Downhill Brake Control (DBC)

2026 Kia Tasman Downhill Brake Control (DBC) button image. The center console shows the DBC button highlighted in cyan. A detailed inset displays a red arrow pointing down with the text 'PUSH', indicating to press the button labeled 'DBC'. This explains the function of activating the Downhill Brake Control system.
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DBC assists the driver to descend down a steep hill without having to depress the brake pedal.

The system automatically applies the brakes to maintain the vehicle speed of 4-40 km/h (2.5-25 mph) and allows the driver to concentrate on steering the vehicle down hill.

Always turn off DBC on normal roads. DBC might activate inadvertently from the stand by mode when driving through speed bumps or making sharp curves.

NOTE

DBC defaults to the OFF position whenever the vehicle is in ON position.

Noise or vibration may occur from the brakes when DBC is activated.

The rear stop lamp comes on when DBC is activated.

Operating DBC

Mode

Indicator light

Description

Standby
2026 Kia Tasman Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator icon. The icon depicts a car silhouette on a downward slope with a speedometer gauge and an arrow symbol above it. It lights up to indicate the system is in standby or operating mode to assist with safe downhill driving.

Appeared

Press DBC button when vehicle speed is under 60 km/h (38 mph). DBC will turn on and enter the standby mode.

The system does not turn on if vehicle speed is over 60 km/h (38 mph).

Activated
2026 Kia Tasman Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator icon. The icon depicts a car silhouette on a downward slope with a speedometer gauge and an arrow symbol above it. It lights up to indicate the system is in standby or operating mode to assist with safe downhill driving.

Blinks

In the standby mode, It enters the operating mode when the following conditions are met.

  • The road surface should be more than a certain angle of inclination

  • The accelerator pedal must not be depressed.

  • The vehicle speed should be within 3-40 km/h (2-25 mph)

Within operating vehicle speed 3-40 km/h (2-25 mph), the driver can lower or raise the vehicle speed by stepping on the brake pedal or accelerator pedal.

Temporarily deactivated
2026 Kia Tasman Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator icon. The icon depicts a car silhouette on a downward slope with a speedometer gauge and an arrow symbol above it. It lights up to indicate the system is in standby or operating mode to assist with safe downhill driving.

Appeared

In the activated mode, DBC will temporarily deactivate under the following conditions:

  • The hill is not steep enough.

  • The accelerator pedal is depressed.

  • When the vehicle speed is in the range of 40-60 km/h (25-38 mph)

If the above conditions are not met, DBC will automatically activate again.

OFF
2026 Kia Tasman Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator icon. The icon depicts a car silhouette on a downward slope with a speedometer gauge and an arrow symbol above it. It lights up to indicate the system is in standby or operating mode to assist with safe downhill driving.

Not appeared

DBC will turn off under the following conditions:

  • DBC button is pressed again.

  • When the accelerator pedal is depressed and the vehicle speed exceeds 60 km/h (38 mph)
WARNING

If the yellow DBC indicator light appears, the system may have overheated or have malfunctioned. When the warning light appears even though DBC has cooled off, have the vehicle checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

NOTE

  • DBC may not deactivate on steep inclines even though the brake or accelerator pedal is depressed.

  • DBC does not operate when:

    • The vehicle is in P (Park).

    • ESC is activated.