Red dashboard lights
Red usually means a serious fault or a safety warning. Stop when it is safe and check the light's meaning before driving on. 101 red warning lights on record; open one for its exact meaning.
ACC braking insufficientDashboard lightsACC braking insufficientLights up red when adaptive cruise control (ACC) cannot slow the car down enough for the situation ahead. Press the brake pedal yourself straight away.On Škoda
AdBlue empty (red)Dashboard lightsAdBlue empty (red)Shown together with a text message. In red, the car will not start again until AdBlue has been added; refill the tank.On Audi
AdBlue fault (red)Dashboard lightsAdBlue fault (red)Either the wrong fluid has gone into the AdBlue tank or a fault has been found in the system; a text message explains which. In red the problem is serious and the car cannot be started. The system has to be purged or repaired by trained technicians.On Audi
AdBlue fault, text (red)Dashboard lightsAdBlue fault, text (red)The AdBlue emissions system needs attention straight away; carrying on risks damage to the engine or its exhaust-cleaning system. Only a dealer or qualified workshop can repair it.On Audi
AdBlue level low, bottle (red)3 meaningsAdBlue level low, bottle (red)Lights up (red, or amber in the less urgent version) when the AdBlue level is low. Top up with AdBlue.Differs by brand.On Škoda
AdBlue refill needed, text (red)Dashboard lightsAdBlue refill needed, text (red)Fluid has to be added to the AdBlue tank; without it the engine's exhaust emissions will be far too high.On Audi
AdBlue system fault wrench (red)Dashboard lightsAdBlue system fault wrench (red)Shown together with the red AdBlue lamp: both control lamps light up red and indicate a fault in the AdBlue system. The engine cannot be restarted. Go to a specialised workshop and get the system checked.On CUPRA
AdBlue system fault, bottle (red)Dashboard lightsAdBlue system fault, bottle (red)Lights up (red, or amber in the less urgent version) when there is a fault in the AdBlue system. Seek a specialist garage.On Škoda
Air bag/seat belt pretensioner warning light (red)Dashboard lightsAir bag/seat belt pretensioner warning light (red)A malfunction is indicated if the light flashes or stays on, or does not come on when the ignition is switched ON. Consult an expert repairer as soon as possible; the system may not operate in an accident. Never tamper with the air bag or pretensioner systems.On Mazda
Airbag (seated belted passenger, red)Dashboard lightsAirbag (seated belted passenger, red)Should flash on briefly when the car prepares to drive. If it does not flash on, or if it stays on, contact Tesla immediately.On Tesla
Airbag fault (AIR BAG)Dashboard lightsAirbag fault (AIR BAG)A text version of the airbag warning used by some European makers. One of the airbags has failed; only a dealer or authorised workshop can repair it.On Audi
Airbag system (red figure with oval airbag)Dashboard lightsAirbag system (red figure with oval airbag)Lights up briefly when the vehicle is ready: readiness check of the airbag system and belt tensioners. Stays lit: the airbag system or belt tensioners are malfunctioning; have them checked immediately.On MINI
Airbag warning4 meaningsAirbag warningOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; the airbags may not deploy properly in an accident. Have the system checked as soon as possible.Differs by brand.On BMW
Anti-theft system warning lamp (red)Dashboard lightsAnti-theft system warning lamp (red)If this lamp illuminates, no valid key is detected. Use the correct key, or put the smart key in the alternative starting position.On MG
Audi pre sense collision warning (red)Dashboard lightsAudi pre sense collision warning (red)Audi pre sense has detected a collision hazard. It warns with visual, sound and haptic signals and, if needed, brakes partly or fully; it can also tighten the seat belts, close the windows and sunroof and switch on the hazard lights. React immediately.On Audi
Bonnet not closedDashboard lightsBonnet not closedEither the bonnet is not shut or the latch sensor cannot confirm it is locked. Pull over somewhere safe and shut it firmly; never keep driving while it might fly up. If it looks shut and the warning persists, get the latch and its sensor inspected.On Audi
Brake indicator with BRAKE text (red)Dashboard lightsBrake indicator with BRAKE text (red)If the red brake indicator shows at any time other than briefly at start-up, a brake system fault has been detected or the brake fluid level is low. Contact Tesla immediately. Apply steady pressure and keep the brake pedal firmly pressed to stop the vehicle when safe to do so.On Tesla
Brake overheating (red)Dashboard lightsBrake overheating (red)The brake discs and pads are overheating. Pull over as soon as you safely can and let them cool: if they stay hot the brake fluid can boil and braking pressure can be lost.On Audi
Brake system fault (red circle with exclamation mark)Dashboard lightsBrake system fault (red circle with exclamation mark)Brake pads are worn or there is a fault in the brake system. Braking assistance may not work and higher pedal force may be needed. Have the system checked immediately.On MINI
Brake warning (BRAKE)4 meaningsBrake warning (BRAKE)Orange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; the braking system needs to be inspected as soon as possible.Differs by brand.On BMW
Central warning (red triangle)8 meaningsCentral warning (red triangle)Draws attention to an urgent message shown with it; on its own it does not identify a component. Read the full message or second symbol in the driver display straight away and follow its instruction.Differs by brand.On Audi
Charging / battery warning17 meaningsCharging / battery warningOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; the battery is not being charged properly. Have the charging system checked by a workshop soon.Differs by brand.On BMW
Charging cable connected3 meaningsCharging cable connectedOn the electric 208, this red light stays on with the ignition on while the charging cable is plugged into the car's socket. If a message also appears, the car cannot be started: unplug the cable and close the charging flap.Differs by brand.On Peugeot
Collision risk warning (red car)Dashboard lightsCollision risk warning (red car)The red car symbol warns of a risk of collision with a vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist or large animal.On Volvo
Coolant temperature warning (red)11 meaningsCoolant temperature warning (red)When the thermometer-in-water symbol turns orange or red, the engine is in danger of overheating, which can cause severe engine damage. Stop safely and have the cooling system checked before driving on.Differs by brand.On BMW
Deep discharge of the high-voltage battery (red charging station)Dashboard lightsDeep discharge of the high-voltage battery (red charging station)The lamp lights up red and a message is displayed. The high-voltage battery can be damaged if, for example, the vehicle is not used for a long time. Charge the high-voltage battery immediately.On CUPRA
Distance warning (red)Dashboard lightsDistance warning (red)A vehicle or obstacle ahead is too close or being approached too quickly. Brake and increase the gap. On some cars the light turns from amber to red as the gap becomes too small. The exclamation mark can also point to a fault in the distance warning system, often caused by weather or a dirty sensor; drive with extra care.On Audi
Door openDashboard lightsDoor openA door is open or not properly latched. Close it as soon as you can. Something caught in the door jamb can hold a door slightly open and keep the light on.On Audi
Door open (red)Dashboard lightsDoor open (red)Lights red when a door or the tailgate is open.On Opel
Door or trunk open (top view with seats, red)Dashboard lightsDoor or trunk open (top view with seats, red)Lights red when a door, the rear trunk or the front trunk is open.On Tesla
Door status (car from above)Dashboard lightsDoor status (car from above)Door status warning light: lights red to show the status of the doors and openings.On Renault
Door(s) open (outline car)Dashboard lightsDoor(s) open (outline car)Lights red and steady, with a message naming the opening, when a door or the tailgate is not properly closed. Below 6 mph (10 km/h) it shows silently; above that speed a chime sounds as well.On Peugeot
Drive power / powertrain warningDashboard lightsDrive power / powertrain warningOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; there is a problem with the powertrain that needs immediate attention. Stop safely and get help.On BMW
Driver attention monitor stage 2 and 3 (red eye with !)Dashboard lightsDriver attention monitor stage 2 and 3 (red eye with !)Stage 2 (risk detected): depending on the configuration an audible warning may be issued, and a red warning lamp is shown on the instrument cluster with a text message. Stage 3 (serious risk): an audio signal sounds and the red warning lamp and message are shown. In both stages, stop making operating inputs and pay attention to the traffic.On CUPRA
Drowsiness monitor warning level 2 and 3 (red coffee cup)Dashboard lightsDrowsiness monitor warning level 2 and 3 (red coffee cup)Level 2: the system has detected that the driver is becoming increasingly tired. An audible signal sounds and a red warning lamp and a text message are shown on the instrument cluster; consider taking a break soon. Level 3: serious risk identified; an audible signal sounds and a red warning lamp and message are shown. Stop driving as soon as possible and go urgently to the nearest place where you can take a break.On CUPRA
EV charging fault (red)Dashboard lightsEV charging fault (red)Relates to charging the high-voltage battery: depending on the car it shows that the car is plugged in or that there is a charging fault. If it flashes, check the cable is properly connected.On Audi
Electric drive system fault (red)2 meaningsElectric drive system fault (red)A fault in the electric drive system (motor, inverter, high-voltage battery, charging or cooling) needs immediate attention. Contact a workshop before driving further.Differs by brand.On Audi
Electric motor fault3 meaningsElectric motor faultLights red when there is a fault in the electrotechnical system linked to the electric motor. Contact an approved dealer straight away.Differs by brand.On Renault
Electric power steering warning (wheel and !)2 meaningsElectric power steering warning (wheel and !)Lights for about 3 seconds when switched ON. If it stays on, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is malfunctioning; have the vehicle inspected by a professional workshop or a Kia dealer.Differs by brand.On Kia
Electric system malfunction (red car with !)Dashboard lightsElectric system malfunction (red car with !)On the electric 208, this red light stays on when a fault involving the electric motor or the traction battery has been detected.On Peugeot
Electronic steering lock fault (red)Dashboard lightsElectronic steering lock fault (red)The electronic steering lock, part of the start and immobiliser system, has a fault. In red the car cannot be started or steered; do not tow it, and contact a workshop straight away.On Audi
Electrotechnical system fault (car with !)2 meaningsElectrotechnical system fault (car with !)Lights red when there is a fault in the electrical assembly: contact an approved dealer straight away. With the STOP light and a beep, the system is overheating: stop and switch off. With the STOP light, a beep and the EVACUATE IN SAFETY message, switch off, do not restart, leave the vehicle and keep away from it, as there is a risk of fire.Differs by brand.On Renault
Electrotechnical system temperatureDashboard lightsElectrotechnical system temperatureLights red when the temperature of the electrical assembly is too high. Stop without switching off the ignition; the light should go out. If it does not, consult an approved dealer. Performance may be reduced.On Renault
Emergency Assist active with lane guidanceDashboard lightsEmergency Assist active with lane guidanceLights up on the instrument cluster when the driver has not reacted to the prompts to take control and the system is regulating: it brakes the vehicle and keeps it in its lane, with lane guidance activated. You can cancel the intervention at any time by moving the steering wheel, accelerating or braking. Other road users are warned by the hazard warning lights and, depending on speed, the horn. Once the vehicle has stopped, the electronic parking brake and gear position P are engaged and all doors are unlocked.On CUPRA
Emergency Assist interveningDashboard lightsEmergency Assist interveningLights up red while Emergency Assist is intervening. You can interrupt its automatic braking by firmly pressing the brake or accelerator pedal or by abruptly turning the steering wheel from side to side.On Škoda
Emergency call fault (red SOS and handset)Dashboard lightsEmergency call fault (red SOS and handset)The red SOS symbol means there is a problem with the car's emergency call system.On Volvo
Engine oil level / oil pressure warning13 meaningsEngine oil level / oil pressure warningOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; an oil can symbol means the oil is low. Check the level and top up, or have the car checked.Differs by brand.On BMW
Engine oil pressure (red oil can)Dashboard lightsEngine oil pressure (red oil can)Lights red and steady (combustion-engine models) when there is a fault in the engine lubrication system. Get help from a dealer or qualified workshop.On Peugeot
Engine oil sensor warning4 meaningsEngine oil sensor warningOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; the oil sensor reports dangerously low engine oil pressure. Stop the engine as soon as it is safe and have the car checked before driving on.Differs by brand.On BMW
Engine start system fault (red)Dashboard lightsEngine start system fault (red)The electronic start system has a fault. If the engine is running, do not switch it off; drive straight to a workshop and contact it right away.On Audi
Engine start system fault, key and lock (red)Dashboard lightsEngine start system fault, key and lock (red)The electronics of the start system have a fault. If the engine is running, do not switch it off; contact a workshop and head there straight away.On Audi
Engine stopDashboard lightsEngine stopThe engine has shut down, most likely because of an engine or fuel-system fault. If this happens while driving, steering and braking need more effort; the electric power steering keeps working as long as the battery has enough charge. The car needs a workshop.On Audi
Forward collision warning (red solid car)Dashboard lightsForward collision warning (red solid car)Lights up: a risk of collision has been detected; increased awareness is needed. Flashes: a collision is imminent; brake or evade immediately.On MINI
Front Assist collision warning (red)Dashboard lightsFront Assist collision warning (red)Red: Front Assist warns of a risk of collision. If the driver does not react, the car brakes automatically.On Škoda
Front Assist collision warning, car between lanes (red)Dashboard lightsFront Assist collision warning, car between lanes (red)Front Assist warns of an acute risk of collision with a red light and a chime. Brake or steer round the obstacle at once. Depending on speed, the car may also brake automatically without an earlier warning stage.On Volkswagen
Hands off steering wheel (solid hands)Dashboard lightsHands off steering wheel (solid hands)Lights when the system detects that your hands are off the steering wheel; the message 'Keep control' is shown with a beep. It may appear yellow until you take control again.On Renault
High engine coolant temperature warning light (red)Dashboard lightsHigh engine coolant temperature warning light (red)Flashes when coolant temperature is extremely high: drive slowly to reduce engine load until you can stop safely and let the engine cool. Lit: possible overheating; park in a safe place immediately and stop the engine. Do not drive with the light on, as the engine could be damaged.On Mazda
Intersection / collision warningDashboard lightsIntersection / collision warningOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; an accident is about to happen. React immediately.On BMW
KEY warning light (red)Dashboard lightsKEY warning light (red)On continuously: malfunction in the keyless entry system; the engine may not start, so use the emergency starting operation and have it inspected. Flashing: the key battery is dead, the key is out of range or hard to detect, a similar key from another manufacturer is nearby, or the key was taken out of the cabin with the ignition on.On Mazda
Lane guidance, left (red)Dashboard lightsLane guidance, left (red)Audi's lane assist is steering the car back towards the middle of its lane on this side. When the red lane line is lit on both sides at once, the emergency assist function has been triggered.On Audi
Lane guidance, right (red)Dashboard lightsLane guidance, right (red)Audi's lane assist is steering the car back towards the middle of its lane on this side. When the red lane line is lit on both sides at once, the emergency assist function has been triggered.On Audi
Loose wheel warning (red)Dashboard lightsLoose wheel warning (red)A wheel may be loose, detected through the ABS sensors. Do not ignore it: a loose wheel damages the wheel and studs and can cause loss of control. Have the wheels checked by a workshop as soon as possible.On Audi
Major engine fault (red engine with !)2 meaningsMajor engine fault (red engine with !)Lights red and steady (combustion-engine and mild-hybrid models), together with the STOP warning, when the engine self-diagnosis has found a major fault. Get help from a dealer or qualified workshop.Differs by brand.On Peugeot
Maximum coolant temperature, matrix displayDashboard lightsMaximum coolant temperature, matrix displayOn cars with the matrix instrument panel this symbol stays on with the display blocks lit in red when the cooling system temperature is too high. Stop as soon as it is safe to do so and let the engine cool down before topping up the coolant if needed. If the problem persists, get help from a dealer or qualified workshop.On Peugeot
Night Vision warningDashboard lightsNight Vision warningOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; the night vision system has spotted a hazard that the headlights are not yet lighting up. Watch the road ahead and be ready to brake.On BMW
Night vision: animal (red)Dashboard lightsNight vision: animal (red)Night vision assist, which uses an infrared camera, has detected a wild, warm-blooded animal ahead and a collision is possible. The system works only in darkness and stops working when the outside air is warmer than about 75 °F (24 °C).On Audi
Night vision: pedestrian (red)Dashboard lightsNight vision: pedestrian (red)Night vision assist, which uses an infrared camera, has detected a person ahead and a collision is possible. The system works only in darkness and stops working when the outside air is warmer than about 75 °F (24 °C).On Audi
Parking brake (PARK)2 meaningsParking brake (PARK)Another form of the parking brake light. Besides showing that the brake is applied, this version with the full word can point to a fault in the electric parking brake. Release the brake before driving; if the light flashes, the brake needs servicing.Differs by brand.On Audi
Parking brake and brake fluid warning (BRAKE text)Dashboard lightsParking brake and brake fluid warning (BRAKE text)Lights for about 3 seconds when switched ON and stays on while the parking brake is applied. If it lights with the parking brake released, the brake fluid level is low: drive carefully to a safe place and stop, check the fluid with the engine off, add fluid and check the brake components for leaks. Do not drive if there is a leak, the light stays on or the brakes do not operate properly; have the vehicle towed to a workshop. Lit together with the ABS warning light, the ABS and regular brake system are not working normally (EBD warning): avoid high speed and abrupt braking and have the vehicle inspected.On Kia
Parking brake applied (P)9 meaningsParking brake applied (P)Normally shows that the parking brake is on. Release it before driving off and check that the light goes out. This is a status light, not a brake-system fault; if the P flashes, stays on after release or comes with a fault message, check the instructions before moving and never drive against an applied brake.Differs by brand.On Audi
Parking brake warning15 meaningsParking brake warningOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; the parking brake is not working properly. Have it repaired.Differs by brand.On BMW
Parking brake with PARK text below (red)Dashboard lightsParking brake with PARK text below (red)The red parking brake indicator lights up when the parking brake is applied manually.On Tesla
Pedestrian warningDashboard lightsPedestrian warningOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; a pedestrian has stepped onto the road unexpectedly. Be ready to brake.On BMW
Pedestrian warning (red person between road lines)Dashboard lightsPedestrian warning (red person between road lines)The light flashes and an acoustic signal sounds: a collision with a person is imminent. Brake or evade immediately.On MINI
Powertrain fault warning lightDashboard lightsPowertrain fault warning lightTurns on if the powertrain fails, either steady at ignition or during driving. Try not to drive the vehicle and contact an authorized dealer or service provider as soon as possible.On BYD
Proactive occupant protection activeDashboard lightsProactive occupant protection activeLights up red while the proactive occupant protection system is intervening. On cars with Front Assist, the system activates safety measures when it judges that a frontal collision is imminent.On Škoda
Rear Traffic Alert obstacle (red)Dashboard lightsRear Traffic Alert obstacle (red)Rear Traffic Alert has detected crossing traffic behind the car while you reverse out of a space or manoeuvre, and it may brake. Keep watching the surroundings; the system only works within its limits.On Volkswagen
Rear spoiler fault (red)Dashboard lightsRear spoiler fault (red)The automatic rear spoiler has not deployed and you have reached high speed; it turns red at about 85 mph (about 137 km/h). Slow down below that. Clean the spoiler recess, close all doors and lids and restart once the car has shut down fully; if it returns, see a workshop.On Audi
SCR system fault (red AdBlue bottle and spanner)Dashboard lightsSCR system fault (red AdBlue bottle and spanner)The red stage of an exhaust aftertreatment (SCR) fault or non-standard AdBlue, shown when the yellow warning was ignored. A message says the engine start is disabled: once switched off, the engine cannot be restarted. Drive straight to a workshop without switching the engine off and have the system checked.On Volkswagen
SRS warning (red seated figure and airbag)3 meaningsSRS warning (red seated figure and airbag)The red SRS symbol means there is a fault in the airbags or related restraint systems. Act immediately and contact an authorised Volvo workshop.Differs by brand.On Volvo
STOP warning (text in rounded frame)2 meaningsSTOP warning (text in rounded frame)Lights red when the ignition is switched on and goes out once the engine is running. If it comes on while driving, together with other warning lights or messages and a beep, stop immediately when traffic conditions allow, switch off the engine and do not restart it. Call an approved dealer. On hybrid versions it also comes on with the EVACUATE IN SAFETY message.Differs by brand.On Renault
Seat belt reminder9 meaningsSeat belt reminderOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; fasten the seat belt; the light goes out once you have buckled up.Differs by brand.On BMW
Seat belt reminder (red outline figure)Dashboard lightsSeat belt reminder (red outline figure)The red seat belt symbol means an occupant is not wearing the seat belt.On Volvo
Seat belt reminder (red seated figure with seat)2 meaningsSeat belt reminder (red seated figure with seat)Flashes or lights up: the driver or front passenger seat belt is not buckled. Objects on the front passenger seat can also trigger the reminder. Make sure the seat belts are worn correctly.Differs by brand.On MINI
Seat belt reminder (red thin outline figure)Dashboard lightsSeat belt reminder (red thin outline figure)Lights red, steady or flashing with a chime that grows louder, when a seat belt has not been fastened or has been unfastened.On Peugeot
Seat belt warning (seat outline)Dashboard lightsSeat belt warning (seat outline)Informs the driver that the seat belt is not fastened.On Kia
Security / immobiliser warningDashboard lightsSecurity / immobiliser warningLights briefly when the ignition is locked: the car will only start with a recognised key. If it stays on while the car is running, or the engine will not start with the correct key while it stays on or flashes, the security system has a fault and a dealer is needed.On Audi
Speed limit sign speed indicatorDashboard lightsSpeed limit sign speed indicatorNNN is the speed on the speed limit sign currently identified. When the vehicle speed is greater than the speed limit value, the lamp flashes.On MG
Speed limit sign with ancillary informationDashboard lightsSpeed limit sign with ancillary informationThe speed limit sign currently identified has ancillary information. Please check.On MG
Speed limit unit km/h (red ring)Dashboard lightsSpeed limit unit km/h (red ring)Predictive cruise control is adjusting the speed to a detected speed limit. It is set up in the Assist systems menu and works when adaptive cruise control is on.On Volkswagen
Steering Assistant warning (red)Dashboard lightsSteering Assistant warning (red)A red steering wheel means the system is not keeping the car in its lane or at a proper distance from other vehicles. Take full control of steering and distance yourself.On BMW
Steering fault (red)4 meaningsSteering fault (red)A serious fault affects steering assistance, steering control or another steering function. Pull over safely if a stop message appears or steering turns heavy or erratic. If the wheel is restricted or the steering lock stays engaged, mention it when calling for recovery, and do not try a generic reset.Differs by brand.On Audi
System fault (red car with !)Dashboard lightsSystem fault (red car with !)The red car symbol means a fault has been detected in one of the car's systems. Act immediately and contact an authorised Volvo workshop.On Volvo
Take over and brake (red foot on pedal)Dashboard lightsTake over and brake (red foot on pedal)Shown red with a chime when adaptive cruise control cannot slow the car down enough. Take over control at once and be ready to brake.On Volkswagen
Take over steering (red)Dashboard lightsTake over steering (red)No hands have been detected on the steering wheel for some time, or the assistance has reached its limits (for example unclear lane lines or map data). The assist system needs you to steer: hold the wheel and take control.On Audi
Take over steering (red)Dashboard lightsTake over steering (red)Red: you have let go of the steering wheel. Take over steering immediately. If you do not respond, the system switches itself off or, depending on equipment, Emergency Assist is activated.On Škoda
Take over steering now (red hands on wheel)2 meaningsTake over steering now (red hands on wheel)Travel Assist or Emergency Assist: lit red with a message when you must take hold of the steering wheel and steer immediately. It follows the white request to take over steering if that was ignored.Differs by brand.On Volkswagen
Traction battery fault3 meaningsTraction battery faultLights red, together with the spanner warning light, when there is a fault in the operation of the traction battery. Contact an approved dealer straight away.Differs by brand.On Renault
Traction battery overheating / fault4 meaningsTraction battery overheating / faultOn the electric 208, lights red and steady together with the STOP warning, a message and a chime when the traction battery temperature is too high. Stop as soon as it is safe to do so, get everyone out of the car quickly and move to a safe distance, then get help from a dealer or qualified workshop.Differs by brand.On Peugeot
Transmission fault warning2 meaningsTransmission fault warningOrange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; the transmission has a problem. Have it checked by a workshop.Differs by brand.On BMW
eCall SOS indicator (red)Dashboard lightseCall SOS indicator (red)If the eCall system has failed and is not operational, the indicator illuminates red.On MG