Toyota Highlander dashboard symbols and warning lights
Every light in the Toyota Highlander 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.
2020 to 2026 Highlander 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 Toyota dealer.
Brake system warning light
Check soon
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota 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 Toyota 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 Toyota 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; The electronic automatic transmission control system; or The Stop & Start system.
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota 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 Toyota 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 Toyota 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 operating; Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning; or Parking Support Brake function (for static objects) (if equipped) 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 (warning
Stop safely
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Low fuel level warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.7 gal. (10.2 L, 2.2 Imp. gal.) or less.
What to do: Refuel the vehicle.
Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder light
Information · usual colour
The manual says: Warns the second and/or third seat passengers to fasten their seat belts. An indicator corresponding to an unfastened second or third row seat seat belt will illuminate.
What to do: Fasten the seat belt.
Tire pressure warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: When the light comes on after blinking for approximately 1 minute: Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system; When the light comes on: Low tire inflation pressure such as; Natural causes; Flat tire.
What to do: Have the system checked by your Toyota dealer. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
More about the tire pressure (tpms) light · Shop tire inflators on Amazon
LTA indicator
Check soon
The manual says: (orange) Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist).
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Stop & Start cancel indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: (flashes) Indicates a malfunction in the Stop & Start system (The Stop & Start cancel indicator will come on when the system is canceled:.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
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 Toyota dealer immediately. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
RCTA OFF indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) function; Indicates that the rear bumper around the radar sensor is covered with dirt, etc.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
PKSB OFF indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: (if equipped) When a buzzer sounds: Indicates a malfunction in the PKSB (Parking Support Brake) system; 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.;, 438).
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
PCS warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: (flashes or illuminates) When a buzzer sounds simultaneously: Indicates a malfunction has occurred in the PCS (Pre-Collision System).; When a buzzer does not sound: The PCS (Pre-Collision System) has become temporarily unavailable, corrective action may be necessary.;, 438) If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Slip indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: When the warning light is illuminated: Indicates a malfunction in: The VSC system; The TRAC system; The Multi-terrain Select system; The Trailer Sway Control; or The hill-start assist control system; When the warning light flashes: Indicates that the VSC, TRAC or Trailer Sway Control system is operating.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota 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 when the parking brake is not released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully released, the system is operating normally.
What to do: Release the parking brake before driving. If it flashes or will not release, see a dealer.
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 Toyota 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 (warning | Red | 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 when the parking brake is not released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully released, the system is operating normally. | |
| Brake system warning light | Amber | Indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake. | |
| Malfunction indicator lamp | Amber* | Or Indicates a malfunction in: The electronic engine control system; The electronic throttle control system; The electronic automatic transmission control system; or The Stop & Start 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 2.7 gal. (10.2 L, 2.2 Imp. gal.) or less. | |
| Tire pressure warning light | Amber* | When the light comes on after blinking for approximately 1 minute: Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system; When the light comes on: Low tire inflation pressure such as; Natural causes; Flat tire. | |
| LTA indicator | Amber | (orange) Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist). | |
| Stop & Start cancel indicator | Amber* | (flashes) Indicates a malfunction in the Stop & Start system (The Stop & Start cancel indicator will come on when the system is canceled:. | |
| 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. | |
| RCTA OFF indicator | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in the RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) function; Indicates that the rear bumper around the radar sensor is covered with dirt, etc. | |
| PKSB OFF indicator | Amber* | (if equipped) When a buzzer sounds: Indicates a malfunction in the PKSB (Parking Support Brake) system; 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.;, 438). | |
| PCS warning light | Amber* | (flashes or illuminates) When a buzzer sounds simultaneously: Indicates a malfunction has occurred in the PCS (Pre-Collision System).; When a buzzer does not sound: The PCS (Pre-Collision System) has become temporarily unavailable, corrective action may be necessary.;, 438) If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate. | |
| Slip indicator | Amber* | When the warning light is illuminated: Indicates a malfunction in: The VSC system; The TRAC system; The Multi-terrain Select system; The Trailer Sway Control; or The hill-start assist control system; When the warning light flashes: Indicates that the VSC, TRAC or Trailer Sway Control system is operating. | |
| Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder light | Green* | Warns the second and/or third seat passengers to fasten their seat belts. An indicator corresponding to an unfastened second or third row seat seat belt will illuminate. | |
| Brake hold operated indicator | Green* | (flashes) Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system. |
Source: 2020 Toyota Highlander Owner's Manual; 2021 Toyota Highlander Owner's Manual; 2022 Toyota Highlander Owner's Manual and others. * Usual colour; the manual text doesn't state it.
2014 to 2019 Highlander 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.
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
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 Toyota 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 Toyota 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 Toyota dealer immediately.
Parking brake warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that the parking brake is engaged; Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer) Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system.
What to do: Release the parking brake. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Slip indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in: The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system; The TRAC (Traction Control) system; The Trailer Sway Control; The hill-start assist control system; or The downhill assist control system*3 The light will flash when the VSC, TRAC or Trailer Sway Control system is operating.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Low fuel level warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.9 gal. (10.7 L, 2.4 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: (warning buzzer)*4 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 seat seat belt reminder lights (warning buzzer)*5 Warns the second and/or third seat passengers to fasten their seat belts.
What to do: Fasten the seat belt. Fasten the seat belt.
PCS (Pre-Collision System) warning light
Check soon
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., 593);, 593) 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.
Stop & Start cancel indicator
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the Stop & Start system (The Stop & Start cancel indicator will come on when the system is canceled.:.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
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 (including the full-size spare tire) 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 Toyota dealer.
What to do: Have the system checked by your Toyota dealer.
More about the tire pressure (tpms) light · Shop tire inflators on Amazon
Electric power steering system warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: When the battery charge becomes insufficient or the voltage temporarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come on and the warning buzzer may sound. ■When the tire pressure warning light comes on Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level. Pushing the tire pressure warning reset switch will not turn off the tire pressure warning light.
What to do: Drive carefully and have it checked. If it came on after a lot of parking manoeuvres, it can reset after the car cools down.
| 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. | |
| Parking brake warning light | Red* | Indicates that the parking brake is engaged; Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer) Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. | |
| 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. | |
| Slip indicator | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in: The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system; The TRAC (Traction Control) system; The Trailer Sway Control; The hill-start assist control system; or The downhill assist control system*3 The light will flash when the VSC, TRAC or Trailer Sway Control system is operating. | |
| Low fuel level warning light | Amber* | Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.9 gal. (10.7 L, 2.4 Imp. gal.) or less. | |
| PCS (Pre-Collision System) 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., 593);, 593) If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate. | |
| Stop & Start cancel indicator | Amber* | Indicates a malfunction in the Stop & Start system (The Stop & Start cancel indicator will come on when the system is canceled.:. | |
| 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 (including the full-size spare tire) 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 Toyota dealer. | |
| Electric power steering system warning light | Amber* | When the battery charge becomes insufficient or the voltage temporarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come on and the warning buzzer may sound. ■When the tire pressure warning light comes on Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level. Pushing the tire pressure warning reset switch will not turn off the tire pressure warning light. | |
| Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light | Green* | (warning buzzer)*4 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 seat seat belt reminder lights (warning buzzer)*5 Warns the second and/or third seat passengers to fasten their seat belts. |
Source: 2014 Toyota Highlander Owner's Manual; 2015 Toyota Highlander Owner's Manual; 2016 Toyota Highlander Owner's Manual and others. * Usual colour; the manual text doesn't state it.
2010 to 2013 Highlander warning lights
Brake system warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: Low brake fluid; Malfunction in the brake system This light also comes on when the parking brake is not released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully released, the system is operating normally.
What to do: Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
Charging system warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
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: If it flashes, slow down and get the car checked straight away. If it is steady, check the fuel cap is tight, then have the code read. An OBD2 scanner reads it in a minute.
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: The car drives normally, but get it checked soon. Do not try to repair airbag parts yourself.
Open door warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: (warning buzzer)*1 Indicates that a door is not fully closed. Low fuel level warning.
What to do: Check that all doors are closed.
Belt reminder light
Information · usual colour
The manual says: (warning buzzer)*2 Warns the front passenger to fasten his or her seat belt. Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning.
What to do: Fasten the seat belt.
Light (vehicles without multi-information display)
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: Indicates that the automatic transmission fluid temperature is too high.
What to do: Follow the correction procedures.
| Light | Colour | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake system warning light | Red* | Low brake fluid; Malfunction in the brake system This light also comes on when the parking brake is not released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully released, the system is operating normally. | |
| Charging system warning light | Red* | Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system. | |
| Open door warning light | Red* | (warning buzzer)*1 Indicates that a door is not fully closed. Low fuel level warning. | |
| 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. | |
| Light (vehicles without multi-information display) | Amber* | Indicates that the automatic transmission fluid temperature is too high. | |
| Belt reminder light | Green* | (warning buzzer)*2 Warns the front passenger to fasten his or her seat belt. Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning. |
Source: 2010 Toyota Highlander Owner's Manual; 2011 Toyota Highlander Owner's Manual; 2012 Toyota Highlander Owner's Manual and others. * Usual colour; the manual text doesn't state it.
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