Nissan dashboard symbols can tell you a lot about what is happening inside your vehicle. A red warning light may require immediate attention, while a green or blue indicator often simply confirms that a feature is operating. Understanding these symbols can help you react appropriately instead of guessing what a light means.
This guide covers Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings across popular models and model years, including the Sentra, Altima, and Murano. It also addresses commonly searched years from 2013 through 2025 and explains the difference between warning lights, indicator lights, and messages shown on the vehicle information display.
Because dashboard equipment can vary by trim, engine, market, and model year, the owner’s manual for your exact Nissan remains the most reliable reference. Nissan provides vehicle-specific manuals by model and year, while its official dashboard-light guide explains many common indicators.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings 2022
For a 2022 Nissan, dashboard symbols generally fall into several groups: warning lights, indicator lights, and information messages. The exact combination depends on the model and equipment.
| Symbol | Common meaning | Typical action |
| 🔴 BRAKE | Brake system warning | Stop safely and check the issue |
| 🔴 Oil can | Low engine oil pressure | Stop the engine as soon as safely possible |
| 🔴 Battery | Charging system warning | Have the charging system checked |
| 🔴 Seat belt | Seat belt not fastened | Fasten the seat belt |
| 🟡 ABS | ABS warning | Have the system inspected |
| 🟡 Engine-shaped icon | Malfunction Indicator Light | Check the vehicle if it remains illuminated |
| 🟡 Tire with ! | Low tire pressure/TPMS warning | Check tire pressures |
| 🟢 Turn arrows | Turn signal active | Normal indicator |
| 🔵 High-beam symbol | High beams active | Normal indicator |
A steady check-engine light and a flashing one should not be treated identically. Nissan explains that a steady Malfunction Indicator Light can indicate an emissions-related malfunction, while a blinking light can indicate an engine misfire that may damage the emission-control system.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings pdf
Many Nissan owners search for a PDF because a downloadable manual is convenient when they need to identify a dashboard light quickly. The safest approach is to use Nissan’s official Manuals & Guides page and select the exact vehicle and model year.
A vehicle-specific PDF is particularly useful because Nissan dashboards are not identical across models or years. It can show the exact warning-light names, indicator descriptions, display messages, and recommended responses for your vehicle.
When looking for a PDF, check these details before relying on it:
- Nissan model name
- Model year
- Market or country
- Trim and equipment
- Exact owner’s manual edition
Avoid assuming that a manual for a similar-looking Nissan applies to your vehicle. A symbol may exist on one trim but not another, and the meaning or response can differ between generations.
Nissan Sentra dashboard symbols and meanings
The Nissan Sentra uses a mixture of red warning lights, yellow warning indicators, and other colored indicators. Recent Sentra manuals organize these into warning/indicator-light categories and also include vehicle-information-display warnings.
Common Sentra dashboard symbols include:
- 🔴 Brake warning — Indicates a brake-system warning that needs attention.
- 🔴 Oil pressure warning — Indicates low engine oil pressure; this is different from simply indicating low oil level.
- 🔴 Air bag warning — Indicates a possible supplemental restraint-system issue.
- 🟡 ABS warning — Indicates a possible problem with the anti-lock braking system.
- 🟡 Low tire pressure — Indicates low tire pressure or a TPMS issue.
- 🟡 Malfunction Indicator Light — Indicates a possible engine or emissions-system malfunction.
- 🟡 Slip indicator — Relates to vehicle stability or traction-control operation.
- 🟢 Turn signal — Shows that a turn signal is operating.
- 🔵 High beam — Shows that the high-beam headlights are on.
The exact lights available can depend on the Sentra’s equipment and model year. For example, Nissan’s 2023 Sentra manual separately lists red, yellow, and other warning/indicator lights.
Nissan Altima dashboard symbols and meanings
Nissan Altima dashboards contain many familiar warning symbols, including brake, oil pressure, battery, air bag, ABS, tire-pressure, and malfunction indicators. Driver-assistance equipment can also introduce additional warning symbols.
Some important Altima symbols include:
- Brake symbol — May indicate a brake-system warning or related condition.
- Oil pressure symbol — Warns about low engine oil pressure.
- Battery symbol — Indicates a charging-system concern.
- Air bag symbol — Indicates a possible supplemental restraint-system problem.
- ABS symbol — Indicates a possible anti-lock braking system malfunction.
- TPMS symbol — Warns about low tire pressure or a TPMS malfunction.
- Engine symbol — The Malfunction Indicator Light can indicate an emissions or engine-management problem.
- Slip symbol — Relates to the vehicle’s traction/stability system.
- Cruise-control or driver-assistance indicators — Show the operating status of equipped systems.
Do not assume every symbol shown in an Altima applies to every trim. Nissan manuals are organized by vehicle and year specifically so drivers can check the equipment fitted to their car.
Nissan Murano dashboard symbols and meanings
The Murano has a broad range of warning and indicator lights. Nissan’s 2024 Murano manual, for example, lists red warning lights such as brake, charge, engine oil pressure, master warning, seat belt, security, and supplemental air bag warnings. It also lists yellow indicators including ABS, Automatic Emergency Braking, low tire pressure, Malfunction Indicator Light, power steering, Rear Automatic Braking, slip, and VDC OFF.
Other Murano indicators can include:
- 🟢 Front fog light
- 🟢 High Beam Assist
- 🔵 High beam
- 🟢 Side light/headlight
- 🟢 Turn signal/hazard
This color grouping is useful because it provides a quick first clue. Red generally deserves greater urgency, yellow commonly indicates a warning or system condition, while green and blue often indicate that a feature is active. The exact meaning should still be checked in the vehicle’s manual.
2018 Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
For a 2018 Nissan, the dashboard symbols depend heavily on the specific model. A 2018 Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Murano, Maxima, or another Nissan can have different equipment and displays.
Common symbols from this period include:
- Brake warning
- Oil pressure warning
- Battery/charging warning
- Air bag warning
- ABS warning
- Tire-pressure warning
- Check-engine/Malfunction Indicator Light
- Slip indicator
- Security indicator
- High-beam indicator
- Turn-signal indicator
A 2018 dashboard should therefore be identified by both model and year, rather than by year alone.
2017 Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
The 2017 Nissan dashboard can display both traditional warning lamps and information messages. Common symbols include the brake warning, oil-pressure warning, battery warning, air-bag warning, ABS warning, low-tire-pressure warning, and Malfunction Indicator Light.
The most useful way to interpret a symbol is to combine its shape, color, and behavior. A light that appears briefly during startup can be part of the normal bulb-check process, while one that remains illuminated after the engine starts may indicate a condition requiring attention.
If a warning appears together with a text message, read the message as well. It can provide information that the symbol alone does not communicate.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings 2021
Nissan vehicles from 2021 use many familiar warning symbols, but the dashboard layout and available driver-assistance indicators vary by model.
Important symbols to recognize include:
| Symbol type | Meaning |
| Brake warning | Possible brake-system condition |
| Oil pressure | Low engine oil pressure warning |
| Battery | Charging-system warning |
| ABS | Anti-lock braking system warning |
| Tire with exclamation mark | Tire-pressure/TPMS warning |
| Engine outline | Malfunction Indicator Light |
| Air bag figure | Supplemental restraint-system warning |
| Slip/car icon | Stability or traction-related indicator |
| Blue headlamp | High beams active |
If a warning light remains on after startup, the vehicle’s manual should be consulted before continuing normal driving.
2016 Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
Nissan vehicles from 2016 may have fewer driver-assistance symbols than newer models, but many core warning lights remain recognizable.
Typical dashboard symbols include the brake warning, engine oil pressure warning, battery warning, ABS warning, air-bag warning, tire-pressure warning, and check-engine light. Depending on the model, there may also be stability-control, security, cruise-control, and lighting indicators.
When checking a 2016 Nissan, avoid identifying a symbol from its appearance alone if two symbols look similar. The owner’s manual can confirm the official name and recommended response.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings 2021
This repeated 2021 search phrase can be useful for readers looking specifically for a general model-year reference. Nissan used a familiar collection of warning and indicator lights across many 2021 vehicles, but equipment varied between models.
A useful quick-reference approach is:
- Identify the color.
- Identify the shape or pictogram.
- Check whether it is steady or flashing.
- Read any accompanying dashboard message.
- Check the owner’s manual for the exact model.
This is particularly important for advanced safety features because their symbols can differ according to the systems installed on a particular Nissan.
2017 Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
For another 2017-specific reference, remember that the same model year can contain different dashboards across Nissan’s vehicle range.
A red symbol should generally receive more immediate attention than a green convenience indicator. Yellow symbols often indicate that a system needs checking or that a particular operating condition exists.
Some common 2017 symbols include:
- 🔴 Brake
- 🔴 Oil pressure
- 🔴 Battery
- 🔴 Air bag
- 🟡 ABS
- 🟡 Engine/check-engine
- 🟡 Low tire pressure
- 🟡 Slip/stability
- 🟢 Turn signal
- 🔵 High beam
The exact dashboard arrangement should be confirmed against the vehicle-specific manual.
2018 Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
The 2018 model year includes several Nissan vehicles with different instrument clusters. Consequently, there is no single universal 2018 Nissan dashboard.
If you see a warning on a 2018 vehicle, record the following before searching for its meaning:
- Model name
- Model year
- Symbol color
- Symbol shape
- Whether it is flashing or steady
- Any message shown beside it
This information makes it much easier to distinguish similar warnings and find the correct owner’s-manual explanation.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings 2020
Nissan vehicles from 2020 commonly use warning lights for braking, oil pressure, charging, airbags, ABS, tire pressure, and engine/emissions systems. Many models also include indicators associated with stability control and advanced safety equipment.
The low tire pressure symbol deserves particular attention because it does not necessarily mean a tire has been damaged. It can indicate low inflation or, when it behaves differently, a problem with the tire-pressure monitoring system. Nissan describes the TPMS warning as a low-pressure or TPMS malfunction indicator.
Always check tire pressure with a suitable gauge rather than relying only on the appearance of the dashboard symbol.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings 2018
The 2018 Nissan dashboard system combines warning lights with indicators that tell the driver when certain features are operating.
For example, a blue high-beam indicator is normally informational rather than a fault. A green turn-signal indicator likewise confirms operation. By contrast, a red oil-pressure warning is a serious warning that should not be treated as a routine indicator.
Nissan specifically states that its engine oil pressure warning light indicates low oil pressure and is not designed to indicate low oil level. If it comes on during normal driving, Nissan advises stopping the engine safely and seeking assistance.
2013 Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
Older Nissan dashboards, including 2013 models, use many symbols that remain familiar today. These include brake, battery, oil pressure, air bag, ABS, engine, tire-pressure, and lighting indicators.
However, the availability of individual warning lights depends on the vehicle. A 2013 sedan may have a different instrument cluster from a 2013 SUV.
For older vehicles, the original owner’s manual is especially valuable because it provides the warning-light description and operating instructions for that exact generation.
2023 Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
The 2023 Nissan range includes conventional warning lights as well as indicators for increasingly sophisticated safety and driver-assistance systems.
The 2023 Sentra owner’s manual, for example, includes dedicated sections for red warning lights, yellow warning lights, other indicators, audible reminders, and vehicle-information-display warnings.
This means a dashboard symbol should not always be interpreted as a mechanical failure. Some symbols simply communicate that a feature is active, disabled, or temporarily unavailable.
Altima Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
Altima drivers will commonly encounter symbols connected with the engine, brakes, tires, airbags, charging system, stability control, lighting, and driver-assistance features.
When a symbol appears, look at the dashboard message at the same time. A warning light can identify the general system, while the information display may provide the more specific condition.
For safety-related warnings, avoid clearing or ignoring the light simply because the vehicle continues to drive normally. Some systems can remain operational with a reduced feature set even when a warning has appeared.
2019 Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
The 2019 Nissan dashboard symbol set varies according to model and trim. Common warning lights include:
- Brake warning
- Oil pressure warning
- Battery/charging warning
- Air bag warning
- ABS warning
- Tire-pressure warning
- Malfunction Indicator Light
- Slip indicator
- Security indicator
Some Nissan vehicles from this period also have indicators associated with driver-assistance systems. These can communicate that a system is active, unavailable, switched off, or detecting a particular condition.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings 2025
The 2025 Nissan range continues to use familiar warning symbols while adding or expanding indicators for modern driver-assistance and vehicle systems.
A typical current Nissan dashboard may include warnings or indicators for:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Blind Spot Warning
- Lane-related systems
- Intelligent Cruise Control
- Tire pressure
- ABS
- Vehicle Dynamic Control
- Air bags
- Engine/emissions systems
- Charging and electrical systems
The exact symbols depend on the Nissan model and equipment. Nissan’s official manuals and guides allow owners to select a vehicle and year rather than relying on a generic dashboard chart.
2024 Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
The 2024 model year includes many familiar Nissan warning lights along with indicators for advanced safety systems.
The 2024 Murano manual, for example, identifies red warning lights for the brake system, charging system, engine oil pressure, master warning, seat belt, security, and supplemental air bag systems. Its yellow warning/indicator group includes ABS, AEB with Pedestrian Detection, low tire pressure, MIL, power steering, Rear Automatic Braking, slip, and VDC OFF.
This illustrates why model-specific information matters: newer Nissan vehicles can have significantly more electronic system indicators than older models.
Altima dash Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
The phrase “Altima dash” usually refers to the warning and indicator lights visible in the Altima instrument cluster.
For quick identification, start with color:
- Red: Treat as a warning requiring prompt attention.
- Yellow/amber: Check the condition and consult the manual.
- Green: Usually indicates an operating feature.
- Blue: Commonly identifies high-beam operation.
Color alone does not provide the complete diagnosis. For example, Nissan’s official dashboard guidance explains that an ABS light can indicate an ABS malfunction, while the oil-pressure warning indicates low engine oil pressure.
Sentra dash Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings
The Sentra dashboard provides information through both indicator lamps and the vehicle information display. Recent Sentra manuals include dedicated sections for warning lights and display warnings.
A useful Sentra quick check is:
Red brake → investigate the brake system.
Red oil pressure → stop safely and address the warning promptly.
Yellow ABS → have the ABS system checked.
Yellow tire symbol → check tire pressures and TPMS status.
Yellow engine symbol → investigate a possible engine/emissions malfunction.
Green turn arrow → normal turn-signal operation.
Blue high beam → high beams are active.
Always use the exact Sentra model-year manual for the final interpretation.
2017 Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings pdf
If you need a PDF for a 2017 Nissan, select the exact model and year from Nissan’s official Manuals & Guides resource. Nissan specifically provides downloadable manuals and guides by vehicle and year.
A useful PDF should help you identify:
- Warning-light names
- Indicator-light meanings
- Vehicle information display messages
- Audible warnings
- System limitations
- Recommended driver actions
Do not use a random PDF from an unrelated Nissan model simply because its dashboard looks similar. The correct manual is tied to the vehicle and year.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings 2019
For 2019 Nissan vehicles, dashboard symbols can be divided into three practical groups.
Warning symbols: These alert you to conditions that may require attention, such as brake, oil pressure, ABS, battery, air bag, or engine-related problems.
Status indicators: These show that a feature is active, such as high beams or turn signals.
System messages: These appear through the vehicle information display and may give additional details about a warning.
Understanding these groups prevents a normal operating indicator from being mistaken for a fault.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings pdf
A Nissan dashboard-symbol PDF is most useful when it belongs to the exact vehicle being driven. Nissan’s official manual library is designed to let owners select their vehicle and model year to find the appropriate documentation.
When using a PDF, search within it for terms such as:
- “Warning lights”
- “Indicator lights”
- “Dashboard”
- “Instrument panel”
- “Vehicle information display”
- “Audible reminders”
For an unexplained warning, the owner’s manual is generally more useful than a generic symbol chart because it includes the vehicle-specific response.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings 2023
In 2023 Nissan vehicles, a dashboard light can represent a mechanical, electrical, safety, or driver-assistance condition. Some lights also appear briefly when the ignition is switched on as part of the vehicle’s normal system check.
The 2023 Sentra manual, for example, separates red and yellow warning/indicator lights and also provides information-display warnings.
If a light stays illuminated after the vehicle starts, check the corresponding manual entry. If the light flashes, changes behavior, or appears with an urgent message, treat the situation differently from a normal steady indicator.
Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings 2022
For another 2022 reference, remember that Nissan dashboard symbols should be interpreted according to the vehicle’s exact model and equipment.
A simple color guide can help you begin:
| Color | General purpose |
| Red | Important warning or condition requiring attention |
| Yellow/amber | Warning, malfunction, or system condition |
| Green | Feature or system operating |
| Blue | Usually a lighting/status indicator |
This is only a starting point. Nissan’s official dashboard information explains that individual lights have specific meanings and recommended responses. For example, the ABS warning may indicate that the anti-lock function is unavailable, while the oil-pressure warning concerns engine oil pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a red Nissan dashboard light mean?
A red dashboard light generally signals an important warning or condition that should be addressed promptly. The exact response depends on the symbol. Brake, oil-pressure, air-bag, and charging warnings can require different actions, so check the vehicle-specific manual.
Why is my Nissan check engine light on?
The Malfunction Indicator Light can indicate an emissions or engine-management problem. Nissan states that a steady MIL may indicate an emissions-control malfunction, while a blinking MIL can indicate an engine misfire.
What does the Nissan tire symbol mean?
The tire-shaped symbol with an exclamation mark commonly indicates low tire pressure or a TPMS malfunction. Check the pressure of all tires using the recommended specifications. Nissan notes that the warning can also indicate a TPMS problem.
Can Nissan dashboard symbols be different between model years?
Yes. Dashboard symbols and available warning systems can differ between models, trims, generations, and years. A Sentra, Altima, and Murano can have different displays even when they share some common warning symbols.
Where can I find the correct Nissan dashboard symbol guide?
The best source is the owner’s manual for your exact Nissan model and year. Nissan’s official Manuals & Guides page allows owners to select a vehicle and year, while Nissan also provides an online dashboard warning-light guide.
Conclusion
Nissan dashboard symbols are designed to communicate warnings, system status, and useful information while you drive. Learning the difference between red warnings, yellow alerts, and normal green or blue indicators makes it easier to understand what your vehicle is telling you.
The most important step is matching the symbol to the exact Nissan model and year. Sentra, Altima, Murano, and other Nissan vehicles can have different equipment, so a generic symbol chart should be treated as a starting point rather than a substitute for the owner’s manual.
When a warning appears, check its color, shape, whether it is steady or flashing, and any accompanying message on the information display. For serious warnings such as oil pressure, braking, or certain safety-system faults, follow Nissan’s recommended instructions rather than continuing to drive and hoping the light disappears.
Hi, I’m Asher Monroe, a writer who believes that meaningful words have the power to inspire change and bring people closer to their dreams. I have always been fascinated by the beauty of quotes and the way a simple message can provide motivation, hope, and comfort.
I enjoy creating content around inspirational quotes, life lessons, success stories, and positive thoughts that help readers find encouragement in their everyday lives. My goal is to share words that connect with people and remind them of their inner strength.
Through my writing, I explore the ideas of personal growth, confidence, and the importance of staying inspired through every chapter of life.
I am the author of Words That Move the Soul and The Path of Endless Inspiration, two books focused on the power of wisdom, positivity, and meaningful thoughts.
Sienna Brooks
Rowan Sinclair Rowan Sinclair