Stop safely
Brake system warning light: meaning and what to do
What it means
Low brake fluid or a brake system fault. On some cars it also means the parking brake is on.
Can I keep driving?
No. When the brake system light is on, pull over where it's safe and turn the engine off. Driving on can cause serious damage or make the car unsafe.
What to do
Make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on, drive carefully to a shop or have it towed; braking may be weaker.
On some cars it shows as text
BRAKE
Typical repair cost (US)
$50–$800
Estimated range when a repair is needed; it depends on the car and the cause.
What the color tells you
Red lights warn about a problem that can be dangerous or damage the car. Stop as soon as it's safe.
Cars whose owners report this light most
Model years with the most NHTSA owner complaints that mention the brake system light.