Lexus Warning Lights and Meanings
Complete guide to Lexus dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.
Understanding Lexus Dashboard Warning Lights
Lexus vehicles are equipped with an advanced diagnostic system that monitors various components and systems. When an issue is detected, a corresponding warning light will illuminate on your dashboard.
These warning lights are color-coded to indicate the severity of the issue:
- Red: Indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention. You should stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so.
- Amber/Yellow: Suggests a less urgent problem that should be checked soon, but doesn't require immediate action.
- Green: Usually informational, indicating that a system is active or functioning normally.
- Blue: Usually informational, indicating features like high beam headlights or coolant temperature.
- White: Usually informational, indicating that certain systems or features are currently active.
Below you'll find a comprehensive list of warning lights that may appear on your Lexus vehicle's dashboard.
Lexus Warning Light Categories
Critical Warning Lights
These red warning lights indicate serious issues that require immediate attention.
Service Warning Lights
These amber/yellow lights suggest issues that need attention soon but aren't immediately critical.
Information Indicators (Green)
These green lights simply inform you that certain systems are active.
Information Indicators (Blue)
These blue lights indicate that certain features or systems are enabled.
Information Indicators (White)
These white lights provide status information about various vehicle systems.
Critical Warning Lights
AT Oil Temp Light
This light illuminates when the Automatic Transmission (AT) oil temperature is too high. If the light illuminates while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as soon as safely possible until the light turns off.
Brake System Warning Light
Indicates that: ● The brake fluid level is low; or ● The brake system is malfunctioning Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Charging System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Electric Power Steering System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
High Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. Handling method: 1 Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning system, and then stop the hybrid system. 2 If you see steam: Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides. If you do not see steam: Carefully lift the hood. 3 After the hybrid system has cooled down sufficiently, inspect the hoses and radiator core (radiator) for any leaks.
Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Open Door Warning Light
Indicates that a door or the trunk is not fully closed. Check that all the doors and the trunk are closed.
Parking Brake Indicator
Indicates that the parking brake is engaged. Release the parking brake.
Rear Passengers’ Seat Belt Reminder Light
Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts. Fasten the seat belt.
Rear Passengers’ Seat Belt Reminder Light
Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts. Fasten the seat belt.
SRS Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in: ● The SRS airbag system; or ● The seat belt pretensioner system Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
Seat Belt Reminder Light
Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat belts. Fasten the seat belt. If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.
Security Indicator
The indicator light flashes after the power switch has been turned off to indicate that the system is operating. The indicator light stops flashing after the power switch has been turned to ACCESSORY or ON mode to indicate that the system has been canceled.
Service Warning Lights
ABS Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in: ● The ABS; or ● The brake assist system Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
AFS OFF Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the adaptive front-lighting system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
BSM Digital Side-view Monitor Indicator
When a vehicle is detected in a blind spot of the Digital Side-view Monitor cameras or approaching rapidly from behind into a blind spot, the Digital Side-view Monitor indicator on the detected side will illuminate. If the turn signal lever is operated toward the detected side, the Digital Side-view Monitor indicator will flash.
BSM Outside Rear View Mirror Indicator
When a vehicle or bicycle which may collide with a door (other than the back door) when opened is detected, the outside rear view mirror indicator on the detected side will illuminate. If the door on the detected side is open, or opening of the door is canceled, the outside rear view mirror indicator will blink.
Brake Hold Operated Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
Brake System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the parking brake system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
Cruise Control Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the dynamic radar cruise control. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Electric Power Steering System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
Hybrid System Overheat Warning Light
Indicates the hybrid system has overheated. Handling method: 1 Stop the vehicle in a safe place. 2 Stop the hybrid system and carefully lift the hood. 3 After the hybrid system has cooled down, inspect the hoses and radiator core (radiator) for any leaks.
Inappropriate Pedal Operation Warning Light
When a buzzer sounds: ● Brake Override System is malfunctioning ● Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning ● Drive-Start Control is operating ● PKSB (Parking Support Brake) (if equipped) is operating Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display. When a buzzer does not sound: Brake Override System is operating. Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal.
Lane Departure Alert Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the LDA (Lane Departure Alert). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Lane Keeping Assist Warning Light
The warning light comes on and a warning message is displayed to indicate that the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system is not available temporarily or has detected a malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer or reliable repairer.
Lane Tracing Assist Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display. “LTA Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” The system may not be operating properly. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. “LTA Unavailable” The system is temporarily canceled due to a malfunction in a sensor other than the front camera. Turn the LTA system off, wait for a little while, and then turn the LTA system back on. “LTA Unavailable at Current Speed” The function cannot be used as the vehicle speed exceeds the LTA operation range. Drive slower.
Lane Tracing Assist Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display. “LTA Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” The system may not be operating properly. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. “LTA Unavailable” The system is temporarily canceled due to a malfunction in a sensor other than the front camera. Turn the LTA system off, wait for a little while, and then turn the LTA system back on. “LTA Unavailable at Current Speed” The function cannot be used as the vehicle speed exceeds the LTA operation range. Drive slower.
Low Fuel Level Warning Light
Indicates remaining fuel is approximately 9.9 L (2.6 gal., 2.2 Imp.gal.) or less. Refuel the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Indicates a malfunction in: ● The emission control system (if equipped); ● The electronic engine control system; ● The electronic throttle control system; or ● The electronic automatic transmission control system Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
Master Warning Light
A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to indicate that the master warning system has detected a malfunction. Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Passenger Air Bag Indicator
This indicator light turns on when the airbag system is on (only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode).
Passenger Air Bag Indicator
This indicator light turns on when the airbag system is on (only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode).
Passenger Air Bag Indicator
This indicator light turns on when the airbag system is on (only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode).
Passenger Air Bag Indicator
This indicator light turns on when the airbag system is on (only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode).
Passenger Air Bag Indicator
This indicator light turns on when the airbag system is on (only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode).
Parking Support Brake OFF Indicator
When a buzzer sounds: Indicates a malfunction in the PKSB (Parking Support Brake) system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately. When a buzzer does not sound: Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Pop Up Hood Warning Light
Indicates that the Pop Up Hood system has operated. The Pop Up Hood system cannot be reused once it has operated. Have it replaced by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. Indicates a malfunction in the Pop Up Hood system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
Pre-Crash Safety Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) or that the system is temporarily unavailable due to the vehicle being extremely hot/cold, or dirt around a front sensor, etc. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display. If the PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate.
Proactive Driving Assist Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the PDA (Proactive Driving Assist). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display
Rear Camera Detection OFF Indicator
Indicates the RCD (Rear Camera Detection) function is malfunctioning or disabled. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Rear Crossing Traffic Alert OFF Indicator
When a buzzer sounds: Indicates a malfunction in the RCTA (Rear Crossing Traffic Alert) function. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately. When a buzzer does not sound: Indicates that the rear bumper around the radar sensor is covered with dirt, etc. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Rear Fog Light Indicator
Turns the rear fog light on.
Slip Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in: ● The VSC system; ● The TRC system; or ● The hill-start assist control system Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately. The light will flash when the VSC, TRC, or ABS system is operating.
Smart Entry & Start System Indicator
When starting the hybrid system, Smart entry & start system indicator and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. If it is not displayed, the hybrid system cannot be started.
Snow Mode Indicator
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slippery road surfaces, such as on snow.
Speed Limiter Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the speed limiter. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Tail or Stop Light Out Indicator
The indicator is very self-explanatory, as it provides the driver with an indication of when the tail light is illuminated.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
When the light comes on: Low tire inflation pressure such as natural causes or flat tire. Adjust the tire inflation pressure (including the full-size spare tire) to the specified level. The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the light does not turn off even if the tire inflation pressure is adjusted, have the system checked by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. When the light comes on after blinking for 1 minute: Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system. Have the system checked by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Traction Control OFF Indicator
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt, or snow, the TRC system may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing “TRC OFF” to turn the system off may make it easier to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
Information Indicators (Green)
Automatic High Beam Indicator
The Automatic High Beam indicator will come on when the headlights are turned on automatically to indicate that the system is active.
Automatic High Beam Indicator
The Automatic High Beam indicator will come on when the headlights are turned on automatically to indicate that the system is active.
Blind Spot Monitor Indicator
The Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function can be switched on and off using the multi-information display. When switched on, the BSM indicator illuminates on the meter and the buzzer sounds.
Brake Hold Standby Indicator
Turns the brake hold system on, the brake hold standby indicator comes on.
Cruise Control Indicator
The cruise control indicator will illuminate when pressing the driving assist mode select switch to select cruise control.
Cruise Control “SET” Indicator
The Cruise Control “SET” indicator will illuminate when pressing the driving assist mode select switch to select Cruise Control “SET”.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Indicator
The dynamic radar cruise control indicator will illuminate when pressing the driving assist mode select switch to select dynamic radar cruise control.
ECT Power Light
When the “PWR” switch is pressed, the “PWR MODE” indicator comes on in the instrument cluster.
Eco Drive Mode Indicator
Use Eco-drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during trips that involve frequent accelerating. When not in Eco drive mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the left, the “ECO” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
Eco Drive Mode Indicator
Use Eco-drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during trips that involve frequent accelerating. When not in Eco drive mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the left, the “ECO” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
Eco Driving Indicator Light
During Eco-friendly acceleration (Eco driving), the Eco Driving Indicator Light will turn on. When the acceleration exceeds the Zone of Eco driving, or when the vehicle is stopped, the light turns off.
LKA Indicator
Press the LKA switch to turn the LKA system on. The LKA indicator illuminates and a message is displayed on the multi-information display. Press the LKA switch again to turn the LKA system off. When the LKA system is turned on or off, the operation of the LKA system continues in the same condition the next time the engine is started.
Multi Weather Lights Indicator
The Multi Weather Lights is a system that illuminates the cornering lights to ensure visibility when driving in inclement weather, such as rain or fog. When the Multi Weather Lights system is enabled, the Multi Weather Lights indicator on the meter will illuminate.
Parking Assist-sensor OFF Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the Lexus parking assist-sensor function. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately. Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display: ● If a sensor is dirty, the position of the dirty sensor will be shown on the display. Remove the water drops, ice, snow, dirt, etc., from the sensor to return the system to normal. ● Also, due to ice forming on a sensor at low temperatures, a warning message may be displayed or the sensor may not be able to detect an object. Once the ice melts, the system will return to normal. If a warning message is displayed even if the sensor is clean, there may be a sensor malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Tail Light Indicator
The front position, tail, license plate and instrument panel lights turn on.
Turn Signal Indicator
Turn signals can be operated when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode. If the indicator flashes faster than usual, check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out. If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been performed, operate the lever again.
Information Indicators (Blue)
Headlight High Beam Indicator
With the headlights on, push the lever away from you to turn on the high beams. Pull the lever toward you to the center position to turn the high beams off. Pull the lever toward you and release it to flash the high beams once. You can flash the high beams with the headlights on or off.
Information Indicators (White)
Auto Glide Control Indicator
When Auto Glide Control operates, the AGC indicator light will illuminate.
CUSTOMIZE Indicator
The customized mode is selected by pressing the driving mode select switch. Each time the switch is pressed, the driving mode changes between normal mode and customized mode. When the customized mode is selected, the “Customize” indicator will be illuminated.
Driving Assist Information Indicator
Illuminates when the safe exit assist is turned off. At this time, “Safe Exit Assist OFF” will be displayed on the multi-information display.
Gear Shift Indicator
The Gear Shift Indicator display is a guide to help the driver achieve improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions within limits of engine performance.
Low Outside Temperature Indicator
When the outside temperature is approximately 3°C (37°F) or lower, this indicator will flash for approximately 10 seconds, then stay on.
SPORT Indicator
The SPORT mode: ● Assists acceleration response by controlling the transmission, engine, and steering. ● Suitable when precise handling is desirable, for example when driving on mountain roads. When not in Sport mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the “SPORT” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
SPORT S+ Indicator
The SPORT+ mode: ● Assists acceleration response by controlling the transmission, engine, and steering. ● Suitable when precise handling is desirable, for example when driving on mountain roads. When not in Sport+ mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the SPORT+ indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
SPORT S Indicator
The SPORT mode: ● Assists acceleration response by controlling the transmission, engine, and steering. ● Suitable when precise handling is desirable, for example when driving on mountain roads. When not in Sport mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the “SPORT” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
Stop Light Indicator
This light comes on when the stop lights are illuminated by the operation of the brake pedal or the driving assist system.
Trail Mode Indicator
Press the Trail Mode switch, to turn the Trail Mode on. The Trail Mode indicator light will come on the multi-information display.