Kia Sorento: Applying the parking brake

Applying the parking brake with EPB switch

1. Depress and hold the service brake pedal.
2. Pull upward on the EPB switch.
3. Verify that the red indicator warning light illuminates on the dashboard.

   If the Auto Hold function is active when you turn off your ignition, the EPB engages automatically. Similarly, you can manually pull up the EPB switch immediately after shutting down the engine.

WARNING

Never leave children, dependents, or pets unattended inside your Kia Sorento. They could inadvertently set the vehicle in motion by:

• Releasing the electronic or manual parking brake.

• Shifting the transmission gear selector out of the P (Park) position.

• Pressing the starter button and firing up the engine.

• Manipulating primary driving controls and vehicle equipment.

TIP

If your vehicle fails to remain completely stationary when parked on an exceptionally steep incline or while towing a heavy trailer, execute the following supplementary steps:

1. Engage the standard EPB function.

2. Hold the EPB switch pulled upward continuously for more than three seconds to secure maximum clamping force.

Never activate the EPB while the vehicle is actively moving down the road unless you are facing a critical emergency scenario.

TIP

You may hear a mechanical click or an electric motor whirring noise when applying or releasing the EPB. This acoustic feedback is completely normal and confirms that the electronic actuators are operating correctly.

Automatic application of EPB

The EPB system engages automatically under specific driving and operational conditions:

• You shift the transmission selector into P (Park) while stopped on an incline or decline.

• You turn the engine OFF while the AUTO HOLD feature is actively holding the vehicle.

• Your Kia Sorento shifts slightly or creeps while the gear remains locked in P (Park).

• While AUTO HOLD is operational, certain safety triggers occur:

  • The driver-side door is opened.

  • The hood of the vehicle is popped open.

  • The rear liftgate is opened.

  • The vehicle remains stationary via Auto Hold for more than approximately ten minutes on a steep grade.

• Other integrated vehicle safety systems request a mandatory EPB lock.

NOTE

For vehicles utilizing the AUTO HOLD function during regular driving routines, the EPB will engage automatically if you push the ENGINE START/STOP button into the OFF position. Make sure to toggle OFF the AUTO HOLD function before shutting down the ignition if automatic locking is not desired.

Emergency braking with the EPB switch

If you experience a sudden primary brake pedal failure while driving your Kia Sorento, pull up and hold the EPB switch to execute an emergency deceleration.

Controlled emergency braking remains active only for as long as you physically hold the EPB switch pulled upward.

WARNING

Do not activate the EPB while driving under normal circumstances. Pulling the electronic brake switch at high speeds can cause abrupt loss of directional control and vehicle instability. If emergency intervention is unavoidable, apply the switch with extreme caution.

TIP

During an emergency braking event triggered through the EPB switch, the dedicated parking brake warning indicator flashes or illuminates to show the system is actively working.

If the EPB is ever utilized for an emergency stop, have your braking assembly inspected promptly by an authorized dealer.