Can I drive my Subaru with the check engine light on?
Yes, you can usually drive a short distance with a steady check engine light, but avoid long trips or aggressive driving. If the light is blinking, pull over safely and stop as soon as possible.
What the warning means for Subaru vehicles
The check engine light, or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), signals that the vehicle's onboard computer detected a fault affecting engine performance, emissions, or sensor readings. In Subarus, common causes range from something as simple as a loose gas cap to more serious issues like misfires, faulty oxygen sensors, or emissions-system problems. A steady light indicates a fault that should be addressed soon; a flashing light points to a potential urgent condition that could harm the engine or catalytic converter if driven aggressively or for long distances.
Blinking versus solid: how to respond
What a blinking check engine light signals
A blinking light typically means a severe engine problem, often a misfire, which can overheat or damage the catalytic converter if driven. Do not continue driving at highway speeds. Safely pull over, turn off the engine if needed, and arrange roadside assistance or tow the car to a repair shop.
- Safely pull over to a secure location as soon as you can.
- Check for obvious issues (oil level, coolant level, signs of a fuel smell or overheating). If you notice something obvious or dangerous, do not drive further.
- Avoid high speeds and heavy acceleration; keep RPMs low if you must move the car a short distance.
- Inspect the gas cap—tighten it completely or replace if it’s loose or missing.
- Call for roadside assistance or have the vehicle towed to a qualified repair shop for diagnosis and repair.
Driving with a blinking light can cause significant and costly damage; towing is often the safest option.
What a solid check engine light signals
A steady light indicates a detected fault that may not require immediate emergency action, but still warrants timely attention. The car can usually be driven to a safe location or a service facility, but you should schedule a diagnostic soon to determine the cause and prevent potential damage.
- Consult the owner's manual for model-specific guidance and warnings.
- Read the codes with an OBD-II scanner or have a parts store or repair shop pull the diagnostic codes for free or a small fee.
- Consider common Subaru issues such as a loose gas cap, faulty sensors (oxygen, MAF, or MAP), spark and ignition problems, or emissions-system faults.
- If you notice symptoms like rough idle, misfires, reduced power, knocking, or abnormal exhaust, have the vehicle inspected promptly.
- Check for any active warranty, recall notices, or service campaigns that might apply to your model and year.
Even with a solid light, prolonged driving or ignoring symptoms can lead to more serious damage. Schedule an inspection and avoid unnecessary risks.
What to do now
Plan a diagnostic visit soon to determine the exact cause. A certified Subaru technician or a reputable shop can read the codes, perform tests, and recommend necessary repairs. If the light is blinking, prioritize safety and seek immediate assistance.
Ongoing maintenance and prevention
Regular maintenance helps prevent many causes of the check engine light. Keep up with oil changes, air and fuel filter replacements, spark plugs, ignition components, and passenger-emissions checks. Address faults promptly to maintain fuel economy, engine performance, and reliability.
Summary
The check engine light on a Subaru is a warning that should be taken seriously but interpreted by the situation. A blinking light requires immediate stop and professional help; a solid light usually permits short, careful driving to a repair shop but still calls for a diagnostic soon. When in doubt, consult a Subaru-trained technician or trusted repair facility, and use an OBD-II scanner to read the codes for a clearer idea of the potential causes.
How long is it okay to drive with a check engine light on?
50-100 miles
The most common question we get is how long can you drive with check engine light on? The answer is it is safe to drive from 50-100 miles. To maintain your car's health, it is always better to get it checked immediately when you see the check engine light.
Why is my Subaru check engine light on?
Your Subaru's check engine light could be on due to a simple issue like a loose gas cap or a more serious problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, spark plugs, or catalytic converter. If the light is solid, it indicates a need for maintenance, and you should have it checked by a mechanic soon. If the light is flashing, it means there is a severe engine problem, and you should reduce speed and get it serviced immediately to avoid further damage.
This video explains the Subaru check engine light and what to do when it illuminates: 34sSubaruYouTube · Nov 4, 2019
Common reasons your check engine light is on
- Loose or faulty gas cap: A loose, broken, or missing gas cap is a very common and easy-to-fix cause.
- Faulty oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor monitors the exhaust gases to help the engine's computer mix the right amount of fuel and air. A bad sensor can lead to poor fuel economy.
- Worn spark plugs or ignition coils: Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine, and worn-out parts can cause a misfire.
- Failing catalytic converter: This is a more expensive repair that affects your car's exhaust and emissions system.
- Faulty mass airflow (MAF) sensor: This sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to ensure the correct fuel-to-air ratio.
What to do
- Check your gas cap: The first and easiest step is to make sure your gas cap is on tightly. If it is, tighten it. If the light doesn't turn off after a few drives, it may not be the issue.
- Monitor other warnings: Look at your dashboard for other warning lights, especially for low oil pressure or overheating. If you see those, pull over safely and have your car towed to a mechanic to avoid major damage.
- Take it to a professional: Have a qualified mechanic use a diagnostic tool to read the specific error code from your Subaru's computer. This will tell you exactly what is wrong.
What is the most serious Subaru warning light?
What is the most serious warning light? Of all Subaru dashboard symbols and meanings, the Oil Pressure Warning Light, Brake System Warning Light, and Battery Warning Light are possible causes for concern. Still, the Check Engine Warning Light is one of the most urgent symbols.
Does the Subaru check engine light clear itself?
The check engine light on your Subaru will usually shut itself off if the issue or code that caused it to turn on is fixed. For example, if the cause of your check engine light coming on was a loose gas cap, if it's tightened, the light will turn itself off.
