Lexus IS dashboard symbols and warning lights
Every light in the Lexus IS owner's manual, 2010 to 2026. Tap a light to see what it means and what to do. Red means stop safely, amber means get it checked soon.
2021 to 2026 IS warning lights
Brake system warning light
Stop safely
The manual says: Indicates that: The brake fluid level is low; or The brake system is malfunctioning; Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
Brake system warning light
Check soon
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the parking brake system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
High coolant temperature warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high.
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
More about the engine temperature warning light · Shop coolants on Amazon
Charging system warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
More about the battery / charging system light · Shop jump starters on Amazon
Low engine oil pressure warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low.
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
More about the oil pressure warning light · Shop engine oils on Amazon
Malfunction indicator lamp
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Or Indicates a malfunction in: The electronic engine control system; The electronic throttle control system; or The electronic transmission control system.
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
More about the check engine light · Shop OBD2 scanners on Amazon
SRS warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in: The SRS airbag system; The front passenger occupant classification system; or The seat belt pretensioner system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
ABS warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Or Indicates a malfunction in: The ABS; or The brake assist system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Inappropriate pedal operation warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: When a buzzer sounds: Brake Override System is malfunctioning; When a buzzer does not sound: Brake Override System is operating.
What to do: Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning; Drive-Start Control is operating; Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display. Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal.
Electric power steering system warning light
Stop safely
The manual says: Or (yellow) Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Low fuel level warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.6 gal. (10 L, 2.2 Imp. gal.) or less.
What to do: Refuel the vehicle.
Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light
Information · usual colour
The manual says: Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat belts; If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.
What to do: Fasten the seat belt.
Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder light
Information · usual colour
The manual says: Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts.
What to do: Fasten the seat belt.
Tire pressure warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: When the light comes on (a buzzer sounds): Low tire inflation pressure from natural causes; After the temperature of the tires has lowered sufficiently, check the inflation pressure of each tire and adjust them to the specified level.; Low tire inflation pressure from flat tire.
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and perform the necessary actions. Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer.
More about the tire pressure (tpms) light · Shop tire inflators on Amazon
Intuitive parking assist OFF indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: (if equipped) When a buzzer sounds: Indicates a malfunction in the intuitive parking assist function; When a buzzer does not sound: Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
PCS warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System).; If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate.
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
LTA indicator
Check soon
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist).
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
LDA indicator
Check soon
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the LDA (Lane Departure Alert).
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
PDA indicator
Check soon
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the PDA (Proactive Driving Assist).
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Dynamic radar cruise control indicator
Check soon
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the dynamic radar cruise control.
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Cruise control indicator
Check soon
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control.
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Driving assist information indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: The following systems may be malfunctioning.; PCS (Pre-Collision System); LDA (Lane Departure Alert); Indicates any of the following systems are malfunctioning, disabled, or turned off.; PKSB (Parking Support Brake)*; RCD (Rear Camera Detection)*; BSM (Blind Spot Monitor); RCTA (Rear cross traffic alert); Safe Exit Assist (with door opening control).
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Slip indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: (illuminates) Indicates a malfunction in: The VSC system; The TRAC system; or The hill-start assist control system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Parking brake indicator
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: (flashes) or (flashes) It is possible that the parking brake is not fully engaged or released; Operate the parking brake switch once again. This light comes on the parking brake is not released. If the light turns off after the parking brakes is fully released, the system is operating normally. Indicates a malfunction in the parking brake system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Brake hold operated indicator
Information · usual colour
The manual says: (flashes) Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
| Light | Colour | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake system warning light | Red | Indicates that: The brake fluid level is low; or The brake system is malfunctioning; Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous. | |
| High coolant temperature warning light | Red* | Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high. | |
| Charging system warning light | Red* | Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system. | |
| Low engine oil pressure warning light | Red* | Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low. | |
| Electric power steering system warning light | Red | Or (yellow) Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. | |
| Parking brake indicator | Red* | (flashes) or (flashes) It is possible that the parking brake is not fully engaged or released; Operate the parking brake switch once again. This light comes on the parking brake is not released. If the light turns off after the parking brakes is fully released, the system is operating normally. Indicates a malfunction in the parking brake system. | |
| Brake system warning light | Amber | Indicates a malfunction in the parking brake system. | |
| Malfunction indicator lamp | Amber* | Or Indicates a malfunction in: The electronic engine control system; The electronic throttle control system; or The electronic transmission control system. | |
| SRS warning light | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in: The SRS airbag system; The front passenger occupant classification system; or The seat belt pretensioner system. | |
| ABS warning light | Amber* | Or Indicates a malfunction in: The ABS; or The brake assist system. | |
| Inappropriate pedal operation warning light | Amber* | When a buzzer sounds: Brake Override System is malfunctioning; When a buzzer does not sound: Brake Override System is operating. | |
| Low fuel level warning light | Amber* | Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.6 gal. (10 L, 2.2 Imp. gal.) or less. | |
| Tire pressure warning light | Amber* | When the light comes on (a buzzer sounds): Low tire inflation pressure from natural causes; After the temperature of the tires has lowered sufficiently, check the inflation pressure of each tire and adjust them to the specified level.; Low tire inflation pressure from flat tire. | |
| Intuitive parking assist OFF indicator | Amber* | (if equipped) When a buzzer sounds: Indicates a malfunction in the intuitive parking assist function; When a buzzer does not sound: Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc. | |
| PCS warning light | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System).; If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate. | |
| LTA indicator | Amber | Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist). | |
| LDA indicator | Amber | Indicates a malfunction in the LDA (Lane Departure Alert). | |
| PDA indicator | Amber | Indicates a malfunction in the PDA (Proactive Driving Assist). | |
| Dynamic radar cruise control indicator | Amber | Indicates a malfunction in the dynamic radar cruise control. | |
| Cruise control indicator | Amber | Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control. | |
| Driving assist information indicator | Amber* | The following systems may be malfunctioning.; PCS (Pre-Collision System); LDA (Lane Departure Alert); Indicates any of the following systems are malfunctioning, disabled, or turned off.; PKSB (Parking Support Brake)*; RCD (Rear Camera Detection)*; BSM (Blind Spot Monitor); RCTA (Rear cross traffic alert); Safe Exit Assist (with door opening control). | |
| Slip indicator | Amber* | (illuminates) Indicates a malfunction in: The VSC system; The TRAC system; or The hill-start assist control system. | |
| Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light | Green* | Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat belts; If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off. | |
| Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder light | Green* | Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts. | |
| Brake hold operated indicator | Green* | (flashes) Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system. |
Source: 2021 Lexus IS Owner's Manual; 2022 Lexus IS Owner's Manual; 2023 Lexus IS Owner's Manual and others. * Usual colour; the manual text doesn't state it.
2010 to 2020 IS warning lights
Brake system warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that: The brake fluid level is low; or The brake system is malfunctioning; Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous. (If equipped).
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
Charging system warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
More about the battery / charging system light · Shop jump starters on Amazon
Malfunction indicator lamp
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in: The electronic engine control system; The electronic throttle control system; or The electronic automatic transmission control system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
More about the check engine light · Shop OBD2 scanners on Amazon
SRS warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in: The SRS airbag system; The front passenger occupant classification system; or The seat belt pretensioner system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
ABS warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in: The ABS; or The brake assist system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Parking brake warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that the parking brake is engaged.
What to do: Release the parking brake.
Electric power steering system warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
LDA (Lane Departure Alert) indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: If the LDA indicator is illuminated: Indicates a malfunction in the LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system.; If the LDA indicator flashes: Indicates that the vehicle has deviated from the lane (while the LDA [Lane Departure Alert with steering control] system is operating); (Flashes or illuminates).
What to do: Check the warning message displayed on the multi-information display. Check the area around the vehicle and return the vehicle to between the lane lines.
PCS warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or that the system is temporarily unavailable due to the vehicle being extremely hot/cold, or dirt around a front sensor, etc., 542);, 542) If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate.
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Slip indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in: The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system; The TRAC (Traction Control) system; or The hill-start assist control system The light will flash when the VSC or the TRAC system is operating.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
AFS OFF indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the adaptive front-lighting system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Open door warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that a door or the trunk is not fully closed.
What to do: Check that all the doors and the trunk are closed.
Low fuel level warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.6 gal. (10 L, 2.2 Imp. gal.) or less; Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)*3 Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat belts; If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s.
What to do: Refuel the vehicle. Fasten the seat belt.
Seat belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light
Information · usual colour
The manual says: (warning buzzer) turn off. Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder lights (warning buzzer)*3 Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts.
What to do: Fasten the seat belt.
Master warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to indicate that the master warning system has detected a malfunction.
What to do: Read the message on the multi-information display. Red means stop safely; amber means get it checked.
Tire pressure warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: When the light comes on: Low tire inflation pressure such as; Natural causes; Flat tire; Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level. The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the light does not turn off even if the tire inflation pressure is adjusted, have the system checked by your Lexus dealer.
What to do: Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer.
More about the tire pressure (tpms) light · Shop tire inflators on Amazon
| Light | Colour | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake system warning light | Red* | Indicates that: The brake fluid level is low; or The brake system is malfunctioning; Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous. (If equipped). | |
| Charging system warning light | Red* | Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system. | |
| Parking brake warning light | Red* | Indicates that the parking brake is engaged. | |
| Open door warning light | Red* | Indicates that a door or the trunk is not fully closed. | |
| Malfunction indicator lamp | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in: The electronic engine control system; The electronic throttle control system; or The electronic automatic transmission control system. | |
| SRS warning light | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in: The SRS airbag system; The front passenger occupant classification system; or The seat belt pretensioner system. | |
| ABS warning light | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in: The ABS; or The brake assist system. | |
| Electric power steering system warning light | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. | |
| LDA (Lane Departure Alert) indicator | Amber* | If the LDA indicator is illuminated: Indicates a malfunction in the LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system.; If the LDA indicator flashes: Indicates that the vehicle has deviated from the lane (while the LDA [Lane Departure Alert with steering control] system is operating); (Flashes or illuminates). | |
| PCS warning light | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or that the system is temporarily unavailable due to the vehicle being extremely hot/cold, or dirt around a front sensor, etc., 542);, 542) If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate. | |
| Slip indicator | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in: The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system; The TRAC (Traction Control) system; or The hill-start assist control system The light will flash when the VSC or the TRAC system is operating. | |
| AFS OFF indicator | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in the adaptive front-lighting system. | |
| Low fuel level warning light | Amber* | Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.6 gal. (10 L, 2.2 Imp. gal.) or less; Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)*3 Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat belts; If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s. | |
| Master warning light | Amber* | A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to indicate that the master warning system has detected a malfunction. | |
| Tire pressure warning light | Amber* | When the light comes on: Low tire inflation pressure such as; Natural causes; Flat tire; Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level. The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the light does not turn off even if the tire inflation pressure is adjusted, have the system checked by your Lexus dealer. | |
| Seat belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light | Green* | (warning buzzer) turn off. Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder lights (warning buzzer)*3 Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts. |
Source: 2010 Lexus IS Owner's Manual; 2011 Lexus IS Owner's Manual; 2012 Lexus IS Owner's Manual and others. * Usual colour; the manual text doesn't state it.