What is the brake system light on a Honda Pilot?
On a Honda Pilot, the brake system light is a warning that your braking system may have a problem or that the parking brake is engaged; it can also indicate low brake fluid or an ABS fault, and you should address it promptly.
What the lights mean on a Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot uses two warning lights to help you assess braking health: the red brake system warning light and the amber ABS light. They signal different issues and require different actions, though both can affect braking safety if ignored.
Red brake warning vs. ABS light
Red brake warning indicates a hydraulic brake system problem or parking brake being engaged. The ABS light indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking system. In some cases both can illuminate simultaneously, requiring immediate attention.
Common causes of the red brake system warning light include:
- Parking brake is engaged or not fully released
- Brake fluid level is low or there is a hydraulic leak
- There is a fault in the hydraulic brake system that could affect hydraulic pressure
- Sensor or electrical faults connected to the brake system
Concerning the ABS warning light:
- ABS wheel speed sensor fault or wiring issue
- ABS control module or hydraulic control unit fault
- Sensor calibration or intermittent electrical connections
- Post-repair or low-visibility sensor faults
Note: On many Honda Pilot models, the red brake warning light focuses on the hydraulic brake system and parking brake, while the ABS light covers the anti-lock system. If both lights are on, the vehicle should be serviced promptly to ensure braking safety.
In short, the red brake system warning light suggests a critical brake issue or engaged parking brake, and you should address it promptly to avoid reduced stopping ability.
In short, the ABS warning light indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking system that could affect steering control during hard braking; have the system diagnosed.
What to do if the brake system light comes on
If you see the brake warning light while driving, take these steps to stay safe and minimize risk while you arrange service.
- Safely pull over to a secure location and stop. If possible, avoid heavy traffic and high speeds.
- Fully release the parking brake and check whether it is still engaged.
- Check the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. If the level is low, top it up with the correct fluid and look for signs of leaks around the brake lines or under the car.
- Feel for sudden changes in pedal firmness (soft or spongy pedal) or unusual noises, which can indicate a hydraulic problem or air in the lines.
- If the light remains on after these checks, or you notice diminished braking performance, do not continue driving. Arrange roadside assistance or tow the vehicle to a qualified shop.
After taking these steps, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician to identify the exact cause (fluid leak, low fluid, sensor issue, or ABS fault) and perform the necessary repairs.
Summary
The brake system light on a Honda Pilot serves as a critical safety alert. The red brake warning typically signals a potential hydraulic brake issue or engaged parking brake, while the amber ABS light points to a fault in the anti-lock braking system. If either light appears, check the parking brake, inspect fluid levels and look for leaks, and seek prompt professional diagnosis to ensure safe braking performance. In all cases, prioritize a professional inspection if the light persists or braking feels compromised.
Can I drive with a brake system warning light?
Drivers sometimes ask whether it's safe to drive with this brake light on. The answer is no; it should never be ignored. Brake system warning lights show that there is immediate risk and potentially a problem that compromises driver and vehicle safety.
What is the brake system warning light on a Honda Pilot?
A Honda Pilot's brake system warning light indicates a problem with the brakes, such as low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or an issue with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). If the light comes on, check the parking brake first, as it may be partially engaged. If the parking brake is released and the light remains on, you should pull over safely as soon as possible and have the vehicle inspected by a professional to ensure safety.
Common causes for the brake system warning light
This video explains the common reasons for the brake warning light and what to do: 40sPowerStop BrakesYouTube · Sep 14, 2023
- Low brake fluid: This is a common cause, as the braking system relies on hydraulic pressure. Low fluid can indicate a leak or severely worn brake pads.
- Worn brake pads: Many vehicles have sensors on the brake pads. When they wear down to a certain thickness, the sensors can trigger the warning light.
- Parking brake engaged: The light will illuminate if the parking brake is not fully released.
- ABS or sensor issues: A faulty wheel speed sensor, a problem with the ABS module, or other electrical issues with the anti-lock braking system can cause the light to come on.
- Electrical problems: A blown fuse, a faulty brake light switch, or bad wiring can also activate the warning light.
What to do when the light is on
This video shows how to reset some common warning lights, including the brake system warning light: 51sDashboard warning lights YouTube · Sep 4, 2025
- Check the parking brake: Ensure the parking brake is completely disengaged.
- Check the brake fluid: If the parking brake is released and the pedal feels normal, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If it's low, this is a serious issue that needs immediate attention, as it could be a leak.
- Avoid hard braking: If the light is on, you should avoid high speeds and sudden braking to maintain control and avoid further damage.
- Get the vehicle inspected immediately: The brake system is a critical safety component. Have a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
Why is my brake system light on my Honda?
A brake system light on a Honda means there's an issue with the braking system that needs immediate attention. Common causes include the parking brake being engaged, low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or an electrical problem with the ABS system. To be safe, pull over and stop the car, and then check if the parking brake is disengaged and if the brake fluid level is correct.
Initial checks
- Parking brake: First, ensure the parking brake is fully disengaged. This is a very common reason for the light to come on.
- Brake fluid: Next, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If it is low, it could indicate worn brake pads or a leak in the system. If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, do not drive the vehicle further and have it inspected immediately.
If the issue persists
- Worn brake pads: The light can also signal that your brake pads are worn and need to be replaced.
- Electrical or ABS issues: There could be an electrical problem with the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) or other sensors.
What to do next
- Seek professional help: If you have checked the parking brake and the brake fluid, and the light remains on, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
- Avoid driving if unsafe: Do not drive the car if the brake pedal feels soft or you notice any other unsafe braking performance.
- Get it serviced: A professional can diagnose the exact cause, whether it's a simple fix or a more serious issue requiring a brake job or ABS module scan.
What two reasons would cause your brake system warning light to come on?
If your brake service warning light is on, it could indicate hydraulic issues, worn brake pads, or a need for parking brake adjustment. Because the brake service warning light could mean different things, it is best to have a brake specialist diagnose the issue.
