What is Electronic Stability Control?

If a driving condition activates either the stability control or the traction control system you may experience the following conditions:

  • The stability and traction control light flashes.
  • Your vehicle slows down.
  • Reduced engine power.

The stability control system has several features built into it to help you maintain control of your vehicle:

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control enhances your vehicle’s ability to prevent skids or lateral slides by applying brakes to one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine power.

Roll Stability Control

Roll stability control enhances your vehicle’s ability to prevent rollovers by detecting your vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes by applying the brakes to one or more wheels individually.

Curve Control

Curve control enhances your vehicle’s ability to follow the road when cornering severely or avoiding objects in the roadway. Curve control operates by reducing engine power and, if necessary, applying brakes to one or more of the wheels individually.

Traction Control

Traction control enhances your vehicle’s ability to maintain traction of the wheels by detecting and controlling wheel spin.   See   How Does Traction Control Work. 

Electronic Stability Program Diagram

A Vehicle without stability control skidding off its intended route.
B Vehicle with stability control maintaining control on a slippery surface.

For more information, please refer to your vehicle owner's manual.