What does a blinking ABS light on the dashboard mean?

ABS is an anti-lock braking system, and the light indicates a problem with this system specifically, not with the brakes themselves. So the fact that the pedal is working normally is a good sign, but it doesn't rule out a diagnostic check. A blinking ABS light often points to a faulty wheel speed sensor, wiring issues, or electrical contact problems. These sensors are considered wear items and accumulate dirt and corrosion over time, or simply wear out.

On a 2024 Kia Sportage, this is most likely a faulty ABS sensor on one of the wheels - that's the most common cause. Less often you'll see problems with the ABS module itself or the wiring. The system switches to a disabled mode in this case to avoid interference, but your regular brakes keep working, so you can still drive. It's not an emergency breakdown, but you shouldn't put it off.

I'd recommend going to a service center and running a computer diagnostic - it'll show you exactly which sensor or component is faulty. If you drag your feet on this, the sensor could fail completely, and other problems can develop in the system over time. The cost of replacing one sensor is nothing compared to what you'd pay to repair the ABS module if you damage it through neglect.