Hyundai Elantra Warning Lights: What They Mean

Other warnings and indicators

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) System Warning Light

With the ABS and brake fluid lights on together while driving, the ABS and regular brakes may not work normally.
What to do: Avoid high speeds and abrupt braking; have an authorized HYUNDAI dealer inspect the vehicle as soon as possible. PDF page 95

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

Comes on briefly at ignition ON, or stays on when the ABS malfunctions. The hydraulic brakes still work. PDF page 95

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Warning Light

Shows for about 3 seconds at start-up; otherwise indicates an EPB malfunction.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 95

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

Indicates a malfunction in the emission control system, engine or powertrain. Driving with it on may damage the catalytic converter and emissions system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible. PDF page 96

Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Warning Light

Shows for about 3 seconds at ignition ON; otherwise indicates a malfunction of the power steering.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 96

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Light

Stays on when the ESC system malfunctions; blinks while ESC is operating. It shows for about 3 seconds at ignition ON.
What to do: If it stays on, have a dealer inspect the vehicle. If blinking, drive slowly and never accelerate or turn ESC off. PDF page 99

Immobilizer Indicator Light

Comes on when the key's immobilizer is detected, allowing the engine to start. Blinking indicates an immobilizer malfunction.
What to do: If blinking, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 99

Immobilizer Indicator Light (with smart key)

On when the smart key is detected so you can start. Blinks if the key is absent or the system malfunctions.
What to do: If the key is undetected or the light blinks for a malfunction, have a HYUNDAI dealer inspect the vehicle. PDF page 100

LED headlight warning light

Shows about 3 seconds at start-up; otherwise indicates an LED headlight malfunction. Continued driving can shorten LED headlight life.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 101

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Warning Light

Shows about 3 seconds at start-up; otherwise indicates a malfunction of the forward collision-avoidance assist system.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 102

Exterior Light Warning Light

An exterior bulb such as a headlight, DRL, turn signal or stop lamp is not working properly and may need replacing.
What to do: Replace the burned-out bulb with one of the same wattage rating. PDF page 100

Turn Signal Indicator Light

Blinks when the turn signal is used. Staying lit, blinking rapidly or not lighting indicates a turn signal malfunction.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 100

AUTO HOLD Indicator Light

White when auto hold is activated, green when the vehicle is held at a stop, yellow when the auto hold system malfunctions.
What to do: If yellow, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 96

Lane Keep Assist Indicator Light

Green when the system is active, white when operating conditions are unmet or no lane line is detected, yellow for a malfunction.
What to do: If yellow, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 102

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light

Shows about 3 seconds at ignition ON, and stays on when you turn ESC off with the ESC OFF button. PDF page 99

High Beam Assist indicator light

White when High Beam Assist is ready; green when it is operating. It switches high beams to low beams when other vehicles are detected. PDF page 101

High Beam Indicator Light

Headlights are on high beam or the Flash-to-Pass position is being used. PDF page 101

Light ON Indicator Light

The tail lights or headlights are on. PDF page 101

Cruise Indicator Light

The cruise control system is enabled. PDF page 102

SPORT Mode Indicator Light

SPORT drive mode is selected. PDF page 102

SMART Mode Indicator Light

SMART drive mode is selected. PDF page 102

Summarized in our own words from the 2023 Hyundai Elantra 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.