Ford Escape Warning Lights: What They Mean

Other warnings and indicators

High Voltage Electric System Failure

An electrical component fault or failure is causing the vehicle to shut down or enter a limited operating mode. A message may show in the cluster. PDF page 116

Engine or Motor Coolant Temperature

The engine or motor coolant temperature is too high.
What to do: Safely stop the vehicle, switch it off, and have it checked as soon as possible. PDF page 116

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Normal when ignition is on and engine off. If on with engine running, emission control system needs service. Flashing is more serious.
What to do: If it flashes, have the vehicle checked immediately. PDF page 116

Electric Park Brake

The electric parking brake requires service; it may illuminate or flash.
What to do: Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. PDF page 116

Oil Pressure

The engine oil pressure is low. PDF page 116

Low Tire Pressure Warning

Tire pressure is low. Flashing indicates a system malfunction.
What to do: Check tire pressure as soon as possible. If it flashes, have the system checked as soon as possible. PDF page 116

Low Beam Warning

The low beam headlamp requires service.
What to do: Have the system checked as soon as possible. PDF page 116

Fasten Seatbelt

Seatbelts are not fastened; a tone sounds until they are.
What to do: Fasten the seatbelts. PDF page 116

Fasten Rear Seatbelt

Rear seatbelts are not fastened; a tone sounds until they are.
What to do: Fasten the rear seatbelts. PDF page 116

Hood Ajar

The ignition is on and the hood is not completely closed. PDF page 116

Liftgate Ajar

The ignition is on and the liftgate is not completely closed. PDF page 116

Low Fuel Level

The fuel level is low. PDF page 116

Low Washer Fluid

The washer fluid is low. PDF page 116

Summarized in our own words from the 2024 Ford Escape 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.