Amber
The colour helps indicate urgency, but exact behaviour can vary by manufacturer.
Dashboard Warning Light
Exhaust System Fault
Exhaust or emissions-control fault, often related to the MIL. The usual first step is: Avoid hard driving and diagnose soon; stop if flashing or running poorly.
Inspect soon
Use this as a quick triage label before confirming in your owner manual.
Avoid hard driving and diagnose soon; stop if flashing or running poorly
Check the matching manual page for your exact brand, model and year when possible.
What it usually means
Exhaust or emissions-control fault, often related to the MIL.
What to do next
Avoid hard driving and diagnose soon; stop if flashing or running poorly. If the vehicle feels unsafe, stop in a safe place and arrange professional inspection.
Can I drive with the Exhaust System Fault light on?
You may usually drive carefully if the car feels normal, but avoid hard driving and arrange diagnosis soon. Stop if the light flashes or the car overheats, loses braking, steering, or power.
First step: Avoid hard driving and diagnose soon; stop if flashing or running poorly. If the warning appears with noise, smoke, overheating, poor braking, heavy steering, or reduced power, stop safely and get professional help.
Quick answers
What does the Exhaust System Fault dashboard light mean?
Exhaust or emissions-control fault, often related to the MIL.
Can I drive with the Exhaust System Fault light on?
You may usually drive carefully if the car feels normal, but avoid hard driving and arrange diagnosis soon. Stop if the light flashes or the car overheats, loses braking, steering, or power.
What should I check first when the Exhaust System Fault light appears?
Start with this step: Avoid hard driving and diagnose soon; stop if flashing or running poorly. Then confirm the exact symbol behaviour in the owner manual for your car brand, model and year.