Chevrolet Sonic Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Brake System Warning Light

The brake system might not be working properly; the pedal may be harder to push or sink closer to the floor, lengthening stopping distance.
What to do: Pull off the road and stop carefully. If the light stays on, have the vehicle towed for service. PDF page 104

Other warnings and indicators

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

The engine has overheated. Driving with it on can damage the engine, and the damage may not be covered by warranty.
What to do: Pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. PDF page 107

Airbag Readiness Light

If it stays on after starting or comes on while driving, the airbag system might not work properly; airbags may not inflate or may inflate without a crash.
What to do: Have the vehicle serviced right away. PDF page 100

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

If it stays on or comes on while driving, the antilock brakes need service. Regular brakes still work if the brake warning light is off.
What to do: Stop safely, turn the ignition off, restart to reset. If the light stays on or returns, have the vehicle serviced. PDF page 104

Tire Pressure Light

Steady: one or more tires are significantly underinflated. Flashing then steady: there may be a problem with the TPMS.
What to do: Stop as soon as possible and inflate tires to the pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label. PDF page 107

Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light

Steady: TCS and possibly StabiliTrak/ESC are disabled. Flashing: the TCS and/or StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working. PDF page 106

StabiliTrak OFF Light

StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off, which also turns TCS off, so the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle.
What to do: Turn the TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC systems back on to turn the light off. PDF page 106

Traction Off Light

The Traction Control System has been turned off, so wheel spin is not limited.
What to do: Adjust driving accordingly. PDF page 106

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

ON means the front passenger frontal and knee airbags may inflate; OFF means the sensing system turned them off. Both lit or none lit suggests a problem.
What to do: If both or no lights remain after several seconds, see your dealer for service. PDF page 100

Operate Pedal Light

The clutch or brake pedal needs to be applied to start the vehicle. PDF page 104

Summarized in our own words from the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 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.