Volvo S90 Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

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 96

Low oil pressure

Engine oil level is too low while driving.
What to do: Stop the engine immediately, check the oil and add if necessary. If oil is normal and light stays on, contact a workshop. PDF page 96

Generator not charging

A fault was detected in the electrical system while driving.
What to do: Contact a workshop; an authorized Volvo workshop is recommended. PDF page 96

Alarm indicator

Flashing once every two seconds means the alarm is armed; flashing quickly means the alarm has been triggered. PDF page 259

Other warnings and indicators

Airbags

If it stays on or comes on while driving, a fault was detected in one of the vehicle's safety systems.
What to do: Read the instrument panel message and contact an authorized Volvo workshop. PDF page 96

SRS warning light

With the OWS indicator staying on, a fault in the system exists and the passenger's front airbag will not deploy in a collision.
What to do: Have the SRS system and Occupant Weight Sensor inspected by a qualified Volvo technician as soon as possible. PDF page 59

Fault in brake system

There is a problem with the parking brake. PDF page 93

Parking brake on

Steady glow means the parking brake is applied; flashing means a fault has occurred.
What to do: If flashing, read the message in the instrument panel. PDF page 96

Fault in ABS system

The ABS system is malfunctioning. The regular brakes still work, but without ABS function. PDF page 93

Tire pressure monitoring system

Tire pressure is too low in one or more tires. Flashing for about a minute then steady means a system malfunction.
What to do: Stop and check your tires as soon as possible and inflate them to the proper pressure. PDF page 519

Information symbol

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 93

OWS indicator light

Lit when the passenger seat is empty or has a low-weight occupant, meaning the passenger front airbag is disabled. Staying on after the self-test indicates a fault.
What to do: Do not assume the airbag is off unless PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF is lit; put child restraints in the rear seat. PDF page 59

Auto-brake on

Lit when the function is active and the brakes or parking brake hold the vehicle at a standstill after stopping. PDF page 93

Collision risk

City Safety warns of a risk of collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist or large animal. PDF page 96

Green: system on

BLIS indicator light

Green shows BLIS is on, gray shows it is off. It brightens and flashes when a vehicle is detected on that side. PDF page 340

Summarized in our own words from the 2018 Volvo S90 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.