Kia Sportage: Closing the liftgate

• To close the liftgate, lower and push down the liftgate firmly. Make sure that the liftgate is securely latched.

WARNING

Make sure your hands, feet and other parts of your body are safely out of the way before closing the liftgate.

WARNING

Exhaust fumes

The liftgate lid should be always kept completely closed while the vehicle is in motion. If it is left open or ajar, poisonous exhaust gases may enter the car and serious illness or death may result.

CAUTION

Make sure nothing is near the liftgate latch and striker while closing the liftgate.

It may damage the liftgate's latch.

Emergency liftgate safety release

Your vehicle is equipped with the emergency liftgate safety release lever located on the bottom of the liftgate.

When someone is inadvertently locked in the luggage compartment.

The liftgate can be opened by doing as follows:

1. Input the mechanical key into the hole.
2. Push the mechanical key to the right (1).
3. Push up the liftgate.

WARNING

• You and your passengers must be aware of the location of the Emergency Liftgate Safety Release lever in this vehicle and how to open the liftgate in case you are accidentally locked in the liftgate.
• NEVER allow anyone to occupy the liftgate of the vehicle at any time. If the liftgate is partially or totally latched and the person is unable to get out, serious injury or death could occur due to lack of ventilation, exhaust fumes and rapid heat buildup, or because of exposure to cold weather conditions. The liftgate is also a highly dangerous location in the event of a crash because it is not a protected occupant space but is a part of the vehicle's crush zone.
• Your vehicle should be kept locked and the Smart Key should be kept out of the reach of children. Parents should teach their children about the dangers of playing in liftgates.
• Use the release lever for emergencies only.

WARNING

No one should be allowed to occupy the cargo area of the vehicle at any time. The cargo area is a very dangerous location in the event of a crash.

Use the release lever for emergencies only. Use with extreme caution, especially while the vehicle is in motion.

CAUTION

Make sure there are no people or objects around the liftgate before opening or closing the liftgate. Wait until the liftgate is open fully and stopped before loading or unloading cargo from the vehicle.

WARNING

Do not grasp the part supporting the liftgate (gas lifter), as this may cause serious injury.

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