Subaru Warning Lights – Salt Lake City | Mark Miller Subaru Midtown
October 07 2025
Subaru Warning & Indicator Lights
A new light on your dash? Use this guide to quickly tell normal indicators from warning lights—and what to do next. For model-specific details, always check your Owner’s Manual. (We based the quick actions below on Subaru guidance and dealer references.)
RED = Stop Safely
Serious system issue or safety risk. Pull over safely, follow steps below, and plan service ASAP.
YELLOW/AMBER = Check Soon
System needs attention. Driving may be possible but schedule diagnosis.
GREEN/BLUE = Info
Feature status (headlights, cruise, turn signals, etc.).
Red Warning Lights (Stop Safely)
Brake System (BRAKE)
What it means: Parking brake on, low brake fluid, or brake/EBD malfunction.
What to do: Ensure parking brake is fully released. If light stays on, pull over and call for service. Driving with brake warnings can reduce braking performance.
Engine Coolant Temperature (Red)
What it means: Engine may be overheating.
What to do: Safely pull over, idle with heat on high, and arrange service. Do not open the radiator cap when hot.
Engine Oil Pressure
What it means: Oil pressure is low.
What to do: Stop engine as soon as it’s safe. Check oil level; if the light stays on, seek towing and service immediately. (Owner’s Manual guidance applies.)
SRS Airbag
What it means: Possible airbag or sensor fault.
What to do: Schedule diagnosis—airbag systems may not deploy correctly if there’s a fault.
Yellow/Amber Warning Lights (Check Soon)
Check Engine / Malfunction Indicator
What it means: Emissions or engine control fault. A loose fuel cap can also trigger it.
What to do: If steady, tighten the fuel cap and drive a few trips; if it stays on, schedule service. If flashing, reduce speed/avoid hard accel and seek service immediately to prevent damage.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
What it means: ABS may be offline; conventional brakes still function.
What to do: Drive cautiously and schedule diagnosis. ABS & brake lights together can indicate EBD malfunction—service ASAP.
AWD Warning (CVT models)
What it means: Tire size/pressure mismatch or temporary spare in use can trigger a flashing AWD light.
What to do: Check tire pressures and make sure all four tires match in size; minimize driving on a temporary spare. Continued driving with the light flashing can damage the powertrain.
AT OIL TEMP (CVT)
What it means: Transmission fluid hot (steady) or control system fault (flashing).
What to do: If steady while driving, pull over safely and idle until it turns off; if flashing after start, have the system inspected promptly.
Tire Pressure (TPMS)
What it means: One or more tires may be low.
What to do: Check/adjust pressures when cold; look for punctures. Light may take a few minutes to clear after correction. (See Owner’s Manual for model specifics.)
Power Steering / VDC / Other Amber Icons
What it means: Assistance or stability system may be limited/off.
What to do: Drive conservatively and schedule diagnosis if the light stays on. (Exact meaning varies by icon and model—see your manual.)
Green/Blue Indicators (Information)
High Beams (Blue)
Headlamps are on high beam; switch to low beam around other traffic.
Turn Signals / Hazards (Green)
Normal operation indicators for signaling and hazards.
Cruise / X-MODE® / AVH (Green)
Feature status indicators (enabled/active). See Owner’s Manual for specifics.
This guide summarizes common lights. Subaru icons can vary by year/trim; always confirm in your Owner’s Manual (download manuals and light guides from Subaru’s Vehicle Resources).
Serving Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake, Millcreek, Sugar House, Holladay, Murray, West Valley City, Taylorsville, and Park City.