Chevrolet Cruze Limited Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Brake System Warning Light

The brake system might not be working properly; a chime sounds if it comes on while driving, and the pedal may feel different.
What to do: Pull off the road and stop. If the light stays on, have the vehicle towed for service. PDF page 108

Other warnings and indicators

Airbag Readiness Light

If it comes on and stays on, something may be wrong with the airbag system.
What to do: Have the vehicle serviced right away. PDF page 105

Charging System Light

If it stays on or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the electrical charging system; the battery could drain.
What to do: Have it checked by your dealer. If driving a short distance, turn off all accessories such as radio and air conditioner. PDF page 105

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)

Part of the emission control diagnostic system; if on while the engine runs, a malfunction was detected and service may be needed. PDF page 105

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

If it stays on while driving, there is an ABS problem; normal brakes remain unless the brake warning light is also on.
What to do: Stop as soon as possible, turn ignition off, restart. If still on after driving above 20 km/h (13 mph), see your dealer. PDF page 108

Power Steering Warning Light

If it stays on or comes on while driving, the power steering system may not be working.
What to do: See your dealer for service. PDF page 109

Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

One or more tires are significantly under-inflated. It flashes then stays on if the TPMS has a malfunction.
What to do: Stop as soon as possible and inflate tires to the pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label. PDF page 266

Reduced Engine Power Light

With the malfunction indicator lamp, shows a noticeable reduction in vehicle performance; acceleration and speed might be reduced.
What to do: If it stays on, see your dealer as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair. PDF page 111

Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light

Comes on briefly at engine start as a check. PDF page 109

Traction Off Light

Traction control has been turned off, so wheel spin is not limited.
What to do: Adjust driving accordingly. PDF page 109

StabiliTrak OFF Light

StabiliTrak is turned off, which also turns off TCS, so the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle.
What to do: Turn on TCS and StabiliTrak to turn the light off. PDF page 109

Security Light

If it stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.
What to do: See Immobilizer Operation. PDF page 111

Low Fuel Warning Light

The vehicle is low on fuel; a chime sounds.
What to do: Add fuel; the light turns off. PDF page 111

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

ON means the front passenger frontal and knee airbags can inflate; OFF means they are turned off. Both lit or neither lit suggests a problem.
What to do: If both are lit or neither lights, see your dealer for service. PDF page 105

Up-Shift Light

On manual transmission vehicles, shows when to shift to the next higher gear for best fuel economy. PDF page 108

Summarized in our own words from the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited owner's manual (AI-assisted; every light name was matched against its cited page 2026-10-18). Your vehicle may not have every light, and other years can differ. A red warning that stays on usually means stop safely and check: your manual has the final word.