the price we wanted). He spent a lot of time going over the features of the vehicle which I really appreciated. Would recommend asking for him if you’re in the market for a new car!! ”
“ I worked with Shane Scott, who I found to be a very knowledgeable salesperson. He was well acquainted with the model of the car I was interested in and could answer all of my questions about it. I have no reservations about recommending Hart Motor Company. ”
“ Great selection and you can always count on Hart to treat you like family! You will never catch me at one of those giant warehouse dealerships where they treat you like a number and herd you through like cattle. Personal, honest and fair is what you get with at Hart. ”
“ Great Experience at Hart KIA in Salem, Va. Shane Scott was very pleasant to work with and the purchase of my 2025 Telluride was so effortless. I began the process over the phone and 2 days later walked out of the showroom a happy new vehicle owner. He is very knowledgeable and I never felt pressured in any way, in fact, he and Jayson Lynch (New Sales Manager) encouraged me to come by and that they would take good care of me. Promise made and Promise kept. While buying my car, I told him my sister was looking for a particular Telluride. She was informed by another Car Dealer that the one she wanted wasn't available. White we were wrapping up my contract, my sister phoned me. I informed Shane that it was my sister. He began looking for the car she wanted, and within seconds found it. Well, she will be traveling From Arizona to Virginia to pick up her Telluride at the end of May. He is an honest young man and is an asset to Hart KIA. Fantastic Company that will not take advantage of it's new and existing clients. I speak from experience. Also, Jayson polished my car and thus showing his incredible leadership qualities. He did what was required as the showroom was very busy and I felt honored that he would take care of me personally. Thanks Shane for that cold call you made to me three years ago. ”
“ Best car buying experience I ever had! Craig was my sales consultant, and he was very friendly and knowledgeable. I was pleased with the pricing and the entire purchase process. ”
“ Everyone was very professional and kind! They were able to find the car in the color I wanted. Eric Houston was great and easy to work with! ”
“ Very friendly, professional, efficient, and helpful sales people. They stay with you even after the purchase. ”