Vehicle dashboard showing a warning indicator light.

Dashboard warning and indicator lights 

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What they mean and what you should do 

What do Volkswagen dashboard lights mean? Explore our comprehensive Warning Lights Guide to help you quickly identify what each indicator symbol means. It’s important to note that the interpretation of lights may vary across  different models, so we recommend consulting your Owner’s Manual for more detailed information. 

Warning lights come in four colour varieties – red, amber, green, and white.

  • Red or red-orange – Pull over as soon as it’s safe and call Roadside Assistance.
  • Yellow ­– Your vehicle needs professional attention as soon as possible. We recommend booking a service with your authorized Volkswagen Dealer. 
  • Green, white, and blue – Information only. No action required. 

Combustion-engine vehicles 

A selection of symbols, indicator and warning lamps, and their possible meaning for combustion vehicles, using the Atlas as an example. The symbols and their descriptions often differ from other models, and they could also vary over time. 

Red warning lights for combustion vehicles

3 of 3 items3 of 3 items

Engine coolant system

STOP! Do not drive! 

Engine-oil pressure

STOP! Do not drive!

Electronic parking brake 

Electronic parking brake is switched on. 

Amber warning lights for combustion vehicles

12 of 12 items12 of 12 items

Exterior lighting malfunction 

Exterior-vehicle lighting malfunction.

Particulate filter

Particulate filter is saturated with soot and requires regeneration.

Exhaust system

Fault in an emissions-relevant component.

Engine-oil system malfunction 

Fault in engine-oil system.

Brake-pad wear indicator

Brake pads are worn.

Automatic Emergency Braking  

Front Assist not available or has limited availability. 

Central warning lamp 

Malfunctions or insufficient service fluids. 

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

ACC not available.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Anti-lock brake system failure or malfunction.

Electronic parking brake 

Electronic parking brake malfunction.

Lane-keeping system (Lane Assist)

Lane-keeping system not available. 

Front passenger front airbag 

Front passenger front airbag has been switched on.

Electric vehicles 

A selection of symbols, indicator and warning lamps, and their possible meaning for combustion vehicles, using the ID.4 as an example. The symbols and their descriptions often differ from other models, and they could also vary over time.

Red warning lights for electric vehicles

3 of 3 items3 of 3 items

Engine coolant system 

STOP! Do not drive! 

Steering fault 

STOP! Do not drive! 

Electronic parking brake 

Stop! Do not drive! 

Amber warning lights for electric vehicles

11 of 11 items11 of 11 items

Limited driving power

Power is significantly reduced and may decrease further. 

Exterior lighting malfunction 

The headlights have completely or partially failed. 

Brake-pad wear indicator  

Brake pads are worn. 

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 

Anti-lock brake system failure or malfunction. 

Electronic engine sound 

Electronic engine sound impaired. 

Central warning lamp 

Flashes or lights up, in some cases together with warning tones or additional symbols. 

Automatic Emergency Braking 

Front Assist not available or has limited availability. 

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) 

ACC not available. 

Lane-keeping system (Lane Assist)

Lane-keeping system not available.

Emergency Assist 

Emergency Assist not available. 

Front passenger front airbag 

Front passenger front airbag has been switched off. 

Other warning lights for electric and combustion vehicles

3 of 3 items3 of 3 items

Lane Assist  

Lane Assist is active. 

Distance warning

Front Assist detects if there is a safety hazard from following the vehicle ahead too closely. 

Brake pedal 

Brake pedal was not depressed. 

Close-up of a Volkswagen speedometer with tire-pressure and engine-warning lights on.

Can’t find a warning or indicator light?

You can look up other lights and their exact meaning and recommended actions for your model in the Owner’s Manual or in the digital Owner’s Manual in the infotainment system of your vehicle (if available). 

You can find your digital Owner’s Manual here, where you can find the recommended actions for solving issues with your model.

What's next?

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© Volkswagen Canada 2025

Disclaimers by Volkswagen

  1. † Prices shown are MSRP where indicated. MSRP is the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and excludes taxes, freight and PDI ($2,050 ( Jetta, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI and Golf R), $2,175 (Taos), $2,200 (Tiguan and ID.4), $2,250 (Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas) and $2,500 (ID. Buzz)), levies, fees, optional equipment, license, insurance, registration, and any dealer or other charges (where applicable). If MSRP is not mentioned, prices shown include freight and PDI, environmental levies, and a $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee amount is set by dealers and varies, up to $500). Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Environmental or related levies and taxes may vary by jurisdiction. Dealer may sell for less. Prices are in Canadian dollars. This is not an offer to sell at a certain price. Actual selling prices and terms are set by dealers. European or American models may be shown. Specifications, equipment, options, and prices are subject to change without notice. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on the website is accurate, as errors may occur from time to time, customers should contact their local Volkswagen dealer for details. Photos for illustration purposes only.  Model specifications provided may vary based on selected trim, options, and installed accessories. 
  2. ^Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2026 Taos 1.5T Highline base model with 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic® 4Motion transmission having a cash selling price of $42,283.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,175 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $22 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payments. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. Lease example: 48-month term at 3.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $126. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $500 security deposit, and first weekly payments due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $26,115. Residual value is 54%. Annual 20,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km per excess kilometre. Offers end January 2, 2026 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2025 Volkswagen Canada.
  3. ⁑ Loyalty offer available to current Volkswagen owners and previous Volkswagen owners who returned a leased vehicle, or whose finance contract with Volkswagen Financial Services ended, within the past 90 days (some exceptions apply), with purchase or lease of a new, unregistered Volkswagen model. 2 yr VW Prepaid Maintenance Plan provided at no additional cost. If customer purchases longer maintenance, offer will cover the first 2 years / 30,000 km at the value indicated and customer will pay the balance. Plan covers regular maintenance appointments (for services recommended by VW) within 2 years or 30,000 km (whichever occurs first). Visit https://www.vw.ca/en/shopping-tools/prepaid-maintenance.html or your Volkswagen dealer for more details. Valid identification and proof of valid loan/lease for/of Volkswagen that was: (i) active for a minimum of 90 days; (ii) in good standing throughout the term; and (iii) that ended within the 90 days prior to the expiry of this offer, are required. Volkswagen vehicles currently being financed/leased with Volkswagen Financial Services are not eligible for the rate reduction. Offer is transferable to an immediate family member living in the same household as the Primary/Co-Primary buyer or lessee. Offer is non-exchangeable for cash. Offer ends March 31, 2026 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
  4. +Amount shown is the maximum incentive amount currently available under the Quebec Roulez Vert Program. Volkswagen Canada does not administer the incentives and is not responsible for any cancellations or changes to the incentive programs.  Incentive information is provided for informational purposes only and Volkswagen Canada makes no representations about the actual amount or eligibility for the incentive. Conditions and limitations apply. Consult the government administrator or see your dealer for details. 
  5. §Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2025 ID.4 Electric ID.4 PRO S AWD base model in Ice Grey Metallic (for an additional $500) with single-speed transmission having a cash selling price of $58,908.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,200 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $22 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payments. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Finance example: 60-month term at 0.00% APR equals a weekly payments of $225, after application of $5,000 credit. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $58,408. Offers end January 2, 2026 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. ***$5,000 credit available to be applied as a discount off MSRP, before taxes, with finance purchase (through Volkswagen Financial Services on approved credit) of new and unregistered 2025 ID.4 ID.4 PRO S AWD models. Conditions apply. Offers end January 2, 2026 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2025 Volkswagen Canada.
  6. ^^^^Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2026 Jetta 1.5T Highline base model in Oryx White Pearl (for an additional $500) with 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® transmission having a cash selling price of $35,858.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,050 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $22 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payments. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. Lease example: 48-month term at 5.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $117. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $470 security deposit, and first weekly payments due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $24,169. Residual value is 54%. Annual 20,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km per excess kilometre. Offers end January 2, 2026 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.  Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2025 Volkswagen Canada.
  7. 21Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2026 Golf GTI 2.0T GTI Autobahn base model in Kings Red Metallic (for an additional $500) with 7-speed automatic DSG® with Tiptronic® transmission having a cash selling price of $44,158.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,050 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $22 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payments. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. Lease example: 48-month term at 6.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $142. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $570 security deposit, and first weekly payments due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $29,462. Residual value is 58%. Annual 16,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.15/km per excess kilometre. Offers end January 2, 2026 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.  Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2025 Volkswagen Canada.
  8. 11Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2026 Golf R 2.0 TSI Golf R Black base model with 7-speed automatic DSG with Tiptronic transmission having a cash selling price of $56,858.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,050 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $22 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payments. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. Lease example: 48-month term at 6.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $183. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $730 security deposit, and first weekly payments due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $37,950. Residual value is 58%. Annual 16,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.15/km per excess kilometre. Offers end January 2, 2026 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.  Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2025 Volkswagen Canada.
  9. ‡Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2025 ID. Buzz Electric ID. Buzz 1st Edition 4MOTION base model in Candy White/Pomelo Yellow Metallic (for an additional $1,500) with single-speed transmission having a cash selling price of $81,708.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,500 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $22 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payments. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. Lease example: 48-month term at 0.00% APR equals a weekly payment of $199, after application of $6,000 credit. $3,200 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $800 security deposit, and first weekly payments due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $41,321. Offers end January 2, 2026 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. 31$6,000 credit available to be applied as a discount off MSRP, before taxes, with lease (through Volkswagen Financial Services on approved credit) of new and unregistered 2025 ID. Buzz ID. Buzz 1st Edition 4MOTION models. Conditions apply.Residual value is 43%. Annual 16,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.16/km per excess kilometre. Offers end January 2, 2026 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2025 Volkswagen Canada.
  10. ^^Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2026 Tiguan 2.0 T Highline R-Line base model with 8-Speed Automatic transmission having a cash selling price of $51,908.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,200 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $22 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payments. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. Lease example: 48-month term at 3.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $149. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $590 security deposit, and first weekly payments due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $30,841. Residual value is 56%. Annual 20,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km per excess kilometre. Offers end January 2, 2026 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2025 Volkswagen Canada.
  11. ^^^Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2026 Atlas 2.0T Execline base model with 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® 4MOTION® transmission having a cash selling price of $64,558.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,250 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $22 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payments. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. Lease example: 48-month term at 5.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $218. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $870 security deposit, and first weekly payments due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $45,313. Residual value is 50%. Annual 20,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km per excess kilometre. Offers end January 2, 2026 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2025 Volkswagen Canada.