Ford Escape Hybrid Warning Lights: What They Mean

Other warnings and indicators

Service engine soon indicator

The OBD-II system has detected an emission-related malfunction; it may be temporary, such as from a loose fuel inlet or poor fuel.
What to do: If it stays on, have the vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. Temporary causes can be fixed by correcting them. PDF page 317

Throttle control/Powertrain

A powertrain fault has been detected.
What to do: Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. PDF page 24

Low tire pressure telltale

One or more tires are significantly under-inflated.
What to do: Stop and check your tires as soon as possible and inflate them to the proper pressure. PDF page 194

TPMS malfunction indicator

The tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning; the telltale flashes about a minute then stays lit, and low pressure may go undetected.
What to do: Check the telltale after replacing tires or wheels to ensure they allow the TPMS to work properly. PDF page 194

Restraints warning light

A Personal Safety System problem: the light flashes, stays lit, or fails to light at ignition on, possibly with five beeps.
What to do: Have the Personal Safety System serviced at an authorized dealer immediately, even if the problem is intermittent. PDF page 132

Anti-theft indicator

A SecuriLock problem if it flashes rapidly or glows steadily with ignition on; the vehicle may not start.
What to do: Cycle ignition off and on, try the second programmed key, then contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. PDF page 114

Parking brake on chime

The parking brake was left on while the vehicle is driven.
What to do: If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. PDF page 24

Safety belt warning light

Reminds occupants to buckle up; lights about 1 minute with a 6-second chime if the driver's belt is unbuckled at ignition on.
What to do: Buckle the driver's safety belt to turn the light and chime off. PDF page 138

Door ajar

With ignition on, a door is not completely closed. PDF page 24

Low fuel

The fuel level in the tank is at or near empty. PDF page 24

Turn signal

A turn signal or the hazard lights are on; faster flashing suggests a burned-out bulb.
What to do: If the indicators flash faster, check for a burned-out bulb. PDF page 24

Speed control

The speed control is engaged; it turns off when disengaged. PDF page 24

High beams

The high beam headlamps are turned on. PDF page 24

Summarized in our own words from the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid 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.