Error Messages and Warning Lights in Hyundai and Kia cars

While Hyundai and Kia vehicles are usually reliable, they can throw a lot of error messages and warning lights on their dashboards that are sometimes misleading. For this, I've reviewed several of the most common warnings in Korean vehicles in my blog.

In this article, I want to tell you about the most common dashboard warnings in Hyundai and Kia vehicles and give links to relevant articles. By this, I will create a database of such errors and will update it once I write something new in this sphere.

"System Off" message in Hyundai

The "System Off" message in your modern Hyundai or Kia vehicle is very misleading. What system does it cover? Well, you need to look at the pictogram that is located below the message.

The dash always says System Off and then shows a pictogram meaning which system is actually off. You will be able to identify the problem. For example, if the pictogram shows the car between two road lane lines, it means that the lane-keeping assist system is off.

Usually, it's enough to clean the radar sensor or wait till the weather is better for this system to start working well again. But if this is another system, you should identify the problem and address it as soon as possible.

System off message highlights:

• Common reasons:some assist isn't working
• How to fix:identify the pictogram, look in the driver's manual
• Possible consequences:certain systems will not work
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes, in most cases
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$150

"Hybrid System Warning" message in Hyundai

The "Hybrid System Warning", in most cases, means that there is an issue with the batteries in your hybrid Hyundai or Kia vehicle. In some rare cases, it may mean that the hybrid battery pack or the inverter is damaged. Also, you may see this when the hybrid battery is almost dead because of age or mileage.

But one of the most common things that may trigger this message is the problem with the 12V battery. This issue is fortunately much easier and cheaper to solve. Just measure the voltage of the small battery when the car is off and right at the moment of cranking the engine. It shouldn't drop a lot.

Other than that, there have been cases when there was a water damage or some wiring problem. In these situations, it's wise to take your car to a good mechanic.

Hybrid system warning message highlights:

• Common reasons:12V battery dying, hybrid battery or inverter issues
• How to fix:check the 12V battery, take the car in for an inspection
• Possible consequences:hybrid system may fail soon
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible (in case with 12V battery)
• Repair price range:$150-$600

"Check Forward Collision Avoidance Assist" message in Hyundai

This is a pretty common error message in Hyundai and Kia vehicles. If your car says "Check Forward Collision Avoidance Assist", it means that there is a problem with the radar sensor system which is the main part of the collision prevention system.

The radar is placed behind the front bumper cover, mainly behind the front grille. You won't easily access it and it's not necessary, in most cases. This message may just be the result of some snow or dirt building up on the grille where the radar is located.

Also, the camera may be blocked or obstructed. Another possible issue is the issue with the software. In this case, disconnecting the battery for several minutes will possibly solve the issue.

One more thing that can happen is the electrical connection issue. But in this case, you should go to a good mechanic instead of looking for a DIY solution.

Check forward collision avoidance assist message highlights:

• Common reasons:radar blocked, camera blocked, issues with software
• How to fix:clean the radar, clean the camera lens, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:several functions like ACC, FCW, Lane Assist won't work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$400

"No Network Response" message in Hyundai

When you are trying to use the voice search or some connectivity function in your Hyundai or Kia car, you may get the "No Network Response" message. This means the vehicle can't connect to the internet or satellites to complete your request.

The problem was very common in 2021 when Hyundai had software issues and had to make an update. For now, this is a rather rare message that usually pops up when there is no connection in your area. Also, you may still experience this if your car wasn't updated in 2022.

No network response message highlights:

• Common reasons:bad software, no internet connection
• How to fix:ask dealership for updates, change location
• Possible consequences:no voice control functions available
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$250

"Consider Taking a Break" message in Hyundai

For several years now, all Hyundai and Kia cars have the function of reminding you that you've already been driving for long and may need some rest. In different software versions, there are various intervals like 2, 3, or 4 hours after the engine was turned on that this message pops up.

"Consider Taking a Break" is not an error message, so there is nothing wrong with your vehicle. You can drive further and just ignore it by pressing OK. Or you may consider parking your car on the roadside and walking around it for 5 minutes to give your legs some exercise.

Also, you may choose to turn off this notification by browsing settings in your vehicle. Its interval may be changed or it may be deactivated completely.

Consider taking a break message highlights:

• Common reasons:you've been driving for long
• How to fix:turn off the car, turn it on again
• Possible consequences:no consequences
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0

Malfunction indicator light in Hyundai

The malfunction indicator light is the same as the check engine light for Hyundai and Kia vehicles. There is no way you can say for sure what's going on with the car by just looking at the light itself. What you can do is look for any other lights or messages to help you diagnose the vehicle.

But the best choice when you see the MIL or check engine light is to get a good scanner and read the codes in the control modules of your vehicle. The MIL is usually triggered by a code in the ECU, so even the cheapest OBD2 scanner will get you some results.

Whether the problem is serious or not, you can only say after proper inspections. Otherwise, you never know if it's safe to drive your vehicle further.

Malfunction indicator light highlights:

• Common reasons:any code in the ECU, issues with the ECU
• How to fix:scan the codes, try disconnecting the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:depending on what triggered the MIL
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$500

EPS light in Hyundai

EPS stands for Electric Power Steering, so if you see the EPS light on the dash of your car, you may be sure that there is some problem with the system.

Usually, Hyundai and Kia cars have little to no problems with their electric power steering systems. But it can malfunction on high mileage or after physical damage. Also, there is a control module for the power steering and it can have connectivity issues or problems with the software.

If you get this light, it's not uncommon for your vehicle to totally lose the power steering, so you will barely be able to turn the steering wheel. Driving in this condition is not recommended as it's not safe at all.

EPS light highlights:

• Common reasons:problems with the power steering, dying battery
• How to fix:check the battery and alternator, read the codes
• Possible consequences:you may lose power steering
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$1,500