Volvo XC90 Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Alarm indicator

Off: alarm disarmed. Flashing every two seconds: armed. Flashing quickly: alarm has been triggered. PDF page 277

Other warnings and indicators

Fault in brake system

The brake fluid level may be too low.
What to do: Contact your nearest authorized workshop to have the brake fluid level checked and adjusted. PDF page 100

Low oil pressure

If it comes on while driving, the engine oil level is too low.
What to do: Stop the engine immediately and check the oil level. Add oil if needed. If oil is normal, contact a workshop. PDF page 100

Airbags

If it stays lit or comes on while driving, a fault was detected in one of the vehicle's safety systems.
What to do: Read the message in the instrument panel. Volvo recommends contacting an authorized Volvo workshop. PDF page 100

Generator not charging

A fault was detected in the electrical system while driving.
What to do: Contact a workshop; Volvo recommends an authorized Volvo workshop. PDF page 100

Fault in ABS system

The ABS system is malfunctioning. Regular brakes still work, but without the ABS function. PDF page 97

Fault in brake system

There is a problem with the parking brake. PDF page 97

Tire pressure monitoring system

Tire inflation pressure is low. If it flashes about a minute then stays steady, the system has a malfunction.
What to do: Stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. PDF page 555

Parking brake on

Glows steadily when the parking brake is applied. Flashing indicates a fault has occurred.
What to do: If flashing, read the message in the instrument panel. PDF page 100

Information, see the message in the display

A vehicle system requires the driver's attention; a message is shown in the instrument panel.
What to do: Read the message in the display. PDF page 97

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp

The passenger's front airbag is disabled because the seat is empty or holds a low-weight occupant or object.
What to do: If an adult is seated and it stays on, have them sit upright for two minutes; otherwise they should ride in the rear seat. PDF page 60

Collision risk

City Safety warns of a risk of collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist or large animal. PDF page 100

Auto-brake on

The auto-brake function is active and the brakes or parking brake are holding the vehicle at standstill after stopping. PDF page 97

Summarized in our own words from the 2019 Volvo XC90 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.