What does green light on a Subaru dashboard mean?
Green lights on a Subaru dashboard generally indicate normal operation or an active feature rather than a fault.
Signs vary by model and year, but the color green is typically used to show that a system is ready or active—such as cruise control, all-wheel drive, or driver-assist features—rather than a warning. This guide explains common green indicators and how to respond if you see one you don’t recognize.
Common green indicator lights
Below are some of the green dashboard icons Subaru drivers may encounter. The exact symbol and color can differ by year and trim, so consult your manual if you’re unsure.
- Cruise Control Engaged — A green CRUISE indicator lights when cruise control is actively maintaining your set speed.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) / Symmetrical AWD — An AWD icon glows green to show the drivetrain is distributing power to all wheels. In some models the symbol may stay visible whenever AWD is available, and may change during operation.
- Turn Signals — Green left or right arrows indicate that a turn signal is currently on and flashing.
- Eco / ECON Mode — A green ECON indicator appears when fuel-saving mode is active, signaling that the vehicle is prioritizing efficiency.
- EyeSight / Driver Assist Status — A green icon related to EyeSight or Lane Keep Assist may indicate the system is active and monitoring the road. Some trims use blue for certain states; consult your manual for your exact model.
- Fog Lights — On models equipped with fog lights, a green icon may indicate that the fog lights are switched on.
While green indicators generally reflect normal operation or active features, the exact meaning depends on the symbol and your vehicle’s year and trim. Always refer to the dashboard legend in your owner’s manual for precise definitions.
Model-year and trim differences
Subaru’s dashboard design and indicator colors have evolved across generations. Although the principle remains that green signals a system is ready or active, the specific symbols and shade of green can vary. If you’ve recently switched models or are unfamiliar with a symbol, look up the exact legend for your year and trim in the manual or via Subaru’s official resources.
What to do if you see a green light you don’t recognize
If a green light appears and you’re unsure what it means, follow these steps to avoid misinterpreting it as a fault.
Guidance for identifying an unfamiliar green light:
- Check the owner’s manual or the dashboard indicator glossary for your exact year/model to identify the symbol.
- Use official Subaru resources or visit a dealership to confirm the meaning of the symbol for your trim.
- Look for accompanying messages on the driver information display or infotainment screen that may explain the light.
- Note whether the light remains steady or changes with driving conditions, and whether vehicle behavior changes.
- If you remain unsure or notice any unusual performance, schedule a service appointment for a professional check.
Bottom line: green lights normally denote readiness or activation, not an imminent fault. When in doubt, double-check the symbol against your manual and seek expert guidance if the light persists or changes state.
Summary
Green dashboard lights on Subaru vehicles typically signal that a feature is active or that the system is operating normally. They are not warning indicators. Because symbols can vary by model year and trim, consult the owner’s manual for your specific dashboard legend. If you encounter an unfamiliar green light, verify its meaning with official resources or a dealer, and monitor the vehicle for any changes in performance.
