Volvo V50 Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Warning symbol

A fault that could affect the car's drivability; a message in the information display explains it.
What to do: Stop the car as soon as possible somewhere suitable, read the display message, follow its instructions or contact a Volvo technician. PDF page 56

Brake failure warning light

Possible brake system problem, such as low brake fluid.
What to do: Stop safely, open the hood and check the brake fluid level. If below MIN, do not drive; have the car towed. PDF page 60

Oil pressure warning light

Engine oil pressure is low.
What to do: Stop the engine immediately and check the oil level. If normal but the light stays on after restart, have the car towed. PDF page 59

Amber: check soon

Information symbol

A message is shown in the information display; lights at speeds below 5 mph.
What to do: Erase the message by pressing the READ button, or it disappears automatically. PDF page 56

Other warnings and indicators

SRS system warning light

A fault was detected in the SRS system: seat belt lock or pretensioner, airbags or inflatable curtain.
What to do: Have the system inspected by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician as soon as possible. PDF page 59

Generator warning light

The charging system may have a fault while the engine is running.
What to do: Have the charging system checked by an authorized Volvo workshop. PDF page 59

Malfunction indicator light

The OBDII computer senses a condition in the engine, transmission, electrical or emission systems that may need correcting.
What to do: Have the car checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician as soon as possible. PDF page 58

Anti-lock Brake system (ABS)

There is a malfunction of the ABS system; the standard braking system still works.
What to do: Drive the vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection. PDF page 58

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

One or more tires are significantly under-inflated. Flashing for about a minute, then steady, means a TPMS malfunction.
What to do: Stop and check your tires as soon as possible and inflate them to the proper pressure. PDF page 199

Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) indicator light

The passenger's front airbag is disabled. Staying on after the self-test with the SRS light means a system fault. PDF page 28

Fuel level warning light

Fuel level is low.
What to do: Refuel the vehicle as soon as possible. PDF page 58

Seat belt reminder

A front seat occupant has not buckled their seat belt. PDF page 59

Stability system STC or DSTC

Flashes when the stability and traction control system is actively working to stabilize the car. PDF page 58

Parking brake applied

The parking brake is applied. PDF page 59

Turn signal indicator for trailer

Flashes with the trailer's turn signals. If it does not flash, a trailer or car turn signal is faulty. PDF page 59

Alarm indicator light

Flashing every two seconds means the alarm is armed; rapid flashing before ignition on means the alarm was triggered.
What to do: If a fault message appears, contact your Volvo retailer to have the alarm inspected. PDF page 133

Rear fog light

The rear fog light is on. PDF page 58

Summarized in our own words from the 2011 Volvo V50 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.