Oil pressure warning light on: which faults cause it?

The most important among the documented faults: oil-bath timing belt degradation, in the 1.2 PureTech; wear and seizure of the big-end bearings, in the 1.5 dCi; excessive oil consumption and engine failure, in the 1.2 TCe; degradation of the timing belt running in oil, in the 1.0 EcoBoost; oil pump belt and tensioner failure, in the 1.0 EcoBoost; timing chain stretch and tensioner failure, in the 1.3 Multijet; degradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue), in the 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue; seizure and wear of the big-end bearings, in the 1.9 dCi.

Warning lights and alertsUrgency: As soon as possible

Oil pressure warning light on: causes and the faults that trigger it

The red oil can warning light tells you that the oil pressure is insufficient or the level is too low, and it is one of the most serious on the dashboard: stop the car as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine. If it comes on and goes off, RACE links it to an electrical fault, a pressure sensor problem or irregular oil pressure, so that is not a reason to carry on either. Check the level with the dipstick and call roadside assistance: you must not keep driving, because the engine can seize.^[1][2][3]

Colour: red. Symbol: oil can (an oil can with a drop).

22 documented faults cause it in 20 engines. The most important:

Critical severity: Oil-bath timing belt degradation · 1.2 PureTech
Critical severity: Wear and seizure of the big-end bearings · 1.5 dCi
Critical severity: Excessive oil consumption and engine failure · 1.2 TCe

What to do now

As soon as possible

Stop the car as soon as it is safe and switch the engine off. Check the level with the dipstick and do not drive on if the light stays on: call a recovery truck.

What it means

The red oil-can warning light means the engine is not getting the oil pressure it needs. The cause may be a low oil level, a failing oil pump or a blocked oil circuit. With low pressure, parts such as the turbo, the bearings or the timing drive can wear out within minutes.

General explanation from MotorFiable. How it shows up in each engine, with sources, is in the list of faults.

Reviewed on 9 October 202633 sources How we work

Most common causes

From most to least likely according to the sources. Under each cause, the part and the related OBD codes.

1. Insufficient oil level (through consumption or leaks)
Common cause
If oil is missing, because the engine burns it or because it is lost through gaskets and seals, the pump cannot maintain the necessary pressure. It is the first cause RACE lists and the first thing you can check with the dipstick; oil stains under the car give away a leak.^[1][2][4]
Faults with with oil consumption Faults with with oil leaks
2. Faulty pressure sensor or switch, or its wiring
Common cause
Over time the pressure sensor can give a wrong reading because of internal damage; the usual remedy is to replace it, as they are not normally repaired. RACE cites electrical faults among the causes of the flickering, and Autodoc Club adds damaged cables, loose or corroded connections and short circuits among the causes of code P0520, with which it advises against continuing to drive.^[1][2][5]
Faults with with the engine sensors Faults with with the electrical wiring P0521
3. Oil of the wrong viscosity or degraded oil
Possible cause
Topping up with an oil of higher or lower viscosity than the manufacturer specifies can leave the pressure insufficient; if it is very thick, the pump has more trouble moving it round the circuit. RACE also includes degraded oil among the causes.^[1][2]
4. Blocked oil filter
Possible cause
Impurities build up in the filter, which is why it is normally replaced at every oil change (every year or 15,000 km, according to RACE). A blocked filter is among the five main causes of low pressure listed by RACE, and Autodoc Club cites it among the causes of code P0520.^[1][2][5]
5. Faulty or worn oil pump
Possible cause
RACE includes a faulty oil pump among the main causes of low pressure and warns that poor-quality oils, which leave sediment, can shorten its service life sooner. Autodoc Club cites the worn pump among the causes of code P0520.^[1][2][5]
6. Engine overheating or other electrical faults
Uncommon
RACE adds engine overheating and electrical faults in the system to its list, without detailing how they have an influence. Autodoc Club also includes a faulty engine control unit among the causes of code P0520.^[1][5]
Faults with with the control units

Depending on what you notice

The red oil light comes on and goes off

RACE points out that, when the symbol flickers, it can be due to an electrical fault, a pressure sensor problem or irregular oil pressure. Since the red light requires you to stop the engine, it should be treated as possible real low pressure until the level has been checked and the car diagnosed.^[1][2][5]

The oil level is correct and the light is still on

A correct level does not rule out the problem: RACE also lists unsuitable viscosity, a faulty pressure sensor, a blocked filter and a faulty pump. Too much oil is not harmless either: it can cause faults in the pressure or level sensors.^[2][6]

Red or amber oil light: which is more serious

Red is the serious one: it indicates insufficient oil pressure or a level that is too low and means you must stop. Yellow or amber usually indicates a low level and, according to RACE, lets you drive a few kilometres with caution to check it.^[1][3]

Can I make it to the workshop with the red oil light on?

No. RACE says you must on no account keep driving, that you should call roadside assistance and have the car taken to the workshop, because otherwise the engine ends up seizing.^[1][2]

What to check first

Stop the car as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine immediately; do not keep driving with the red light on.^[1][7]
Wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the sump, with the car on level ground, and check the level with the dipstick: pull it out, wipe it, push it all the way back in and pull it out again to see where the mark is.^[6]
Look for oil stains under the car and whether the level drops steadily: they indicate a leak.^[4]
Even if the level is correct, if the light stays on or comes back on, call roadside assistance and have a workshop check the pressure sensor, the filter, the pump and the oil viscosity.^[2][5]
Do not overfill when topping up: if the level is clearly above the maximum, you should not drive either and the excess must be removed.^[6]

Can I keep driving?

Urgency: As soon as possible

You cannot keep driving. With the red light on you must stop as soon as possible and safely, switch off the engine and call roadside assistance: RACE warns that ignoring it can cause very costly damage to the crankshaft and pistons and even seize the engine.^[1][2][3][7]

How much it costs to fix

Indicative prices published by the sources cited; they depend on the car and the garage.

Repair	Price
New oil pressure sensor (part price according to RACE, which does not say whether labour is included)^[2]	€30 – €200
New oil filter (approximate price according to RACE, which does not say whether labour is included)^[2]	€10 – €30
New oil pump (part price according to RACE, which does not say whether labour is included)^[2]	€30 – €600

Documented faults that cause it

Specific engine and gearbox faults, from most to least important (severity × frequency). Below each title, how the symptom shows up in that fault.

- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechOil-bath timing belt degradationThe oil pressure warning light comes on: belt debris may be blocking the oil pump pick-up.Repair (garage): €400–€800
Source for the symptom in the 1.2 PureTech^[9][10]
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.5 dCiWear and seizure of the big-end bearingsA drop in oil pressure caused by excessive clearance in the big-end and crankshaft bearings.
Source for the symptom in the 1.5 dCi^[11]
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.2 TCeExcessive oil consumption and engine failureThe oil warning light comes on when the level drops too low.Repair: €5,000–€10,000
Source for the symptom in the 1.2 TCe^[12][13]
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 EcoBoostDegradation of the timing belt running in oilThe oil pressure warning light comes on when debris from the belt blocks the pump strainer.Repair (garage): €800–€1,200
Source for the symptom in the 1.0 EcoBoost^[14]
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 EcoBoostOil pump belt and tensioner failureLow oil pressure warning when the tensioner fails and the belt starts to lose teeth.
Source for the symptom in the 1.0 EcoBoost^[15]
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureThe oil pressure warning light may flicker on start-up when metal debris from the chain rubbing blocks the pump strainer.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 70,000 km
Source for the symptom in the 1.3 Multijet^[16][17]
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlueDegradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)The oil pressure warning light may come on if debris from the belt blocks the lubrication circuit.
Source for the symptom in the 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue^[18]
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.9 dCiSeizure and wear of the big-end bearingsPlay in the bearings can cause oil pressure to drop and the warning light to come on.
Source for the symptom in the 1.9 dCi^[19]
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 TSI / TFSIHigh oil consumptionIf it ever runs out of oil, the oil pressure warning light may come on.Repair (garage): €1,500–€4,000
Source for the symptom in the 2.0 TSI / TFSI^[20]
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 Ingenium diéselBalance shaft bearing wearIf metal particles from the worn bearing end up blocking passages or damaging the pump, oil pressure can drop.
Source for the symptom in the 2.0 Ingenium diésel^[21]
- High severityFrequency: CommonD4/D5High oil consumption from 90,000-150,000 km that harms the turbo (VEA)The oil pressure warning light may come on if the level drops too far between services.
Source for the symptom in the D4/D5^[22]
- High severityFrequency: CommonDrive-E gasolinaHigh oil consumption that can damage the turboThe oil pressure warning light may come on if the level drops too low between services.
Source for the symptom in the Drive-E gasolina^[23]
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.0 PureTechDegradation of the oil-bath timing beltRed oil pressure warning light when belt debris blocks the pump strainer.Repair (garage): €400–€800
Source for the symptom in the 1.0 PureTech^[9][10]
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 TDIOil pump failure on the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDIInsufficient oil pressure from a pump that delivers too little; if it drops below the minimum, the oil warning light comes on.
Source for the symptom in the 2.0 TDI^[24]
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlueWet oil pump belt (2.0 EcoBlue)The oil pressure warning light may come on if the pump belt fails and stops driving the rotor.
Source for the symptom in the 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue^[25]
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 / 2.4 GDI and T-GDI (Theta II)Premature connecting rod bearing wearOil pressure warning light on, the other warning symptom of the campaign.
Source for the symptom in the 2.0 / 2.4 GDI and T-GDI (Theta II)^[26]
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTDV6 / SDV6Crankshaft breakage and spinning main bearing shellsLow oil pressure warning even with freshly changed oil, and metal debris in the oil or filter.
Source for the symptom in the TDV6 / SDV6^[27]
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSkyactiv-DOil pump chain breakage and camshaft wearIf the oil pump chain breaks, oil pressure drops suddenly and this warning light comes on.
Source for the symptom in the Skyactiv-D^[28]
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 dCiOil leak from the timing chain coverIf the leak is serious and oil is not topped up, pressure can drop and the warning light can come on.
Source for the symptom in the 1.6 dCi^[29]
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW B58Failure of the oil pump with a plastic rotor housingOil pressure too high or too low, with low-pressure codes.
Source for the symptom in the BMW B58^[30][31]
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonVolvo 5 cilindros gasolinaClogged oil separator and crankcase overpressureIn one described case, the oil pressure warning light came on with the engine warm and at idle.
Source for the symptom in the Volvo 5 cilindros gasolina^[32]
- Medium severityFrequency: Occasional1.4 16v and 1.6 MPI/FSIOil consumption, especially on the older 1.4 16vThe oil pressure warning light may come on if the level drops too low before the next service.
Source for the symptom in the 1.4 16v and 1.6 MPI/FSI^[33]

Which cars it appears in

These faults affect 20 engines. We have documented 219 models from 26 makes with some of the affected versions: open yours to see all its faults.

Engines

Cars with the affected versions

Dacia

DS

Fiat

Ford

See all Ford models

Hyundai

Hyundai Santa Fe IIEngine: 2.0 / 2.4 GDI and T-GDI (Theta II)Years: 2009–2012

Jaguar

Jeep

Jeep AvengerEngine: 1.2 PureTechYears: since 2023

Kia

Kia Sorento IIEngine: 2.0 / 2.4 GDI and T-GDI (Theta II)Years: 2010–2014

Lancia

Land Rover

See all Land Rover models

Mazda

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Citan W415Engine: 1.2 TCeYears: 2013–2021

Nissan

Opel

See all Opel models

Peugeot

See all Peugeot models

Renault

See all Renault models

Seat

Škoda

Suzuki

Toyota

Volkswagen

See all Volkswagen models

Volvo

See all Volvo models

Oil warning light: causes in your car

219 cars have several documented faults that cause this symptom. Choose yours to see only those that affect it, by engine and by year.

Alfa Romeo 1

Alfa Romeo MiTo

Audi 10

BMW 14

Citroën 16

Dacia 5

DS 4

Fiat 8

Ford 23

Hyundai 1

Hyundai Santa Fe II

Jaguar 6

Jeep 1

Jeep Avenger

Kia 1

Kia Sorento II

Lancia 2

Land Rover 12

Mazda 4

Mercedes-Benz 1

Mercedes-Benz Citan W415

Nissan 8

Opel 10

Peugeot 17

Renault 22

Seat 5

Škoda 8

Suzuki 3

Toyota 2

Volkswagen 12

Volvo 23

Oil warning light by brand

Fault codes that may go with it

If you have an OBD reader, the code stored by the control unit helps you work out which system is failing.

P0521Oil pressure: sensor signal out of range

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the red and the amber oil light?

It is the same oil can symbol with a different level of severity. Red signals insufficient pressure or a level that is too low and means you must stop the car; yellow or amber usually indicates a low level and lets you drive a few kilometres with caution.^[1][3][7]

Will it pass the MOT with the oil light on?

Better not to go with it on. Autofácil, in an article with the opinion of a DEKRA ITV engineer, explains that the oil light being on counts as a minor defect (and several minor ones added together can be grounds for failure) and that it makes the emissions test difficult: you would have to come back another day with the light off. (ITV is the Spanish equivalent of the MOT.)^[8]

How many kilometres can I drive with the red oil light on?

None, according to RACE: you must on no account keep driving with the red light on until the problem is solved, because you may end up seizing the engine.^[1][2]

Could it be just the sensor and not real low pressure?

It is possible: RACE includes the faulty pressure sensor among the causes and Autodoc Club lists damaged cables and connections. But the pump or the filter can also fail, or oil can be missing, and the sources give no way to tell the difference without a diagnosis, so it should be treated as low pressure until a workshop checks it.^[1][2][5]

Other symptoms: warning lights and alerts

All symptoms

Has this happened to you? Tell us which fault it was, at how many kilometres and how much you paid: it helps other owners know what to expect. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

¿Qué es el testigo de aceite y cuáles son sus causas?RACE · Motoring press · published 26 May 2026 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
Baja presión del aceite del motor: ¿por qué motivos aparece esta avería?RACE · Motoring press · published 12 February 2024 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
¿Qué significa cada testigo rojo del coche?RACE · Motoring press · published 23 June 2026 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
Pérdida de aceite en el coche: síntomas y causasAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · published 5 February 2020 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
Código de avería P0520 - guía paso a paso para su diagnóstico y resoluciónAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
¿Qué pasa si el aceite del coche supera el máximo?RACE · Motoring press · published 17 September 2026 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
Se ha encendido un testigo luminoso en el cuadro de instrumentos del coche, ¿qué significa?RACE · Motoring press · published 18 November 2022 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
¿Puedes pasar la ITV con un testigo encendido? Nos responde el expertoAutofácil · Motoring press · published 11 September 2025 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
1.2 PureTech: precio y cambio de correa de distribuciónAutopista · Motoring press · published 2 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Stellantis tiene un problemón con el motor Puretech. Por fin está dando soluciones para quitarse la mala famaMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 22 January 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Pourquoi la pression d'huile chute ?Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published 11 March 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Problème moteur Renault-Dacia 1.2 TCe, Nissan 1.2 DIG-T et Mercedes - Vos questions, nos réponsesUFC-Que Choisir (Que Choisir Ensemble) · Consumer association · published 24 May 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Petición afectados motores defectuosos RenaultOCU · Consumer association · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Alerta Ford: la correa de distribución del 1.0 EcoBoost puede romper el motor y la NHTSA ya investigaMotor16 · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Ford's Self-Clogging 1.0-Liter EcoBoost Engine Is Finally Getting RecalledThe Drive · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet: corrente folgada e entupimento dos canais de lubrificaçãoProvmec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Portuguese
1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Todos los coches afectados ya por problemas de motor a causa de correas de distribución en aceiteAutopista.es · Motoring press · published February 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Renault Mégane II (2002 – 2009): Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Tu coche quema aceite: 6 señales de alarma y la solución definitiva para salvar tu motorAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 19 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Jaguar Land Rover's Four-Cylinder Ingenium Engine Is Still Giving Its Maker HeadachesAOL · Motoring press · published 10 August 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo V60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2008-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Audi A6 III (2004-2011) : la fiche express fiabilité de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 4 July 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Which Cars Have a Wet Belt? Full UK Engine List (2026)CarOkay · Other source · published 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026
Kia-Rückruf: Pleuellager zu schwachauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 29 September 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
Land Rover & Jaguar SDV6/TDV6 Crankshaft RepairJLR Engines · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026
Fiabilité Mazda CX-5 (2012-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Renault Espace 5 : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
The Popular BMW B58 Inline-Six Engine Has One Big Achilles HeelThe Autopian · Motoring press · published 14 June 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026
BMW B58 EngineFCP Euro · Technical documentation · consulted 9 October 2026
Volvo crankcase breathers are critical (separador de aceite y ventilación del cárter)Automotive Tech Info · Motoring press · published September 2016 · consulted 8 October 2026
Fiabilité Volkswagen Golf IV - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French