Knowing what each dashboard symbol means lets you spot trouble early, avoid costly damage and keep everyone safe. In a Subaru Forester, icons follow a traffic-light logic: red means stop now, yellow means fix soon, and green only informs.
Scan the lists below to see what every major light is telling you.
Quick Navigation
Red Warning Lights (Stop Immediately)
Engine Oil Pressure
Oil pressure has dropped; engine can seize. Pull over, switch off, check or top up oil before driving again.
Coolant Temperature High
Engine is overheating. Stop safely, let it cool, check coolant level and seek repair before resuming.
Brake System
Brake fluid low or hydraulic fault. Park quickly, check fluid, and arrange tow or repair before continuing.
SRS Airbag
Airbag self-check failed; bags may not deploy in a crash. Drive cautiously to a dealer for urgent inspection.
Battery Charge
Alternator or battery not charging. Turn off accessories and head straight for a workshop before power is lost.
Power Steering Fail
Electric steering assist lost; wheel feels heavy. Stop if steering is hard and get immediate help.
Transmission Fluid Overheat
CVT fluid too hot; gear damage risk. Pull over, idle until light clears, then have fluid inspected.
Rear Differential Overheat
Rear diff temperature high. Park, allow cool-down, inspect tyre sizes and fluid before restarting.
Driver Monitoring Fail
Camera fault; driver-fatigue alerts disabled. Visit a service centre soon for recalibration.
Door Ajar
A door or rear gate isn’t fully closed. Stop, shut it firmly before moving.
Hood Open
Engine hood not latched. Pull over and close securely to prevent damage or loss of visibility.
Seatbelt Reminder
Seatbelt unfastened. Buckle up before driving off.
Electronic Parking Brake Fault
Electric handbrake cannot apply or release. Stop on level ground and call for service.
Steering Column Lock
Steering lock did not release; wheel may jam. Do not drive—seek professional assistance.
Yellow / Amber Warning Lights (Action Required Soon)
Check Engine
Engine or emission fault detected. Have codes read and fix soon to avoid damage.
ABS
Anti-lock brakes inactive; wheels may lock under hard braking. Book repair promptly.
Tire Pressure
One or more tyres under-inflated. Inflate to spec and check for punctures.
Vehicle Dynamics Control Off
Stability control disabled; grip reduced. Drive gently and reactivate or service soon.
Hill Start Assist
Hill-hold malfunction; car may roll on slopes. Use brake carefully and schedule repair.
Auto Start Stop Fault
Idle-stop system unavailable; fuel saving disabled. Have system checked when convenient.
Blind Spot Detection
Radar blocked or fault; blind-spot alerts inactive. Clean sensors and visit dealer if light stays on.
Lane Departure Warning
Camera error or lane aid off; no drift alerts. Clean windscreen and service if needed.
LED Headlight Fault
LED unit failed; night vision reduced. Replace or repair at first chance.
Low Fuel
Tank nearly empty; refuel soon to avoid stalling.
Washer Fluid Low
Windscreen washer fluid low; top up for clear view.
DPF Regeneration Needed
Diesel filter filling; take a brisk drive to burn off soot soon.
Glow Plug (Diesel)
Engine pre-heat active; wait for light to go out before starting.
Headlight Beam Leveler Fault
Auto-level stuck; lights may dazzle oncoming traffic. Get adjusted soon.
Traction Control Off
Spin-control disabled; wheels can slip. Re-engage the feature or arrange service.
Green (Information Only)
Turn Signal
Arrow flashes with indicators; shows chosen direction.
High Beam
Blue icon confirms high beams are on for full-distance lighting.
Low Beam
Green lamp shows dipped headlights active.
Fog Lights
Symbol glows when front fog lamps are switched on.
Daytime Running Light
Indicates DRLs operating for daytime visibility.
Cruise Control Standby
Speed control armed; press SET to lock speed.
ECO Mode
Economy drive mode engaged to save fuel.
Auto Start Stop Active
Engine paused at a stop to save fuel; restarts on pedal lift.
Hill Descent Control
System ready to hold low speed on steep declines.
X-MODE Engaged
Off-road assist active for rough or slippery terrain.
AWD Active
Symmetrical AWD distributing power to all wheels.
SI-Drive Sport Mode
Sharper throttle selected for brisk driving.
When looking at Subaru, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Subaru Impreza, Subaru Xv-Crosstrek, and Subaru Outback. Understanding dashboard warning lights is essential. Our expert reviews break down what each light means, highlighting common alerts for these models and what they could signal about underlying issues, so you’re never left guessing behind the wheel.
