Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Warning Lights: What They Mean

Amber: check soon

Regenerative brake warning light

Regenerative brake is not working and braking performance is reduced; the red Brake Warning light comes on at the same time.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. Brake pedal may be harder to press and stopping distance longer. PDF page 24

Inattentive Driving Warning light

Yellow when Driver Attention Warning is disabled or malfunctioning; blinks yellow when the warning is operating.
What to do: If it stays on after the front camera is uncovered, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 167

Lane Safety indicator light

Yellow when Lane Safety is deselected, disabled, or malfunctioning. Grey or green show Lane Keeping Assist status.
What to do: If yellow stays on after the sensor is unblocked, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 165

Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator light

Yellow when a Downhill Brake Control malfunction is detected. Green when activated or operating (blinking).
What to do: If the yellow light remains on, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 169

Other warnings and indicators

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) System warning light

With the ABS and Parking Brake lights on together while driving, the ABS and brake system are not working normally.
What to do: Avoid high speed and abrupt braking; have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible. PDF page 159

Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) warning light

There is a malfunction with the power steering. It also lights for about 3 seconds when the button is set to ON.
What to do: If it stays on while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 159

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

Malfunction in the emission control system, engine or powertrain. Driving with it on may damage the catalytic converter and emission system.
What to do: If it stays on while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible. PDF page 161

Service warning light

Problem with the hybrid vehicle control system or hardware. Normally lights about 3 seconds at start-up.
What to do: If it comes on while driving or stays on after starting, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 167

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator light

Malfunction with the ESC system when steady; blinks while ESC is operating.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible. PDF page 170

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF indicator light

ESC system has been deactivated with the ESC OFF button. PDF page 170

Green: system on

Ready indicator

Vehicle is ready to drive. If it goes off or blinks, there is a problem with the system.
What to do: If it goes off or blinks, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 169

Turn signal indicator light

Blinks when the turn signal is used. Steady, rapid, or no blinking indicates a possible malfunction.
What to do: If it behaves abnormally, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 171

EV mode indicator

The vehicle is being driven by the electric motor. PDF page 169

Low beam indicator light

The headlights are on. PDF page 171

Summarized in our own words from the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe 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.