2021-2023 Kia Models Uneven/Slippery Road Warning TSB

Kia has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) ELE314 to address an issue affecting various 2021-2023 Kia models equipped with the 5th Generation AVN wide infotainment system. Owners may experience persistent and incorrect warnings on their instrument cluster, specifically the messages "Slippery road ahead. Drive carefully" or "Uneven road ahead. Drive carefully."

This TSB provides a software update to correct the problem, which can occur even when the vehicle is parked or driving on smooth, even surfaces. The warning sound and message may repeat approximately every ten seconds, leading to unnecessary concern for drivers.

Symptoms of the Uneven/Slippery Road Warning

Owners of affected Kia vehicles will notice one of two specific messages displayed on their instrument cluster: "Slippery road ahead. Drive carefully" or "Uneven road ahead. Drive carefully." These visual warnings are accompanied by an audible warning sound. The issue is particularly noticeable because the warning repeats frequently, about every ten seconds, even when the vehicle is stationary in 'PARK' or operating on roads that are clearly not slippery or uneven. This persistent and incorrect notification is the primary symptom of the Kia Sportage uneven road warning.

What Causes the Kia Uneven/Slippery Road Warning?

The root cause of the "Slippery road ahead" or "Uneven road ahead" warning is a software anomaly within the vehicle's 5th Generation AVN wide infotainment system. The current software version incorrectly triggers these warnings and their accompanying sound, regardless of actual road conditions or vehicle motion. The software update detailed in TSB ELE314 is designed to rectify this programming error, ensuring that these warnings are only displayed when genuinely necessary.

Important Warnings and Owner Information

Kia TSB ELE314 is a field fix repair program that does not involve customer notification. Repairs under warranty require DPSM (Dealer Parts and Service Management) approval if performed outside the warranty period. Owners should be aware of several critical points:

• No Customer Notification: Kia is NOT notifying consumers directly about this software update. Owners must proactively seek this repair.
• Warranty Period: This repair may be performed during the warranty period. Any dealer performing this repair outside the warranty period will require DPSM approval.
• Software Version Check: If your vehicle's current software version is newer than the version listed in the TSB (230203), this TSB does not apply to your vehicle.
• Battery Condition: Ensure the vehicle's battery is fully charged (12.3 volts or higher) before starting the update process.
• Do NOT Interrupt Update: DO NOT remove the USB drive, turn the ignition 'OFF', or interrupt the power supply while the update is in progress.
• Vehicle Auto-Shut Off: If your vehicle is equipped with the "Vehicle Auto-Shut Off" feature, it must be turned 'OFF' before beginning the update.
• Update Duration: The software update can take up to two hours to complete. During this time, it is acceptable for technicians to work on other vehicles.
• Display Behavior: During the update, the Kia logo may appear, the display may be black, or the message "Preparing System Update" may be shown for an extended period. This is normal behavior.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair involves updating the software of the 5th Generation AVN wide unit using a specific USB Flash Drive. The general steps for addressing the Kia Sportage uneven road warning are as follows:

1. Turn the ignition to the 'ON' position. If equipped with "Vehicle Auto-Shut Off," disable it.
2. Select 'Confirm' on the AVN screen. Note that the update can proceed even if the AVN is 'OFF'.
3. Press the 'Power' button to turn off the Radio/Media.
4. Navigate to 'Setup' and then 'General' settings on the AVN display.
5. Check the last six digits of the AVN Software Version. If it's older than the new version (230203) specified in the TSB, proceed with the update. If it's newer, the TSB does not apply.
6. Insert the appropriate USB Flash Drive (A or B, depending on the vehicle model) into the USB slot located underneath the AVN unit.
7. From the 'General Settings' screen, select 'SW Info/Update' and then 'Update'.
8. If prompted, select 'Yes' to install the version again, then select 'OK' on the pop-up screen to start the update.
9. After the update completes, repeat steps 4-6 to confirm that the Software Version has been correctly updated to the new version (230203).

Required Tools and Parts

The primary tool required for this software update is a USB Flash Drive. Kia specifies two types, depending on the vehicle model:

• USB Flash Drive A (Part Number: N/A): Used for Stinger (CK PE), Soul (SK3), Niro (DE P/HEV, EV), Sorento (MQ4 P/HEV, MQ4a), Seltos (SP2), Cadenza (YG), K5 (DL3a), and Telluride (ON).
• USB Flash Drive B (Part Number: N/A): Used for Forte (BDm PE), Soul (SK3 PE), Niro (SG2 P/HEV, EV), Sportage (NQ5 P/HEV, NQ5a), Carnival (KA4), and EV6 (CV).

These USB drives were auto-shipped to dealers. If a drive is lost or broken, replacements can be purchased from Snap-On. Software update files are also available for download from Kia's update portal, requiring a 64GB USB Flash Drive for installation.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty with the following details:

• Claim Type: W
• Causal Part Number: Refer to EPC for AVN P/N per applicable model
• Repair Description: Uneven/Slippery Road Warning Displayed on Cluster Software Update
• Labor Operation Code: 96560F01
• Operation Time: 0.3 M/H
• N Code: 114
• C Code: ZZ3

NHTSA ID: 10243928