Honda CR-V Dashboard Warning Lights
Here we look at the Honda CR-V dashboard warning lights for fourth generation (Mk 4, 2012 – 2016) and the current fifth generation (Mk 5, 2017 – present). Dashboard instrument display layout and warning light location will vary depending on the model of Honda CR-V.
| Symbol | Warning Light Description / Action |
|---|---|
 | The Honda CR-V red brake warning light (exclamation mark in a circle) comes on for the following reasons: ▷  : The parking brake is applied. If the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light remains on, check the brake fluid level.▷ Red brake warning light flashing or constant + amber brake warning light : Attempt to release the parking brake manually or automatically. If the lights remain on, do not continue driving as there may be a fault with the brake system.▷ Amber brake warning light only : Avoid using the parking brake as it may not release. Have system serviced immediately.▷ Red brake warning light + EB warning light (electronic brake force distribution)  : Increased risk of locking wheels under heavy braking. May illuminate with ABS warning light. Have system checked immediately. |
| The Honda CR-V amber brake warning light comes on as a non-critical brake fault. It comes on when: ▷ Amber brake warning light +  /  /  /  indicates a fault related to a braking system but not the conventional brakes.▷ Amber brake warning light +  : A fault has been detected with the automatic brake hold system.▷ Amber brake warning light : Fault detected with the electronic parking brake. Avoid using.▷ Amber brake warning light + VSA / timer  : This warning light illuminates when the battery has been disconnected and reconnected. The parking brake and brake system is temporarily deactivated. The warning light will go out after driving a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). |
 | The Honda CR-V low brake fluid warning light means that the safe level of brake fluid in the reservoir tank is at minimum or below. The brake fluid tank is also used for the clutch fluid. Provided you keep the brake fluid tank within operating levels, there's no need to check the clutch fluid. Use Honda approved brake fluid. DOT 5 brake fluid is not compatible with the CR-V and may cause damage. Brake fluid levels fall over time due to brake pad wear. |
 | The Honda CR-V low oil pressure warning light comes on either due to low oil level or low oil pressure. Do as follows: 1. Pull off the road, stop in a safe place and on level ground. 2. Stop the engine and allow it to site for around 3 minutes. 3. Open the bonnet / hood and check the engine oil level. 4. If the engine oil level is low, add sufficient oil until it reaches the MAX indicator on the dip stick (upper mark). 5. Start the engine. 6. If the warning light goes out, you can continue driving. If the warning light has not gone out after 10 seconds, immediately switch off the engine and do not continue driving. Warning If the oil level was sufficient and you didn't top up, do not continue driving, or do not continue driving if the warning light remains on even after adding oil. This will result in significant engine damage.  |
 | The Honda CR-V malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) also called the 'check engine light' is a warning due to: ▷ Poor emissions. The onboard diagnostic system has determined that poor exhaust emissions are present. This is due to a fault in the system. You can continue driving, but may experience poor fuel economy and reduced engine performance. Have engine checked as soon as possible. ▷ Engine Misfire. This is more serious as it may result in fuel that hasn't been burnt and entering the catalytic converter. This can ignite causing significant damage. As soon as possible, pull off the road and switch off the engine. Wait for 10 minutes for the engine to cool and restart. If the light remains on, driver carefully to a Honda workshop ensuring that you do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). |
 | The Honda CR-V battery warning light comes on when driving due to the battery no longer being charged. Warning When the battery becomes completely discharged, the engine may no longer operate. Immediately make your way to a vehicle repair workshop for diagnosis. The fault often is due to a malfunction in the alternator / generator, belts, battery, connections or wiring. What to do Immediately switch off any electrical consumers, particularly those that use high amounts such as the rear demister, air conditioning etc. Battery sensor fault A battery and exclamation mark symbol  illuminates when the battery sensor has malfunctioned. This sensor monitors the condition of the battery and is located on the negative terminal. Check battery terminals monthly for corrosion. |
 | The low fuel warning light will illuminate on the Honda CR-V when there is approximately 1.76 imperial gallons remaining (8 litres). The fuel light will flashes if there's a problem with the fuel gauge. |
 | ABS or anti-lock braking system helps the prevent the wheels from locking up, therefore helping to retain steering control. If the Honda CR-V ABS warning light comes on, it means the system is no longer functioning. This is often down to a sensor issue or worn / damaged cables. ABS runs independently to the normal braking system and as such, normal brakes remain unaffected. |
 | The supplemental restraint system light, otherwise known as the airbag warning light stays on when there's a problem detected with the Honda CR-V restraint system. The fault may cause any of the following to not initial during a vehicle impact: • Supplemental restraint system • Side airbag system • Side curtain airbag system • Seat belt tensioner Have the system serviced as soon as possible. E-pretensioner System ▷  : This warning light comes on when a malfunction has been detected with the Honda seat belt e-pretensioner system. Seat belts may not offer full protection in the event of a collision. |
 | VSA or Vehicle Stability Assistant helps to maintain control of the vehicle when cornering and when accelerating by maintaining traction. The Honda CR-V VSA warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ VSA light is flashing indicates the system is currently operating and attempting to maintain stability of the vehicle. ▷ VSA light is constantly on indicates a problem with the system. You can drive as normal but the stability feature of VSA are not available. Certain shared sensors such as the ABS may relate to a fault with VSA. Other system that may be affected due to a VSA fault are: •  - Trailer Stability Assist.•  - Hill Start Assist.• - Illuminates if the battery has been disconnected. Drive for a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h) to resume the system.Turning VSA off VSA is on by default at each engine start. However, it may be beneficial to turn VSA off if your vehicle is struggling to gain traction on slippery surfaces such as snow or mud. Switching off VSA will only result in the traction control features of the system being switched off. |
 | The steering wheel and exclamation mark is the EPS, or electric power steering warning light. If the power steering has a fault, you'll notice that it's much to turn the wheel, most noticeably at slower speeds. Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and restart. If the warning light remains on, have the EPS serviced as soon as possible. |
 | The Honda CR-V low tyre pressure warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ The vehicle has not been moved after 45 seconds from the ignition being switched to 'on' to indicate the initialisation process is not yet complete. ▷ Stays on when one or more tyres has been determined to be significantly under-inflated. ▷ Stays on when the system has not been initialised after the tyres has been inflated. ▷ Flashes for about 1 minute then stays on indicating a problem with the deflation warning system or when the spare tyre has been fitted. ▷ Comes on temporarily if the battery has been disconnected. System will resume after a short drive of a speed of 12 mph or over. ▷ The tyre pressure monitor system (TPMS) must be reset or calibrated after tyre pressures have been adjusted, or if tyres have been changed or rotated. See Honda CR-V tyre pressure reset for further information. |
 | The Honda CR-V auto idle stop warning light illuminates for the following reasons: ▷ Green: illuminates when auto idle stop is in operation and the engine has automatically shut off. ▷ Amber: Flashes  when a fault has been detected with the auto idle stop system. There are various reasons why auto engine idle may not take place. To find out what the conditions required are for auto idle to activate, see Honda CR-V auto stop not available. |
 | This is the Honda CR-V road departure mitigation warning light and along with other warning lights, it may illuminate for the following reasons: ▷ Warning light stays on when a fault has been detected with the system. ▷ : Warning light comes on temporarily if the battery has been disconnected. System will resume after a short drive of a speed of 12 mph or over.▷  : Illuminates when:• Passing through an enclosed space such as a tunnel. • The radar unit is covered in dirt, much, snow etc. Clean the radar unit housed on the front grill of the vehicle. ▷  : Camera mounted at the top of the windscreen has overheated. This may happen due to parking under a hot sun for example. System will begin working when camera module has cooled.▷  : The system uses a radar along with a camera mounted in front of the rear view mirror at the top of the windscreen. This warning light means the view of the camera is obscured by dirt. Clean the windscreen. |
 | The Honda CR-V Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) offers alerts and steering input to help keep the vehicle in the middle of detected lane lines when a directional signal has not been applied. The warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ Green: LKAS warning light illuminates in green when the system is switched on. ▷ Amber: LKAS warning light illuminates in amber when a problem has been detected with the system. LKAS turning off The LKAS may not function and cancel when: • The camera temperature is too high (see road departure mitigation above). • The area in front of the camera is dirty (see road departure mitigation above). • The system may also not function due to bad weather. • Sudden changes in light and dark. • The road markings are not clear. • Strong reflected light. |
 | The Honda CR-V Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) assists the driver when a collision is imminent with another vehicle or pedestrian. It provides alerts or slows the vehicle. The CMBS warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ Illuminates when the system has been deactivated. ▷ Illuminates when there's a problem with the system. ▷ : Warning light comes on temporarily if the battery has been disconnected. System will resume after a short drive of a speed of 12 mph or over.▷ : Illuminates when the radar unit is covered in dirt, much, snow etc. Clean the radar unit housed on the front grill of the vehicle.▷ : Camera mounted at the top of the windscreen has overheated. This may happen due to parking under a hot sun for example. System will begin working when camera module has cooled.▷ : The system uses a radar along with a camera mounted in front of the rear view mirror at the top of the windscreen. This warning light means the view of the camera is obscured by dirt. Clean the windscreen. |
 | The Honda CR-V blind spot alert system is designed to detect and alert you of vehicle in the alert zones adjacent to your vehicle. The blind spot monitor warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ Warning light remains on when the system has been switched off. ▷  : Illuminates when the blind spot monitoring sensors are covered with dirt, snow etc. The sensors are located on the rear bumper corners.▷  : Illuminates when there's a fault with the system. |
 | The Honda CR-V low engine oil warning light comes on when the oil level inside the engine is at its lowest safe level. This requires you to stop as soon as possible and add oil to the engine. See low engine oil pressure above for details on checking the oil level. Engine oil level sensor A sensor is used to detect how much oil is inside the engine. If the sensor develops a fault, the oil level sensor fault light  comes on. In order to receive accurate oil level readings, the sensor must be repaired. |
 | The Honda CR-V engine coolant temperature warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ White: Comes on when the engine coolant temperature is nearing the upper limit. ▷ Red: Comes on when the engine coolant temperature gets dangerously high and the engine is overheating. Dealing with overheating 1. Immediately pull off the road and stop in a safe place. 2. Switch off all accessories. • If steam if coming from the vehicle, switch off the engine, wait for steam to subside and open bonnet / hood. • No steam coming from vehicle, keep engine running and open bonnet / hood. 3. Check the cooling fan is working. If it is not working, immediately stop the engine. 4. When the engine has cooled, check the coolant level. If coolant levels are low or no coolant is present, add coolant to the MAX mark.  |
 | The Honda CR-V key symbol is the immobiliser warning light and it comes on when the system cannot recognise the key code information. If it: ▷ Flashes: You cannot start the engine. Turn the ignition switch to the 'lock' position (o), then remove the key. Reinsert the key and turn it to the 'on' position (II) and restart. Ensure you remove metal objects or another immobiliser key from close location as this may disturb the signal. ▷ Repeatedly flashes: The vehicle ECU does not recognise the key code. Try an alternative key if you have one. Contact a Honda workshop to arrange to have the key programmed. |
 | The Honda CR-V keyless access warning light comes on when there's a fault detected with the keyless access or keyless starting system. Replace the battery in the key. |
 | The Honda CR-V City-Brake Active System (CTBA) offers alerts when traveling at slow speed when the system detects a possible collision with the vehicle in front. They system may apply the brakes to reduce the impact. ▷ Warning light comes on  when the camera located at the top of the windscreen has its view impaired by dirt, frost or snow. Clean the windscreen. The warning light may also come on if there is snow accumulated on the bonnet.▷ Warning light comes on  when the radar / camera is overheating. Switching on climate control will cool the system. When cooled, the system will resume operation. |
 | Soot can build up in the diesel particulate filter (DPF). The filter is usually cleaned automatically, but frequent short trips can make it clog. The DPF requires driver assistance when the warning light come son. To clean the filter, drive the vehicle at a speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) or over until the warning light disappears. It will take about 20 minutes to increase the catalytic converter temperature to burn out and remove the soot. ▷ Warning light comes on  when the cleaning process has been ignored. This may result in engine damage. Contact a Honda workshop. |
The Honda CR-V stop warning light illuminates due to a serious malfunction. The vehicle is no longer able to run and you must stop in a safe place. Contact a Honda workshop.
This warning light appears when the vehicle has stopped, but due to a malfunction, the vehicle may unexpectedly move. Apply the parking brake to secure the vehicle.
The snowflake warning light is an indication that outside temperatures are below 3°C and the road surface may be icy and slippery.
The Honda CR-V automatic lighting fault warning light comes on when a fault has been detected with the automatic lights. Turn the lights on manually.
This warning light appears when a fault has been detected with the headlights. The headlights may not function. If conditions allow, immediately make your way to a Honda workshop.
The Honda CR-V active shutter grill warning light comes on when the shutter grill is failing to open or close, or another fault is detected with the system. The active shutter grill helps to regulate coolant temperature and increase aerodynamics. Engine coolant temperature may rise and a reduction in engine performance may be noticed.
The Honda CR-V coffee cup icon appears when the vehicle is being driven in a manner consistent with drowsy driving. The coffee cup will turn from white to amber indicating that a rest is required.
This symbol appears when the Honda CR-V has a problem with the starter system. As a temporary fix, hold the ignition switch to ‘start III’ for up to 15 seconds while pressing the brake pedal (and clutch pedal if manual) and then start the engine.
The Honda CR-V service spanner warning light appears when a vehicle service item is required in less than 10 days.
- Service items required in less than 30 days:
- Vehicle service has elapsed by -minus days:
- Scheduled service due soon:
- Scheduled service due or has passed:
Warning light appears when there’s a fault with the power tailgate. Tailgate will require manually opening and closing.
Warning light appears when the differential temperature is too high. Stop when possible, put the gear shift into ‘P’ and allow the engine to idle until the warning light goes out.
Warning light appears when there’a a fault with the real time AWD with intelligent control system. During this fault, the vehicle will only drive with the front wheels. Warning light will flash when the All-wheel-Drive system overheats. Stop and allow the engine to idle until warning light goes out.
The Honda CR-V parking sensors warning light comes on when there’s a problem with the parking sensors system. Check to ensure the area around the sensors is clear from dirt, snow etc. These are located on the front and rear bumper.
This warning light comes on when the camera lens is dirty for high beam support.
Applies to diesel versions of the Honda CR-V only. The water in fuel filter warning light comes on where water has reached a high limit in the fuel filter. The filter requires water draining. Failure to do so may result in damage to the fuel system.
The Honda CR-V FGM-FI warning light comes on when a fault has been detected with the engine control system. Avoid high speed driving and full throttle acceleration. Have system checked as soon as possible. Continual driving with the FGM-FI warning light on can damage the emissions control system.
The cog and temperature gauge is the transmission overheating warning light. Engine power may be reduced. Stop as soon as possible, allow the engine to idle and wait until the warning light goes out.
This warning light appears when the battery in the keyless remote becomes weak. See how to change Honda CR-V remote battery.
What happens when all warning lights turn on and will not turn off, intermittently?
Hi Len,
It’s usually an electric fault / shorting out in the instrument cluster. Can also switch related.
My 2014 CRV recently began intermittently displaying TPMS, ABS. PS, and red Brake light. NO Malfunction light and no faulty operation of any system. At first it happened about 50% of start-ups. Now, it happens almost every time. The battery has been checked and replaced, although only slightly weak, with no symptom changes. Today I removed, tested, and reinstalled every under-hood fuse and relay; there was no problem nor any obvious corrosion observed. The Haynes service manual has no wiring diagrams for any of those circuits. I’m baffled! HELP!
I had this happen with my 2014 Honda Accord and it was a major issue with the brake computer system! Honda service director said they see this is issue maybe once a year. I had to get the computer system for my brakes replaced. It was very pricey! I believe it was around $2,000. This happened this June 2022. I would take your car in to a Honda dealership at least to have it diagnose.
I’m back: After my posting of 28 June 2022, I had the CRV’s engine oil and filter changed at a lube service. At their suggestion, I also had the engine air filter changed. When I picked the car up, the warning lights were no longer on and have not reappeared during the subsequent 4 months! Strange!
Ken H.
My 2019 Honda CRV is displaying a symbol like you display at the very start of this article, lower left hand corner. It is white, it is a circle with an upside down triangle at the 12:00 position, followed by a :LIKE.
I cannot find any reference to this symbol in the operating manual. What does it mean?
I have a 2019 Honda CRV.
I just saw a warning message that said:
Critical System Failure.
As soon as I saw these words displayed, they went away.
What does Critical System Failure mean?
Why did the words go away?
Is my car drivable?
The letters DE came on next to the D in PRND
What is that?
Recently bought a 2019 CR-V and a orange steering warning light came on with some wobbling of the steering wheel. It is occasional and not all the time. Whats up with that?
Randy, did you ever get an answer? I get that orange warning light too. The girl at servicing tried to tell me that it was the steering wheel pulling the car back when I got too close to the lane line. But I wasn’t close to it. And it wobbled like you said, Didn’t pull in one direction. I’d like to know if you ever found out what’s up. Thanks.
what does it mean when in the middle of the dashboard there is an amber car there
can’t seem to find information
Hi Deborah,
Can you describe the symbol a little more? Is it the front, rear side or top of the car? Are there any other shapes or symbols along with the car? What year is your Honda?
Thanks. I’m having the same problem
I have the amber front of car with exclamation mark at front side. PLEASE help
Hi Elizabeth,
Is it the front shutter grille warning light? If it’s very hot outside and you’re running the car with the A/C on, it can trigger the warning light. Typically you’ll also receive the reduced engine power light too. Best to switch off the A/C in that situation. Make sure there’s nothing blocking the shutter grille and preventing it from opening. If the car’s been parked for some time, it can also get stuck. Failing that, it’s likely a trip to the repair shop.
HOW DO I FIX A {CR-V SERVICE SPANNER WARNING LIGHT , THAT JUST POP UP
Hi Mark,
It’s a service reminder, so you’ll need to have your car serviced (oil, filter change etc). Once the service has been completed, the mechanic will reset the service light.
My 2014 crv display a light for few second bit very long it was when we were stopped in traffic and looked like the gear stick then a line to the letter N