VW Warning Lights and Meanings
Complete guide to VW dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.
Understanding VW Dashboard Warning Lights
VW 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 VW vehicle's dashboard.
VW 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
Alternator Malfunction Warning Light
Alternator malfunction
Brake System Warning Light
Stop! Brake fluid level too low Or: Brake system malfunction Or: Together with the ABS indicator light: ABS failure
Brake System Warning Light
Stop! Brake fluid level too low Or: Brake system malfunction Or: Together with the ABS indicator light: ABS failure
Coolant Warning Light
Stop! Engine coolant level too low, engine coolant temperature too high, or engine coolant system malfunction.
Front Assist Forward Collision Warning Light
Brake or take action to avoid the vehicle ahead! Front Assist Forward Collision Warning Or: Pedestrian Monitoring System Warning
Master Warning Light
Central warning light: Read and follow the text messages in the instrument cluster display.
Oil Warning Light
Stop! Engine oil pressure too low
Parking Brake Indicator Light
Stop! Parking brake engaged
Parking Brake Indicator Light
Stop! Parking brake engaged
Safety Belt Warning Light
Driver and/or passenger safety belts not buckled
Shift Lock Warning Light
Brake! Depress brake pedal. ACC driver intervention warning
Steering Malfunction Indicator
Stop! Lights up: Steering system malfunction Stop! Flashes: Electronic steering column lock malfunction
Service Warning Lights
ABS Warning Light
ABS malfunction
ABS Warning Light
ABS malfunction
Adaptive Chassis Control Malfunction Light
Adaptive chassis control DCC system malfunction
Adaptive Cruise Control Warning Light
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) currently not available
Check Engine Light
Lights up: Engine control malfunction Flashes: Misfire
Check Gas Cap Indicator
Fuel filler cap not properly closed
Electronic Parking Brake Malfunction Light
Electronic parking brake malfunction
Electronic Stability Control Warning Light
Lights up: ESC malfunction or ESC switched off by the system Or: Together with or ABS light: ABS malfunction Or: The vehicle battery has been reconnected. Flashes: ESC or ASR is active.
Engine Control Malfunction Light
Engine control malfunction
Engine Oil Level Warning Light
Lights up: Engine oil level too low Flashes: Engine oil system malfunction
Engine Speed Limited Warning Light
Engine speed (rpm) limited
Exterior Light Malfunction Light
One or more driving lights burned out
Front Assist Off Indicator
Front Assist switched off
Land Assist Indicator
Lane Assist switched on, not active
Low Fuel Indicator
Fuel tank almost empty
Low Washer Fluid Indicator
Not enough windshield washer fluid
Master Warning Light
Central caution light: Read and follow the text messages in the instrument cluster display.
Passenger Front Airbag Off Indicator
Passenger front airbag turned off
Rain Sensor Fault Indicator
Rain and light sensor malfunction
Steering Warning Light
Lights up: Problem with the steering Flashes: Steering column not locked/unlocked
Tire Pressure Monitor Indicator
Lights up: Tire pressure too low Flashes: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) malfunction
Traction Control System Off Indicator
ASR manually deactivated. Or: ESC Sport mode manually activated Or: Together with ESC light: ESC manually switched off
Transmission Malfunction Indicator
Automatic transmission: Malfunction or transmission overheating Manual transmission: Clutch does not transfer all of the engine torque
Windshield Wiper Malfunction Light
Windshield wiper malfunction
Glow Plug Light
Glow plugs are operating to help start the engine.
Information Indicators (Green)
Cruise Control Indicator
Lights up: Cruise control is regulating the vehicle speed Or: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) switched on (if equipped)
Cruise Control Indicator
Lights up: Cruise control is regulating the vehicle speed Or: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) switched on (if equipped)
Lane Assist Indicator
Lane Assist is switched on and active
Press Brake Pedal Warning Light
Lights up: Brake pedal not depressed Flashes: The release button in the selector lever is not engaged
Turn Signal Indicator
Turn signals, left or right Emergency flashers switched on
Information Indicators (Blue)
High Beam Indicator
High beams switched on or headlight flashers in use
Information Indicators (White)
Adaptive Cruise Control Warning Light
ACC switched on. Vehicle detected ahead
Adaptive Cruise Control Warning Light
ACC switched on. No vehicle has been detected ahead
Auto Start Stop Indicator
Start-stop available. Automatic engine stop is active
Auto Start Stop Off Indicator
Start-stop not available Or: Start-stop has automatically restarted the engine
Consult Owner's Manual Indicator
Refer to the Owner’s Manual
Cruise Control Malfunction Light
Cruise control malfunction
Economy Operation Indicator
Fuel-efficient driving display
Front Assist Distance Warning Light
Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Front Assist distance warning
Frost Warning Indicator
Outside temperature colder than +39°F (+4°C)
High Beam Control Warning Light
Light Assist high beam control switched on
Phone Charge Level Indicator
Charge level of the mobile phone battery. Applies only to models with a factory-installed mobile phone package
Service Reminder Light
Service reminder display