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2022 Sportage SX Prestige ABS and Traction Control Lights On

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:06 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Kia Sportage SX Prestige

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing an issue with my 2022 Kia Sportage SX Prestige. The ABS warning light and the Traction Control System (TCS) warning light both came on simultaneously on my dashboard. This happened shortly after I hit a pretty significant pothole on the highway.

The brake pedal feels a little different, maybe a bit softer or spongier than usual, but the car still stops. There's no Check Engine Light, just these two. I haven't noticed any major changes in driving, but I'm concerned about safety.

Could hitting the pothole have caused this? What should I be looking for, or is this something I need to take to the dealership right away?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:06 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's very common for the ABS and Traction Control (TCS) lights to illuminate together, as these systems are interconnected and rely on many of the same sensors. Hitting a pothole can absolutely trigger these lights, most often by damaging a wheel speed sensor or its wiring. The change in brake pedal feel is also a significant symptom that needs attention.

Here's what could be happening and what to do:

  1. Wheel Speed Sensor Damage: Each wheel has a speed sensor that tells the ABS/TCS module how fast that wheel is rotating. A hard impact from a pothole can damage the sensor itself, its wiring, or the tone ring it reads from. If the module loses signal from one wheel, it will disable both systems.
  2. Damaged Wiring or Connector: The impact could have pulled or frayed the wiring leading to a wheel speed sensor or another component of the braking system.
  3. Brake Fluid Level: While less likely to be directly caused by a pothole, a low brake fluid level can affect brake pedal feel and sometimes trigger related warnings. Check your brake fluid reservoir to ensure it's at the correct level.
  4. ABS Module Malfunction: Less common, but sometimes severe jolts can affect electronic modules. However, sensor damage is a more probable cause.
  5. Brake System Damage: The pothole could have caused damage beyond just sensors, such as to a brake line, caliper, or suspension component, which could indirectly affect the ABS/TCS system and brake feel.

When to see a shop:

  • Immediately. Because the ABS and TCS systems are critical for vehicle safety, especially in emergency braking or slippery conditions, and you're experiencing a change in brake pedal feel, it's crucial to have this checked by a professional technician as soon as possible. Do not delay this repair.
  • A standard OBD-II scanner will likely not read ABS/TCS specific codes (often called 'C' codes). A professional shop will have advanced diagnostic tools that can communicate with the ABS module to retrieve these specific fault codes, which will pinpoint the exact sensor or component that is malfunctioning. They can also inspect for any physical damage to the braking system or suspension components caused by the pothole.
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