Toyota Warning Lights and Meanings
Complete guide to Toyota dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.
Understanding Toyota Dashboard Warning Lights
Toyota 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 Toyota vehicle's dashboard.
Toyota 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
Indicates that: ● The brake fluid level is low ● The brake system is malfunctioning Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Brake System Warning Light
Indicates that: ● The brake fluid level is low ● The brake system is malfunctioning Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer. 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 your Toyota dealer.
Electric Power Steering System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer, Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
Front Seat Belt Reminder Light
The seat belt warning light turns on if the driver or front passenger’s seat is occupied and the seat belt is not fastened with the ignition switched ON. If the driver or front passenger’s seat belt is unfastened and if the vehicle is driven at about 20 km/h (12 mph) or faster, or about 10 km/h (6 mph) or faster for a continuous 30 seconds, with the seat belt unfastened, the warning light flashes for a certain period. After a short time, the warning light stops flashing, but remains illuminated.
High Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
Indicates that the engine oil level is low. Check the level of engine oil and add more oil if necessary.
Low Engine Oil Level Warning Light
Indicates that the engine oil level is low. Check the level of engine oil and add more oil if necessary.
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 your Toyota dealer.
Open Door Warning Light
Indicates that a door is not fully closed. Check that all the doors are closed.
Parking Brake Indicator
Indicates that the parking brake is engaged. Release the parking brake.
Parking Brake Indicator
Indicates that the parking brake is engaged. Release the parking brake.
Rear Seat Belt Reminder Light
Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts. Fasten the seat belt.
Rear 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 ● The front passenger occupant classification system ● The seat belt pretensioner system Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
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.
Unengaged Park Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the transmission “Park” mechanism. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Service Warning Lights
High Speed Four-Wheel Drive Indicator Light
When you experience a loss of power, such as wheel slipping. The 4HI indicator comes on.
AFS OFF Light
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.
Airbag ON/OFF Indicator
This indicator light turns on when the airbag system is on (only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode).
Airbag ON/OFF Indicator
This indicator light turns on when the airbag system is on (only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode).
Airbag ON/OFF Indicator
This indicator light turns on when the airbag system is on (only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode).
All-Wheel Drive Lock Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in: ● The ABS ● The brake assist system Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in: ● The ABS ● The brake assist system Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Auto Limited-Slip Differential Indicator
Press “Slip Indicator” switch to turn on the system. At this time, the “AUTO LSD” and VSC OFF indicators will come on.
Automatic Headlight Leveling System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the automatic headlight leveling system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Automatic Running Boards Indicator Light
Indicates a malfunction in Automatic running boards Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature Warning Light
When the light comes on: Indicates that the automatic transmission fluid temperature is too high. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, shift the shift lever to P and wait until the light goes off. If the light goes off, you may start the vehicle again. If the light does not go off, contact your Toyota dealer. When the light flashes: Indicates a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the system inspected by your Toyota dealer.
BSM Outside Rear View Mirror Indicator
When The Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function switched on, the BSM indicator illuminates on the meter and the buzzer sounds.
Blind Spot Monitor Indicator
When the Blind Spot Monitor system detects a vehicle, an alert indicator illuminates in the exterior mirror on the side the approaching vehicle is coming from. If you turn the turn signal on for that side of your vehicle, the alert indicator flashes.
Brake Hold Operated Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
Brake System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Downhill Assist Control System Indicator
Press the “DAC” switch. The downhill assist control system indicator will comes on and the system will operate.
Electric Power Steering System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator Light
Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Go To Service Warning Light
Indicates that maintenance of the hybrid battery (traction battery) cooling component is required. The filter may be clogged, the air intake vent may be blocked or there may be a gap in the duct. Have maintenance performed on the hybrid battery (traction battery) cooling component at your Toyota dealer.
Hybrid System Overheat Warning Light
The hybrid system has overheated. This light may come on when driving under severe operating conditions, and the output of the hybrid system may temporarily decrease in order to protect the system. (For example, when driving up a long steep hill or driving up a steep hill in reverse.) Stop and check.
Hybrid System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the hybrid system Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in KDSS . Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately
Lane Departure Alert Indicator
The illumination condition of the indicator informs the driver of the system operation status. Flashing in yellow: Lane departure alert function is operating.
Lane Tracing Assist Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Led Headlight Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the LED headlights. The LED headlights will not normally illuminate when there is a malfunction. However, they may be able to illuminate depending on the nature of the problem. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
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.
Low Outside Temperature Indicator
When the outside temperature is approximately 37°F (3°C) or lower, this indicator will flash for approximately 10 seconds, then stay on.
Low Speed Four-Wheel Drive Indicator Light
Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Low Windshield Washer Fluid Warning Light
Indicates low level of washer fluid Fill the tank.
Maintenance Required Remainder Light
Indicates that maintenance is required according to the driven distance on the maintenance schedule. Illuminates for about 3 seconds and then flashes for about 15 seconds, approximately 4500 miles (7200 km) after the reminder light has been reset. If necessary, perform maintenance. Comes on and remains on if the distance driven exceeds 5000 miles (8000 km) after the reminder light has been reset. (The indicat or will not work properly unless the reminder light has been reset.) Perform the necessary maintenance. Please reset the reminder light after the maintenance is performed.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Indicates a malfunction in: ● The electronic engine control system ● The electronic throttle control system ● The electronic automatic transmission control system Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Indicates a malfunction in: ● The electronic engine control system ● The electronic throttle control system ● The electronic automatic transmission control system Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 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 Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Mud & Sand Mode Indicator
When the switch is pressed while not in Mud & Sand mode, the system switches to Mud & Sand mode and the Mud & Sand mode indicator, VSC OFF indicator and PCS warning light illuminate on the multi-information display or the instrument cluster.
Output Control Warning Light
EV system power available is low (due to the amount of charge remaining in the traction battery being low, low temperature or high temperature). Charge the vehicle.
Overdrive OFF Indicator Light
The overdrive off indicator light illuminates when the overdrive off mode is selected.
Parking Lock System Warning Light
Indicates a malfunction in the shift control system. ● In this situation, there is a possibility that the parking lock mechanism will not work. When parking, park the vehicle on a flat surface and apply the parking brake securely. ● The power switch may not be turned off. If this happens, applying the parking brake will enable the switch to be turned off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
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 Toyota retailer or Toyota 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.
Pre-Crash Safety System OFF 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.
Rear Camera Detection OFF Indicator
Indicates an 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 Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
Rear Differential Lock Indicator Light
Indicates a malfunction in the rear differential lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Rock & Dirt Mode Indicator
When the switch is pressed while not in Rock & Dirt mode, the system switches to Rock & Dirt mode and the Rock & Dirt mode indicator illuminates on the multi-information display.
SPORT Indicator
This light comes on when Sport Mode is selected.
Slip Indicator
Indicates a malfunction in: ● The VSC system ● The TRC system ● The hill-start assist control system Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately. The light will flash when the VSC, TRC, or ABS system is operating.
Smart Key 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
When the snow mode switch is pressed, the system switches to snow mode and the snow mode indicator illuminates on the multi-information display
State Of Charge Warning Light
The amount of charge remaining in the traction battery has fallen to the SOC gauge’s 2 lowest segments. Charge the vehicle.
Stop & Start Cancel Indicator
Comes on when the Auto Idle Stop system has been turned off by the Auto Start-Stop OFF button.
Stop & Start Indicator
Blinks if there is a problem with the Auto Start-Stop system. Have your vehicle checked by a Toyota dealer.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
When the light comes on, it means low tire inflation pressure such as natural causes, 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 Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. When the light comes on after blinking for 1 minute, it means a malfunction in the tire pressure warning system. Have the system checked by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Tow Haul Indicator
Press the TOW/HAUL switch. The indicator will come on. Use TOW/HAUL mode when pulling a trailer or hauling a heavy load.
Traction Control OFF Indicator
Turning off the TRAC system, the TRAC OFF indicators will come on.
Vehicle Stability Control OFF Indicator
This indicator light comes on when the VDC is turned off in the vehicle information display. This indicates the VSC has been turned off.
RSCA OFF Indicator
When deactivating the curtain shield airbags in a vehicle rollover, the “RSCA OFF” indicator turns on (only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.) The roll-sensing function for the curtain shield airbags and seat belt pretensioners will turn back on automatically each time the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode.
Information Indicators (Green)
A-TRAC Indicator
Press the “A-TRAC” switch to activate the system. At this time, the “A-TRAC” indicator will come on.
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.
Brake Hold Operated Indicator
Comes on when the automatic brake hold is activated.
Brake Hold Standby Indicator
Turns the brake hold system on, the brake hold standby indicator comes on.
Crawl Control Indicator
The Crawl Control indicator comes on and the slip indicator flashes when pressing Crawl Control switch.
Cruise Control Indicator
Press the driving assist mode select switch to select cruise control. The cruise control indicator will illuminate.
Cruise Control Indicator
Press the driving assist mode select switch to select cruise control. The cruise control indicator will illuminate.
Cruise Control SET Indicator
Press the driving assist mode select switch to select Cruise control “SET”. The Cruise control “SET” indicator will illuminate
Downhill Assist Control System Indicator
Press the “DAC” switch. The downhill assist control system indicator will come on to indicate that the downhill assist control system is activated. Pressing the switch again turns the system off.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Indicator
Press the driving assist mode select switch to select dynamic radar cruise control. The dynamic radar cruise control indicator will illuminate
ECO Driving Indicator
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.
ECO MODE Indicator
Use Eco 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.
EV Indicator
This illuminates to indicate the vehicle is being driven powered only by the motor.
Front Fog Light Indicator
The fog lamp light comes on when the fog lamps are in use. The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off.
Headlight Indicator
When the headlights are switched on, the indicator light appears.
Intuitive Parking Assist OFF Indicator
When the intuitive parking assist function is disabled, the intuitive parking assist OFF indicator illuminates.
Lane Tracing Assist Indicator
The illumination condition of the indicator informs the driver of the system operation status. Illuminated in green: Steering wheel assistance of the steering assist function or lane centering function is operating.
Multi-terrain Select Indicator Light
Multi-terrain Select indicator comes on when pressing Multi-terrain Select switch.
POWER MODE Indicator
When the “PWR” switch is pressed, the “PWR MODE” indicator comes on in the instrument cluster.
Plug-in Indicator
When plugging in the charging cable has been completed correctly, the plug-in indicator on the meter comes on in green. If there has been a problem with plugging in, the plug-in indicator comes on in yellow.
READY Indicator
Comes on when the vehicle is ready to drive.
Rear Crossing Traffic Alert Indicator
When the RCTA function is turned on, the indicator illuminates.
Second Start Mode Indicator
This indicator illuminates when pressing Second start mode switch.
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
This blue light comes on when the headlight high beams are on and goes out when the low beams are selected. The high beam indicator light also comes on when the passing signal is activated.
Low Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator
The light illuminates continuously when the engine coolant temperature is low and turns off after the engine is warm. If the low engine coolant temperature indicator light remains illuminated after the engine has been sufficiently warmed up, the temperature sensor could have a malfunction. Consult an Authorized Toyota Dealer.
Information Indicators (White)
Inappropriate Pedal Operation Warning Light
When a buzzer sounds: ● Brake Override System is malfunctioning ● Drive-Start Control is operating ● Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display. When a buzzer does not sound: The brake Override System is operating. Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal.
Lane Tracing Assist Indicator
The illumination condition of the indicator informs the driver of the system operation status. Illuminated in white: LTA system is operating.
S-IPA Indicator
Displayed when the assist mode can be changed and the system can be turned off or on using the S-IPA switch.
Shift Position Indicator
The position of the frame on the shift position indicator changes in accordance with the current shift position. When a shift position other than D or B is selected, the arrow toward B and B position indicator disappears from the shift position indicator. When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift position has been changed to the desired position by checking the shift position indicator provided on the instrument panel.
Speed Limiter Indicator
Press the “ON-OFF” button to activate the speed limiter. Then, this light will illuminate.
Steering Control Indicator
When the steering wheel assistance of the steering assist function is operating, the indicator illuminates and the operation display on the multi-information display is turned on.