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Kia Seltos SP2 (2021-2026) Owner's Manual / Driving your vehicle / Brake system / Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system

Kia Seltos: Brake system / Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system

Contents:

The Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system in the Kia Seltos provides additional support for vehicle stability and steering response under certain driving conditions.

VSM may assist in the following situations:

  • When driving on a slippery road surface.

  • When the system detects a difference in traction between the left and right wheels.

Kia Seltos Vehicle Stability Management VSM system warning for tire and wheel size

WARNING

Tire/Wheel size

When replacing tires and wheels, make sure they are the same size as the original tires and wheels installed on the Kia Seltos. Using different tire or wheel sizes may reduce the supplemental safety benefits provided by the VSM system.

VSM operation

When VSM is operating normally, you may feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle or notice unusual steering response from the Electric Power Steering (EPS). This is normal and indicates that the system is helping support vehicle stability.

The VSM does not operate when:

  • Driving on a banked road, gradient, or incline.

  • Driving in reverse.

  • The ESC OFF indicator light (Kia Seltos ESC OFF indicator light for VSM inactive condition) remains on in the instrument cluster.

  • The EPS indicator light remains on in the instrument cluster.

VSM operation off

If you press the ESC OFF button to turn off ESC, the VSM system will also be canceled and the ESC OFF indicator light (Kia Seltos ESC OFF indicator light when VSM is canceled) will appear.

To turn VSM back on, press the ESC OFF button again. The ESC OFF indicator light will turn off, and VSM support will be restored for normal Kia Seltos driving conditions.

Kia Seltos VSM warning about safe driving and vehicle control

WARNING

VSM

Drive carefully even though your Kia Seltos is equipped with VSM. The system can only assist with maintaining control under certain circumstances and is not a substitute for safe speed, proper tires, attentive driving, and good judgment.

Malfunction indicator

The VSM system in the Kia Seltos may deactivate even if the driver has not canceled VSM operation by pressing the ESC OFF button. This can indicate that a malfunction has been detected in the Electric Power Steering system or in the Vehicle Stability Management system. If the ESC indicator light (Kia Seltos ESC indicator light related to VSM malfunction) or the EPS warning light (Kia Seltos EPS warning light related to VSM system malfunction) remains illuminated, take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the system inspected.

VSM is not a replacement for safe driving practices. It is only a supplemental support function. The driver is always responsible for monitoring speed, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and keeping firm control of the steering wheel while driving.

Your Kia Seltos is designed to respond to the driver's steering and braking inputs even when VSM is installed. Always follow normal driving precautions and select a safe speed for the conditions, especially during bad weather, on slippery roads, or when traction changes suddenly.

Kia Seltos VSM warning about seat belt use and responsible driving

WARNING

For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt. No safety system, no matter how advanced, can fully compensate for driver error or difficult driving conditions. Always drive the Kia Seltos responsibly and remain alert at all times.

Other information:

Kia Seltos SP2 (2021-2026) Owner's Manual: Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

Inattentive Driving Warning function Driver Attention Warning (DAW) in the Kia Seltos monitors driving patterns while the vehicle is being driven. If the system determines that the driver's attention level has dropped below a certain point, DAW may recommend taking a break to help support safer driving. Leading Vehicle Departure Alert function Leading Vehicle Departure Alert informs the driver when the detected vehicle in front begins moving away from a stop.

Kia Seltos SP2 (2021-2026) Owner's Manual: Tire terminology and definitions

Refer to the following definitions for tire-related terms commonly found in the Kia Seltos tire description, tire placard, sidewall markings, and maintenance information. Air Pressure: The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward against the tire structure. Air pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Accessory Weight: The combined weight of optional accessories installed on the vehicle.