Hyundai Sonata Warning Lights: What They Mean

Other warnings and indicators

Airbag warning light

Comes on briefly at start-up; staying on while driving means a malfunction in the Safety Restraint System (SRS).
What to do: If it stays on while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 106

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light

Lights briefly at start-up; otherwise indicates an ABS malfunction. Hydraulic brakes still work.
What to do: If it stays on while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 108

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) System warning light

ABS and Parking Brake lights on together while driving means 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 soon. PDF page 108

Engine oil pressure warning light

Engine oil pressure is low; engine power may be limited by the engine protection system. Driving on may cause engine failure.
What to do: Stop safely, turn the engine off, check oil and add if low. If light stays on, see a dealer soon. PDF page 109

Charging system warning light

Malfunction in the alternator or electrical charging system.
What to do: Stop safely, turn engine off, check the alternator belt. If light stays on while driving, see a dealer. PDF page 109

Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) warning light

Lights briefly at start-up; otherwise indicates a malfunction in the power steering.
What to do: If it stays on while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 109

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

Lights briefly at start-up; otherwise signals a problem in the emission control system, engine or powertrain. May damage the catalytic converter.
What to do: If it stays on while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 110

Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

One or more tires are significantly under-inflated; the position telltale shows which tire. Flashing then steady means TPMS malfunction.
What to do: Reduce speed, avoid hard cornering, stop and check tires soon, and inflate to the placard pressure. PDF page 448

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator light

Stays on if the ESC system malfunctions; blinks while ESC is operating.
What to do: If it stays on, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer soon. When blinking, drive slowly. PDF page 115

Low fuel level warning light

The fuel tank is nearly empty. Driving on may cause misfire and catalytic converter damage.
What to do: Refuel the vehicle as soon as possible. PDF page 110

Seat belt warning light

The driver's seat belt is not fastened. PDF page 106

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF indicator light

Lights briefly at start-up and when ESC is deactivated with the ESC OFF button. PDF page 115

Immobilizer indicator light

Shows smart key detection status; blinking indicates the smart key is not in the vehicle or an immobilizer malfunction.
What to do: If the key is not detected or it blinks for a malfunction, have the vehicle inspected by a dealer. PDF page 115

Turn signal indicator light

Blinks when the turn signal is used. Steady, rapid blinking, or not lighting indicates a malfunction.
What to do: If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. PDF page 116

High beam indicator light

Headlights are on with high beams selected, or Flash-to-Pass is being used. PDF page 116

Light ON indicator light

Parking lights or headlights are on. PDF page 116

Green: system on

High Beam Assist indicator light

White means High Beam Assist is ready; green means it is operating, switching high beams to low for other vehicles. PDF page 116

Summarized in our own words from the 2026 Hyundai Sonata 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.