You’re cruising through Washington Township in your Subaru when suddenly ding! a mysterious symbol lights up on your dashboard. Do you pull over immediately? Call a tow truck? Or is it safe to keep driving?

Understanding your Subaru’s warning lights can help you avoid costly repairs, reduce stress and stay safe on the road. At Subaru of Dayton, we’re here to help you make sense of what your car is trying to tell you, one light at a time.

Why Subaru Warning Lights Matter

Today’s vehicles are smart, packed with sensors and systems designed to keep everything running smoothly. Warning lights are your Subaru’s way of saying:

                    “Hey, something’s up. Please check this out.” ⚠️

Whether it’s a minor reminder or a serious alert, knowing what each light means can save you time, money and potentially your vehicle’s health.

The Three Main Categories of Subaru Dashboard Lights

Understanding the color coding of warning lights is key:

• 🟢 Green or Blue – Informational or system-active indicators
• 🟡 Yellow or Amber – Something needs attention soon
• 🔴 Red – Stop driving and investigate immediately
   

🔴 Red Warning Lights: Stop and Investigate

These indicate serious issues that could affect your safety or damage your vehicle if ignored.

Engine Temperature Warning Light

• Looks like: A thermometer floating in liquid
• What it means: Your engine is overheating
• What to do: Pull over, turn off your engine and let it cool down. Call Subaru of Dayton if the light doesn’t turn off.
   

Brake System Warning Light

• Looks like: A circle with an exclamation point or the word “BRAKE”
• What it means: Your parking brake is engaged or there’s a serious issue with your braking system
• What to do: If the parking brake is released and the light remains, don’t drive. Call for service right away.
   

🟡 Yellow or Amber Lights: Get Checked Soon

These aren’t emergencies, but they do mean something needs your attention.

Check Engine Light (CEL)

• Looks like: An outline of an engine
• What it means: Could be anything from a loose gas cap to a misfire
• What to do: If it’s flashing, stop driving and call for help. If steady, schedule a diagnostic check soon.
   

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) Warning

• Looks like: A car with squiggly lines behind it
• What it means: Your traction control system is compromised
• What to do: Drive carefully, especially in bad weather. If the light stays on, have it inspected.
   

Maintenance Required Light

• Looks like: A wrench 🔧
• What it means: It’s time for scheduled service, such as an oil change or tire rotation
• What to do: Book your appointment at Subaru of Dayton.
   

🟢 Green and Blue Lights: System Status Indicators

These simply let you know when certain features are active.

• High Beam Indicator – High beams are on
• Cruise Control Indicator – Cruise control is engaged
• Turn Signal Indicators – Blinking lights showing active turn signals
   

Subaru-Specific Warning Lights to Know

Subaru includes a few unique dashboard symbols you might not recognize at first glance:

• Eyesight® Warning Light – Indicates an issue with Subaru’s driver assist system 👁
• Hill Start Assist Light – Active when you're on an incline
• AWD Warning Light – Signals a potential problem with your all-wheel drive system
   

“Many warning lights are misunderstood or ignored until it’s too late,” says Kyle Ramirez, Subaru-certified technician at Subaru of Dayton.
“One of the most common issues we see is customers driving for weeks with a blinking check engine light, which often leads to bigger repairs that could have been avoided.”

✅ What to Do When a Warning Light Comes On

Follow this checklist when a warning light appears:

• 📖 Check your owner’s manual to identify the symbol
• 🚗 Pull over safely if the light is red or flashing
• ⚠️ Drive with caution if the light is yellow or amber
• 📲 Call Subaru of Dayton for advice or to schedule diagnostics
   

Visit Subaru of Dayton for Dashboard Light Diagnostics

Dashboard lights can be confusing, but with the right information and a reliable service team, you're always in control.

At Subaru of Dayton, located at 995 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Washington Township, OH, our factory-trained technicians use advanced diagnostic tools to get to the root of the issue quickly and accurately.