Do Volvo warning lights mean the same as Audi or Volkswagen lights?

Symbol Index can't confirm that, because none of our verified sources cover Volvo cars. Even among the brands we do cover, the advice for the same symbol differs, so check your Volvo owner's manual.

What does a red warning triangle mean on the dashboard?

On Volkswagen cars it is a priority 1 warning meaning do not drive on, and on Audi cars it draws attention to an urgent message shown with it. For a Volvo, check your owner's manual.

Can I keep driving with the ABS light on?

On Škoda cars, you can continue driving carefully to a specialist garage, but not if the red brake light is also on. On Volkswagen cars, the brakes still work without ABS. For a Volvo, check your owner's manual.

Why does the airbag light flash after I start the car?

On Volkswagen and Škoda cars, a light that stays on about 4 seconds after ignition on and then flashes for about 12 seconds means an airbag or belt tensioner was switched off with a diagnostic tool. Check your own manual for other brands.

Volvo Dashboard Warning Lights Explained: What We Can Verify

Published November 13, 2026

Short answer: Symbol Index has no verified Volvo source yet, so check your Volvo owner's manual for exact meanings. Other brands show why that matters. On Volkswagen cars, a red warning triangle means do not drive on. On Škoda cars, an ABS light on its own means continue driving carefully and seek a specialist garage. Below are Audi, BMW, Škoda and Volkswagen meanings, labeled by brand.^{[1, 2]}

Can Symbol Index tell you what a Volvo warning light means?

Not yet. Every meaning on Symbol Index must come from a cited manual or guide, and none of our current sources cover Volvo cars. For the exact meaning of a light on your Volvo, including its color and what to do next, check your Volvo owner's manual.

Similar-looking symbols can come with different advice from one maker to the next. For example, the ABS light is described differently in the Audi guide and the Škoda Octavia manual we use. The sections below are examples from other brands to help you know what to look up, not instructions for a Volvo.^{[3, 2]}

What do red and amber warning triangles mean on other brands?

Central warning (red triangle) on Audi cars: it draws attention to an urgent message shown with it and does not identify a component on its own. Read the full message or second symbol in the driver display straight away and follow its instruction.^[4]
On Škoda cars, the red triangle is the central warning for a serious hazard. It may light alone or with another red light, and the instrument cluster normally shows a message about the fault.^[5]
On Volkswagen cars, the red triangle is a priority 1 warning. Do not drive on: stop when safe, check the fault shown and get expert help as soon as possible. While it is active, the cluster menus cannot be opened.^[1]
Central warning (amber triangle) on Škoda cars: it lights alone or with another amber light to indicate a warning, and a cluster message explains the cause. Follow the instruction for the accompanying light.^[6]
On Volkswagen cars, the yellow triangle is a priority 2 warning. Check the fault soon and have it checked by a workshop, because low fluid levels or faults can damage the car.^[7]

In the Audi, Škoda and Volkswagen sources, the red triangle is meant to be read together with a message or another light rather than on its own. Check your Volvo manual to see how its own warning indicators work.^{[4, 5, 1]}

ABS and brake warning lights on other brands

ABS warning on Audi cars: the anti-lock braking system may not be working, and stability functions that depend on it can be affected. Ordinary braking usually still works, but leave more braking distance and have the car checked soon.^[3]
On Škoda cars, the ABS light means the ABS has a fault. Continue driving carefully and seek a specialist garage; if the red brake light comes on with it, do not continue driving.^[2]
On Volkswagen cars, a yellow ABS light means ABS has failed or has a fault. The brakes still work without ABS, so drive carefully and have it checked.^[8]
Brake warning (BRAKE) on BMW cars: an orange or red light means the braking system needs to be inspected as soon as possible.^[9]
On European Audis, the word BRAKE warns of a problem with the basic brake system. If the parking brake is released, stop as soon as it is safe and contact a workshop.^[10]

In the Audi, Škoda and Volkswagen sources, an ABS light together with the red brake warning is treated as more serious than ABS alone. Your Volvo manual will say how its brake lights should be handled.^{[3, 2, 8]}

Airbag warning lights on other brands

Airbag warning on BMW cars: an orange or red light means the airbags may not deploy properly in an accident. Have the system checked as soon as possible.^[11]
On Audi cars, the airbag warning means one of the airbags or another part of the restraint system has a fault. Have it repaired by a dealer or authorized workshop as soon as possible.^[12]
Airbag / restraint system warning (amber) on Audi cars: occupant protection could be reduced. It is not the same as the passenger airbag OFF status, and you should not unplug seat or airbag wiring to make it go out.^[13]
Airbag fault (AIR BAG) text warning on Audi cars: one of the airbags has failed, and only a dealer or authorized workshop can repair it.^[14]
Airbag / belt tensioner fault on Volkswagen cars: lit continuously yellow, there is a fault in the airbag or belt tensioner system, so have it checked straight away. It also lights briefly at ignition on as a function check.^[15]
Airbag fault warning on Škoda cars: lit with a message, it means an airbag system fault, so seek a specialist garage. Lit with the passenger airbag OFF light, the airbag switch is faulty and the passenger airbag will not deploy.^[16]

Battery and charging warning lights on other brands

Charging / battery warning on BMW cars: an orange or red light means the battery is not being charged properly. Have the charging system checked by a workshop soon.^[17]
On Audi cars, this light means the car may not be keeping up its electrical supply. Read the exact message, move to a safe place, and stop if told to or if there is smoke, overheating or loss of steering assistance.^[18]
Battery / charging warning (amber) on Audi cars: shown with a message, it can mean low charge that driving will recharge, or that the engine may not restart if switched off.^[19]
On Škoda cars, the amber battery light's advice depends on the message: drive several kilometers or charge a weak 12V battery, or seek a garage for a not-charging or 12V battery fault message.^[20]
On Škoda cars, a red battery light with a 48V network or 12V not-charging message means park safely, switch off and get help. With the red coolant light and red triangle, it indicates an engine fault.^[21]
On Volkswagen cars, a red battery light with a message means the 12-volt system may fail. Do not drive on; stop safely and get expert help.^[22]

Brake pad wear light on other brands

Brake pad wear warning on BMW cars: the brake pads are probably worn and due for replacement, so book a brake service.^[23]
On Audi cars, the pads are worn and need attention before they start damaging the discs. The light does not show how much is left on each pad.^[24]
On Škoda cars, the pads have worn down to their limit. Drive with extra care to a specialist garage and have them replaced.^[25]
On Volkswagen cars, the light comes on yellow when the pads are worn. Go to a workshop straight away to have all pads checked.^[26]

For any light on your Volvo that isn't covered here, or to confirm what a symbol means on your model, check your Volvo owner's manual.

Frequently asked questions

Do Volvo warning lights mean the same as Audi or Volkswagen lights?: Symbol Index can't confirm that, because none of our verified sources cover Volvo cars. Even among the brands we do cover, the advice for the same symbol differs, so check your Volvo owner's manual.^{[3, 2]}
What does a red warning triangle mean on the dashboard?: On Volkswagen cars it is a priority 1 warning meaning do not drive on, and on Audi cars it draws attention to an urgent message shown with it. For a Volvo, check your owner's manual.^{[4, 1]}
Can I keep driving with the ABS light on?: On Škoda cars, you can continue driving carefully to a specialist garage, but not if the red brake light is also on. On Volkswagen cars, the brakes still work without ABS. For a Volvo, check your owner's manual.^{[2, 8]}
Why does the airbag light flash after I start the car?: On Volkswagen and Škoda cars, a light that stays on about 4 seconds after ignition on and then flashes for about 12 seconds means an airbag or belt tensioner was switched off with a diagnostic tool. Check your own manual for other brands.^{[15, 16]}

Symbols referenced

1.Central warning (red triangle) — Do not drive on (red central warning) (Volkswagen cars).
2.ABS warning — ABS fault (Škoda cars).
3.ABS warning — ABS fault (Audi cars).
4.Central warning (red triangle) — Central warning (Audi cars).
5.Central warning (red triangle) — Serious hazard (red central warning) (Škoda cars).
6.Central warning (amber triangle) — Warning (amber central warning) (Škoda cars).
7.Central warning (amber triangle) — Priority 2 warning (yellow central warning) (Volkswagen cars).
8.ABS warning — ABS fault (Volkswagen cars).
9.Brake warning (BRAKE) — Brake system fault (BMW cars).
10.Brake warning (BRAKE) — Brake system fault (BRAKE) (Audi cars).
11.Airbag warning — Airbag fault (BMW cars).
12.Airbag warning — Airbag fault (Audi cars).
13.Airbag / restraint system warning (amber) — Airbag or restraint system fault (Audi cars).
14.Airbag fault (AIR BAG) — Airbag fault (Audi cars).
15.Airbag / belt tensioner fault (amber seated occupant) — Airbag or belt tensioner fault (Volkswagen cars).
16.Airbag fault warning — Airbag system fault (Škoda cars).
17.Charging / battery warning — Battery not charging (BMW cars).
18.Charging / battery warning — Electrical charging fault (Audi cars).
19.Battery / charging warning (amber) — Battery or charging warning (Audi cars).
20.Battery / charging warning (amber) — 12V battery or electrical fault (amber) (Škoda cars).
21.Charging / battery warning — Electrical system fault (red) (Škoda cars).
22.Charging / battery warning — 12-volt power supply fault (Volkswagen cars).
23.Brake pad wear warning — Brake pads worn (BMW cars).
24.Brake pad wear warning — Brake pad wear (Audi cars).
25.Brake pad wear warning — Brake pads worn (Škoda cars).
26.Brake pad wear warning — Brake pads worn (Volkswagen cars).

How this guide was made: drafted with AI assistance strictly from Symbol Index's verified records, then checked and approved by a human reviewer. Each numbered reference links to the symbol page with the full meaning.