Nissan Maxima Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Engine oil pressure warning light

Warns of low engine oil pressure; it is not designed to indicate low oil level.
What to do: If it flickers or comes on while driving, pull off safely, stop the engine immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or repair shop. PDF page 96

Amber: check soon

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light

If on while the engine runs or while driving, the ABS may not be working properly; anti-lock function is off but normal braking works.
What to do: Have the system checked; a NISSAN dealer visit is recommended. PDF page 97

Other warnings and indicators

Supplemental air bag warning light

Air bag and pretensioner systems need servicing if the light stays on after about 7 seconds, flashes, or never comes on.
What to do: Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible; a NISSAN dealer visit is recommended. PDF page 97

Charge warning light

If on while the engine runs, the charging system may not be working properly.
What to do: Turn the engine off and check the generator belt. If it is loose, broken, missing, or the light stays on, have it checked. Do not keep driving. PDF page 96

Master warning light

Lights when there is an active warning to review in the meter; red for a red-level warning, yellow otherwise.
What to do: Review the warning in the vehicle information display. PDF page 96

Low tire pressure warning light

Warns of low tire pressure; if it flashes about 1 minute then stays on, the TPMS is malfunctioning.
What to do: Stop and set all four tires to recommended COLD pressure, then drive above 16 mph to reset. For a malfunction, have the system checked. PDF page 98

Power steering warning light

If on with the engine running, there is no power steering assist and the system may need servicing. Steering is harder.
What to do: Have the power steering checked; a NISSAN dealer visit is recommended. PDF page 101

Slip indicator light

Blinks when VDC is operating, showing a slippery road near traction limits. Staying on continuously may indicate VDC failure.
What to do: If it does not come on or stays on continuously, have the system checked. PDF page 101

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light

Comes on when the VDC system is turned off with the switch; staying on while driving may indicate a VDC failure.
What to do: Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the engine. If it stays on while driving, have VDC checked. PDF page 101

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection system warning light

Lit when the AEB system is set to OFF; if lit while the system is on, it may be unavailable. PDF page 98

Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) system warning light

Lit when RAB is turned off; if lit while RAB is on, the system may be unavailable. PDF page 101

Seat belt warning light and chime

Reminds you to fasten seat belts; blinks with a chime if driven above 9 mph while a belt is unfastened.
What to do: Fasten the seat belt; remove any object from the unoccupied front passenger seat if it triggers the warning. PDF page 96

Front passenger air bag status light

Lit when the passenger front air bag is off, depending on how the front passenger seat is being used. PDF page 98

Security indicator light

Blinks with ignition OFF, LOCK or ACC, showing the vehicle security systems are operational. PDF page 97

Green: system on

High Beam Assist indicator light

Lit when headlights are on with the switch in AUTO and high beams selected, showing high beam assist is operational. PDF page 102

Front fog light indicator light

Illuminates when the front fog lights are on. PDF page 102

Side light and headlight indicator light

Illuminates when the side lights or headlights are on, not including daytime running lights or signature lights. PDF page 102

Turn signal/hazard indicator lights

The appropriate light flashes with the turn signal; both flash when the hazard switch is on. PDF page 102

Blue: system on

High beam indicator light

Comes on when the headlight high beams are on; goes out when low beams are selected. PDF page 102

Summarized in our own words from the 2023 Nissan Maxima 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.