Subaru Warning Lights and Meanings
Complete guide to Subaru dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.
Understanding Subaru Dashboard Warning Lights
Subaru 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 Subaru vehicle's dashboard.
Subaru 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
Brake System Warning Light
Driving with the brake system warning light on is dangerous. This indicates your brake system may not be working properly. If the light remains illuminated, have the brakes inspected by a SUBARU dealer immediately. If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are operating properly, do not drive the vehicle. Have your vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair. If the brake system warning light illuminates, the electronic parking brake system may be malfunctioning. Immediately stop your vehicle in a safe location, use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving and contact your SUBARU dealer.
Brake System Warning Light
Driving with the brake system warning light on is dangerous. This indicates your brake system may not be working properly. If the light remains illuminated, have the brakes inspected by a SUBARU dealer immediately. If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are operating properly, do not drive the vehicle. Have your vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair. If the brake system warning light illuminates, the electronic parking brake system may be malfunctioning. Immediately stop your vehicle in a safe location, use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving and contact your SUBARU dealer.
Charge Warning Light
If this light illuminates when the engine is running, it may indicate that the charging system is not working properly. If the light illuminates while driving or does not turn off after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe opportunity and check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose, broken or if the belt is in good condition but the light remains illuminated, contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.
Coolant Temperature High Warning Light
This coolant temperature high warning light has the following two functions. ● Blinking in RED indicates that the engine is close to overheating. ● Illumination in RED indicates the overheating condition of the engine.
Door Open Indicator
When any of the doors, the rear gate (Outback/Subaru Outback Wilderness) or the trunk lid (Legacy) is not fully closed, the door open indicator appears. This function is effective even if the ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/“OFF” or “ACC” position or the key is removed from the ignition switch (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”). The open door is indicated by the corresponding part of the door open indicator. Always make sure this indicator does not appear before you start to drive.
Door Open Indicator
When any of the doors, the rear gate (Outback/Subaru Outback Wilderness) or the trunk lid (Legacy) is not fully closed, the door open indicator appears. This function is effective even if the ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/“OFF” or “ACC” position or the key is removed from the ignition switch (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”). The open door is indicated by the corresponding part of the door open indicator. Always make sure this indicator does not appear before you start to drive.
Engine Hood Open Warning Light
The warning light illuminates if the engine hood is not fully closed. This function is effective even if the ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/“OFF” or “ACC” position, or the key is removed from the ignition switch (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”). Always make sure this light is not illuminated before you start to drive.
Engine Low Oil Level Warning Indicator
This indicator appears when the engine oil level decreases to the lower limit. If the warning indicator appears, check the engine oil level on a level surface. When the engine oil level is not within the normal range, refill with engine oil. After adding or changing the engine oil, warm up the engine and stop it on a level surface, then start the engine after a lapse of 1 minute or more. Confirm that the warning indicator has turned off after the engine has started. If the warning indicator does not turn off after refilling the engine oil, or the indicator appears even though the engine oil level is within the normal range, have the vehicle checked by a SUBARU dealer.
Front Seatbelt Warning Light
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver’s and passenger’s seats, as required by current safety standards. With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, this device reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seatbelts by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the following illustration and sounding a chime.
Front Seatbelt Warning Light
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver’s and passenger’s seats, as required by current safety standards. With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, this device reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seatbelts by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the following illustration and sounding a chime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
If this light illuminates when the engine is running, it may indicate that the engine oil pressure is low and the lubricating system is not working properly. If the light illuminates while driving or does not turn off after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe opportunity and contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.
Power Steering Warning Light
While the engine is running, this warning light illuminates when a malfunction has been detected in the electric power steering system.
Rear Seatbelt Warning Light
With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, the seatbelt warning light and chime remind the rear passenger to fasten their seatbelt by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the above illustration and sounding a chime.
Rear Seatbelt Warning Light
With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, the seatbelt warning light and chime remind the rear passenger to fasten their seatbelt by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the above illustration and sounding a chime.
SRS Airbag System Warning Light
If the warning light exhibits any of the following conditions, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and consult a SUBARU dealer. Unless a technician checks and repairs the system as needed, the seatbelt pretensioners and/or the SRS airbag will not operate properly in the event of a collision, which may result in injury. ● Flashing or flickering of the warning light ● No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first turned to the “ON” position ● Continuous illumination of the warning light ● Illumination of the warning light while driving
Seatbelt Warning Light
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver’s and passenger’s seats, as required by current safety standards. With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, this device reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seatbelts by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the following illustration and sounding a chime.
Security Indicator Light
This indicator light shows the status of the alarm system. It also indicates operation of the immobilizer system. Alarm system: It blinks to show the driver the operational status of the alarm system. Immobilizer system: The security indicator light starts blinking in the following conditions.
Service Warning Lights
ABS Warning Light
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the engine is running or while driving, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a dealer for this service. The ABS warning light illuminates together with the brake system warning light if the EBD system malfunctions. When driving with an insufficient battery voltage, such as when the engine is jump started, the ABS warning light may illuminate. This is due to the low battery voltage and does not indicate a malfunction. When the battery becomes fully charged, the light will turn off.
ABS Warning Light
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the engine is running or while driving, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a dealer for this service. The ABS warning light illuminates together with the brake system warning light if the EBD system malfunctions. When driving with an insufficient battery voltage, such as when the engine is jump started, the ABS warning light may illuminate. This is due to the low battery voltage and does not indicate a malfunction. When the battery becomes fully charged, the light will turn off.
AT OIL TEMP Warning Light
If this light illuminates when the engine is running, it may indicate that the transmission fluid temperature is too hot. If the light illuminates while driving, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the engine idle until the warning light turns off. If the “AT OIL TEMP” warning light flashes after the engine has started, it may indicate that the transmission control system is not working properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU dealer for service immediately.
Access Key Warning Indicator
The keyless access with push-button start system is equipped with a warning chime and the access key warning indicator in order to minimize improper operations and help protect your vehicle from theft. When the warning chime sounds and/or the warning indicator appears, take the appropriate action. You cannot turn the warning chimes off. However, the volume setting of the outside warning chime can be changed by a SUBARU dealer. Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.
All-Wheel Drive Warning Light
This light flashes if the vehicle is driven with tires of different diameters fitted on its wheels or with the air pressure excessively low in any of its tires.
Auto Start Stop OFF Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when “Auto Start Stop” is touched to prevent the Auto Start Stop system from operating. It will turn off when “Auto Start Stop” is touched once more to enable operation of the Auto Start Stop system. If the Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light does not illuminate when “Auto Start Stop” is touched, contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible.
Auto Start Stop Warning Light
If the Auto Start Stop warning light is illuminated in yellow, there may be a malfunction in the Auto Start Stop system. When starting the engine again after the Auto Start Stop warning light illuminates, if it is still illuminating, have your vehicle inspected at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. The Auto Start Stop warning light will illuminate in yellow if you open the engine hood when the engine has been temporarily stopped by the Auto Start Stop system. In this case, to ensure safety, the engine will not be automatically restarted, even if you release the brake pedal. Use normal operation to restart the engine.
Automatic Headlight Beam Leveler Warning Light
This light illuminates when the automatic headlight beam leveler does not operate normally. If this light illuminates while driving or does not turn off approximately 3 seconds after turning the ignition switch to the “ON” position, have your vehicle inspected at your SUBARU dealer.
BSD/RCTA OFF Indicator
This indicator appears on the combination meter display (color LCD) when “BSD/ RCTA” is touched to deactivate the BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert), or when the BSD/ RCTA is suspended temporarily
BSD/RCTA Warning Indicator
This warning indicator appears on the combination meter display (color LCD) when the BSD (Blind Spot Detection) or RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) is malfunctioning for any reason. If this indicator remains displayed, have your vehicle inspected by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
Check Engine Light
If this light illuminates steadily or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate that there is at least one problem or potential problem somewhere in the emission control system.
Check Engine Light
If this light illuminates steadily or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate that there is at least one problem or potential problem somewhere in the emission control system.
Driver Monitoring System OFF Indicator Light
This indicator illuminates when “Driver Monitoring System” is touched to deactivate Driver Monitoring System.
Driver Monitoring System Temporary Stop Indicator Light
This indicator illuminates when the Driver Monitoring System is temporarily stopped. The Driver Monitoring System stops temporarily when the temperature of the Driver Monitoring System unit is high.
Driver Monitoring System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates if the Driver Monitoring System malfunctions. Have your vehicle inspected at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
Electronic Parking Brake Indicator Light
The electronic parking brake indicator light flashes when the electronic parking brake system is malfunctioning. If the indicator light flashes, promptly park in a safe location as soon as possible and contact your SUBARU dealer. The electronic parking brake indicator light remains illuminated when the parking brake cannot be released even if the parking brake switch is pushed.
Electronic Parking Brake Indicator Light
The electronic parking brake indicator light flashes when the electronic parking brake system is malfunctioning. If the indicator light flashes, promptly park in a safe location as soon as possible and contact your SUBARU dealer. The electronic parking brake indicator light remains illuminated when the parking brake cannot be released even if the parking brake switch is pushed.
Front Passenger’s Frontal Airbag OFF Indicator
The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators show you the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag. The indicators are located as shown in the illustration. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will illuminate while the OFF indicator will remain off. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is deactivated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will remain off while the OFF indicator will illuminate.
Front Passenger’s Frontal Airbag OFF Indicator
The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators show you the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag. The indicators are located as shown in the illustration. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will illuminate while the OFF indicator will remain off. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is deactivated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will remain off while the OFF indicator will illuminate.
Front Passenger’s Frontal Airbag ON Indicator
The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators show you the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag. The indicators are located as shown in the illustration. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will illuminate while the OFF indicator will remain off. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is deactivated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will remain off while the OFF indicator will illuminate.
Front Passenger’s Frontal Airbag ON Indicator
The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators show you the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag. The indicators are located as shown in the illustration. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will illuminate while the OFF indicator will remain off. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is deactivated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will remain off while the OFF indicator will illuminate.
Hill Start Assist Warning Light
While the engine is running, if there are any malfunctions in the Hill start assist system, the warning light will illuminate.
Icy Road Surface Warning Indicator
When the outside temperature is 37°F (3°C) or less, the icy road surface warning indicator will illuminate to inform the driver that the road surface may be frozen.
Intelligent (I) Mode Indicator
This light indicates the current SI-DRIVE mode. The linear acceleration characteristic of the Intelligent (I) mode is ideal for normal driving usage. The Intelligent (I) mode provides well-balanced performance with greater fuel efficiency and smooth driveability without stress. Power delivery is moderate during acceleration for maximum fuel efficiency. This is ideal for around-town driving and situations that do not require full power output. It provides better control in difficult driving conditions, such as slippery roads or loose surfaces, due to gentler throttle response.
LED Headlight Warning Light
This light illuminates if the LED headlights malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
Low Fuel Warning Light
The low fuel warning light illuminates when the tank is nearly empty approximately 2.6 US gal (10.0 liters, or 2.2 Imp gal). It only operates when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the low tire pressure warning light will illuminate for approximately 2 seconds to check that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning properly. If there is no problem and all tires are properly inflated, the light will go out. As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Reverse Automatic Braking OFF Indicator
This indicator illuminates when the Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) system is turned OFF, or when the Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) system is suspended temporarily.
Reverse Automatic Braking Warning Indicator
This indicator illuminates if the Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) system malfunctions.
Sonar Audible Alarm OFF Indicator
This indicator illuminates when the sonar audible alarm is turned OFF.
Sport (S) Mode Indicator
This light indicates the current SI-DRIVE mode. The Sport (S) mode provides the engine power desired by those who want to make the driving experience their own personal adventure.
Sport Sharp (S#) Mode Indicator
This light indicates the current SI-DRIVE mode. For sports-minded drivers, the Sport Sharp (S#) mode offers an exhilarating level of engine performance and control. The throttle becomes more responsive regardless of the engine speed. Delivering maximum driving enjoyment, this mode is ideal for tackling twisting roads and for merging or overtaking other vehicles on the freeway with confidence.
Steering Responsive Headlight OFF Indicator Light
This light illuminates when the Steering Responsive Headlight function is off.
Steering Responsive Headlight Warning Light
The light illuminates when a malfunction occurs in the Steering Responsive Headlight.
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF Indicator Light
The light illuminates when “Vehicle Dynamics Control” is selected to deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system. The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is probably malfunctioning under any of the following conditions. Have your vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer immediately. ● The light does not illuminate while the system check. ● The light does not turn off even after a period of approximately 2 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned to the “ON” position.
Vehicle Dynamics Control Warning Light
If the electrical circuit of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system itself malfunctions, the warning light only illuminates. At this time, the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) remains fully operational.
Windshield Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light appears when the fluid level in the windshield washer fluid tank decreases to the lower limit (approximately 0.6 US qt (0.6 liters, 0.5 Imp qt)).
Information Indicators (Green)
Auto Start Stop Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the engine has been temporarily stopped by the Auto Start Stop system. It will turn off when the engine is restarted.
Auto Vehicle Hold Indicator Light
If the Auto Vehicle Hold indicator light does not illuminate even when “Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH)” is touched to activate the Auto Vehicle Hold function, the electronic parking brake system may be malfunctioning. This indicator light illuminates when the Auto Vehicle Hold is activated. This indicator blinks while the vehicle is stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold function.
Auto Vehicle Hold On Indicator Light
If the Auto Vehicle Hold indicator light does not illuminate even when “Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH)” is touched to activate the Auto Vehicle Hold function, the electronic parking brake system may be malfunctioning. This indicator light illuminates when the Auto Vehicle Hold is activated. This indicator blinks while the vehicle is stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold function.
Auto Vehicle Hold Operation Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates while the vehicle is stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold function.
Cruise Control Indicator Light
This light illuminates when the cruise control main button is pressed to activate the cruise control function. If this light blinks, do not use the cruise control. In addition, if it blinks frequently, contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
Cruise Control Set Indicator Light
This light illuminates when vehicle speed has been set to use the cruise control function.
Driver Monitoring System Operation Indicator Light
This indicator illuminates when the Driver Monitoring System is activated.
Front Fog Light Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates while the front fog lights are illuminated.
Headlight Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates under the following conditions. ● The light switch is turned to the “Headlight” or “Low beam” position. ● The light switch is in the “AUTO” position and the headlights illuminate automatically.
High Beam Assist Indicator
This indicator appears when the high beam assist function is activated.
Hill Descent Control Indicator
This indicator appears while the hill descent control function is in standby. It will flash while the hill descent control function is operating. It will disappear when the hill descent control function is not available.
Hill Start Assist Off Indicator Light
While the Hill start assist system is deactivated, the Hill start assist OFF indicator light illuminates continuously to inform the driver that the Hill start assist system is not operational.
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
These lights show the operation of the turn signal or lane change signal. If the indicator lights do not blink or blink rapidly, the turn signal bulb may be burned out. Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Information Indicators (Blue)
Coolant Temperature Low Indicator Light
This coolant temperature low indicator light indicates insufficient warming up of the engine.
High Beam Indicator Light
This light shows that the headlights are in the high beam mode. This indicator light also illuminates when operating the headlight flasher.
Information Indicators (White)
Auto Start Stop No Activity Detected indicator light
When a vehicle is stopped, the indicator light illuminates when the operating conditions of the Auto Start Stop system are not met. The light will turn off when the vehicle starts driving.
Depress Brake Indicator Light
This light illuminates if the brake pedal is not depressed in the following conditions. ● The Auto Vehicle Hold switch is pressed to deactivate the Auto Vehicle Hold function while the vehicle is stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold function. ● The electronic parking brake is released.
X-MODE Indicator
This indicator appears while X-MODE is activated. It will disappear when X-MODE is deactivated.
X-MODE Indicator
This indicator appears while X-MODE is activated. It will disappear when X-MODE is deactivated.