Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
The VSM provides further enhancements to vehicle stability and steering responses when a vehicle is driving on a slippery road or a vehicle detects changes in coefficient of friction between right wheels and left wheels when braking.
Tire/Wheel Size
When replacing tires and wheels, make sure they are the same size as the original tires and wheels installed. Driving with varying tire or wheel sizes might diminish any supplemental safety benefits of the VSM system.
Vehicle stability management (VSM) operation
When the VSM is in operation, ESC indicator light ( 
) blinks.
When the vehicle stability management is operating properly, you can feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle and/or abnormal steering responses (Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)). This is only the effect of brake and MDPS control and indicates nothing unusual.
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Driving on a sloping road such as a gradient or incline
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You are driving in reverse.
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ESC OFF indicator light (
) remains on the instrument cluster -
MDPS indicator light remains on the instrument cluster
Vehicle stability management (VSM) operation off
If you press the ESC OFF button to turn off the ESC, the VSM will also cancel and the ESC OFF indicator light ( ) appears.
To turn on the VSM, press the button again. The ESC OFF indicator light goes out.
Vehicle Stability Management
Drive carefully even though your vehicle has VSM. It can only assist you in maintaining control of the vehicle under certain circumstances.
Malfunction indicator
The VSM can be deactivated even if you don't cancel the VSM operation by pressing the ESC OFF button. It indicates that a malfunction has been detected somewhere in the MDPS system or VSM system. If the ESC indicator light ( ) or MDPS warning light remains on, take your vehicle and have the system checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
The VSM is not a substitute for safe driving practices but is only a supplementary function. It is your responsibility to always check the speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead.
Always hold the steering wheel firmly while driving.
Your vehicle is designed to activate according to the driver’s intention, even with installed VSM. Always follow all the normal precautions for driving at safe speeds for the conditions – including driving in inclement weather or on a slippery road.
For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt. No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver errors or driving conditions. Always drive responsibly.