Get to Know the Dashboard Lights in Your Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 or '26 Nissan Pathfinder is a rugged, family-friendly SUV built for towing, road trips, and everything in between. From school drop-offs to weekend escapes, it's built to handle real life and real terrain. It has up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity, so you can work hard and play harder.
If a warning light pops up on your Nissan Pathfinder’s dashboard, it’s your vehicle’s way of saying, “There's something you need to know.” Some lights are simple reminders, while others signal issues that need quick attention to keep you safe and avoid costly repairs.
Here’s a rundown of the most common Nissan Pathfinder dashboard lights, what they mean, and what you should do next.
Also, use a sticky note or mark page 103 in your 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual. That's where dashboard light info starts. If you don't have a manual or want to print just the relevant pages, here's a link to the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Owner’s Manual PDF for you. (You want to start at page 1134 in the file.)
Note: Click here to find and download the official manual for every model/year of Nissan vehicles.
Light Color Is Important
It's the first indication of how serious a potential issue might be.
Red: Urgent. Stop as soon as you can safely and address the issue immediately. While there are a couple of indicators you can address on your own (like the seat belt warning in most cases), a red warning light will usually require a trip to the mechanic or schedule an appointment at our service center ASAP.
Yellow/Amber: You can keep driving if you're already on the road, but pay attention. Don't ignore it; schedule service as soon as you can.
Green/Blue/White: These are more FYIs, letting you know that a feature is on or in use.
Nissan Pathfinder Red Dashboard Lights (Urgent)
Brake Warning Light – Low fluid, engaged parking brake, or brake system issue. Pull over safely and call for service.
Charge Warning Light – Alternator or battery charging issue. Don't drive far on battery alone.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning – Low oil pressure. Shut off the engine immediately.
Supplemental Air Bag Warning (SRS) – Air bag system fault. The system needs prompt inspection.
Seat Belt Reminder – Buckle up! (It's the law. You can be fined.)
Electronic Parking Brake Warning – Parking brake system fault.
Power Steering Warning (Red) – Loss of steering assist. Heavy wheel feel; stop carefully.
Master Warning (Red Triangle) – Check the vehicle info display for details.
Hands OFF Warning – Driver-assist system detects no hands on the wheel.
Nissan Pathfinder Yellow or Amber Dashboard Lights (Check Soon)
ABS Warning – Anti-lock braking system fault. Brakes still work, but no ABS safety net.
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light or MIL) – Engine or emissions issue. Flashing = stop and service immediately.
Low Tire Pressure (TPMS) – Inflate tires to correct PSI, then recheck.
Slip Indicator – Traction control is active, or system is off if steady.
VDC OFF Indicator – Vehicle Dynamic Control disabled. Turn back on in slippery conditions.
Automatic Emergency Braking OFF – AEB safety system turned off/unavailable.
Rear Automatic Braking OFF – Rear braking assist unavailable; use extra care reversing.
Power Steering Warning (Yellow) – Reduced steering assist.
Electronic Parking Brake System Warning – EPB needs inspection.
Passenger Air Bag Status Light – Shows ON/OFF based on occupant/weight.
Differential Lock Indicator (if equipped) – Confirms diff lock engaged. Use only on slippery/off-road surfaces. This one is unique to Nissan's SUVs.
Hill Descent Control (if equipped) – Feature is active to maintain slow downhill speed. This one is also unique to Nissan's SUVs.
Nissan Pathfinder Green, Blue, or White Dashboard Lights (FYI)
High Beam Indicator (Blue) – High beams on.
High Beam Assist (Green or White) – Automatic high beams enabled.
Exterior Light Indicator (Green) – Headlights/parking lights are on.
Fog Light Indicator (Green) – Fog lamps active.
Turn Signal / Hazard (Green) – Flashing arrows when signaling or hazard lights engaged.
Automatic Brake Hold (White/Green) – White = armed, Green = holding vehicle at stop.
When a Light Appears: What to Do
Check the cluster message. The Pathfinder displays plain-English explanations in the info panel.
Note the color.
- Red = Stop as soon as you can safely do so
- Yellow = Check soon
- Green/Blue/White = Informational
Don't ignore it: Dashboard lights are meant to give you a heads up to potential problems before they become bigger (more dangerous or expensive) issues.
Look No Further Than the Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Pathfinder has more advanced systems than most passenger cars, and its dashboard lights reflect that. By knowing what each symbol means, you'll drive with confidence whether you're at a worksite or hitting the trails.
Your Pathfinder will take good care of you if you take care of it. The experts at the Coulter Nissan Service Center can help you keep your Pathfinder in peak condition with regular preventative maintenance.