What the Prius VSC Light Means (And What To Do If It’s On)

The Prius VSC light can indicate that the vehicle stability control (VSC) system is working properly—or it can be a sign of a major malfunction.
Written by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If your Prius’s VSC light turns on, don’t panic: it might just mean your stability control system is working as it should. If the light stays on or you see additional warning lights, though, it’s time to take your Prius to the shop
Luckily,
car insurance
expert and broker app
Jerry
is here to demystify your car’s warning lights—starting with the VSC light. In this article, we’ll cover what the VSC light in your Prius means and how to fix it. We’ll also share some tips to help you save on
Toyota insurance costs
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What does the VSC light mean on a Toyota Prius?

The VSC light on a Toyota Prius stands for the “Vehicle Stability Control” system, which helps to stabilize your steering when you’re driving in difficult or slippery conditions. It’s a type of traction control that can reduce or even cut power to certain wheels through braking and throttle control. 
This type of system has been required by law in all new vehicles since 2014—so whether you drive a Prius, a Corolla, or a Toyota Camry, you’ll have the same system in your car. 
Unlike a lot of dashboard lights, the VSC light isn’t strictly a warning light. In fact, if you see the light flick on and off while you’re driving in severe weather or on rough surfaces like gravel or mud, it’s likely a sign that the system is functioning as it’s intended to. It’ll look like a car with swirling skid marks underneath it. When the light turns on briefly during normal operation, it means your Prius is losing traction—and the system’s fighting hard to maintain it. 
But if that light stays on, or if you see a light that says “VSC OFF” or “TRAC OFF,” you’re likely dealing with a different problem. These lights mean that your VSC system is off, indicating a mechanical or electrical problem. If you drive a newer Prius, you might even have a “Check VSC system” light—and you should do as it says! 
Diagnosing a problem with the VSC system can be difficult, since it’s closely connected to the ABS system and the engine. When the system is malfunctioning, the cause could be anything from a
loose gas cap
to a serious engine failure—or maybe you just pushed the button to turn the system off by accident! Below are some common causes of VSC problems in the Toyota Prius: 
  • Brake issues: Because the VSC system works in tandem with your Prius’s anti-lock brakes, any malfunctions in the brake system could cause the VSC light to turn on. 
  • Wiring or fuse problems: The VSC system is an electrical system, a blown fuse or faulty wiring harness could cause it to fail. 
  • VSC light turned off by accident: The simplest explanations are sometimes the most common. It’s easy to turn off your VSC without realizing it! 

VSC light and check engine light on

If your
check engine light
comes on along with the VSC light, you might start to panic—but that light show on your dashboard isn’t always a sign of major trouble. The problems below could cause both lights to turn on, and they’re not all expensive: 
  • Loose gas cap: $12 to $50 to replace
  • Bad oxygen sensor: $200 to $475 to replace
  • Faulty crankshaft position sensor: $125 to $220 to replace
  • Faulty camshaft position sensor: $250 to $350 to replace 
  • Bad catalytic converter: $1,800 to $2,000 to replace
If both lights are on and you can’t identify the source of the problem, it’s always best to take your Prius to a Toyota dealership or automotive repair shop to diagnose the issue. If you’ve got an OBD-II scan tool, you may be able to pull trouble codes to help narrow down the problem, but a standard OBD-II code reader won’t be able to identify some specific Prius codes. A Toyota dealer will be able to pull more specialized error codes to identify the issue causing those indicator lights to pop up. 

VSC light and ABS light on

It’s also common to see the VSC and
ABS warning lights
on at once. In this case, you’re likely dealing with a brake problem that’s also affecting the stability control system. Common reasons for these lights to turn on include: 
  • Low brake fluid: up to $1,000 to fix, depending on the problem 
  • Wheel speed sensor damage: $350 to $415 to replace
  • Faulty brake pedal switch: $80 to $120 to replace
  • Blown ABS fuse: $80 to $100 to replace
Treat any potential brake problems seriously—the costs could start to climb if you don’t deal with them promptly! It’s also dangerous to keep driving with a car whose brakes are malfunctioning, especially if you’re in an area with significant severe weather or poor terrain. 
MORE:Toyota ABS control module replacement cost
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How to reset the VSC light on a Prius

In some cases, getting the VSC system back online is as simple as resetting the system. If the light is on in the first place because you accidentally turned it off, you should be able to clear things up quickly by following these steps: 
  • Put your Prius in Park. 
  • Look for the VSC button. In most cases, it’ll be close to the gear shift, but you might also find it near the steering wheel. 
  • Press the button and hold it down for a few seconds. You should see the VSC OFF and TRAC OFF lights. 
  • Release the button, then press it again once. If both indicator lights turn off, you’ve successfully reset the system and your traction control is back on! 

Is it safe to drive a Prius with the VSC light on?

In general, it’s perfectly safe to drive your Prius with the VSC system warning light on. The VSC system is important safety tech, but it’s not essential to the car’s operation and should affect things like emissions, fuel efficiency, or performance. If you’re expecting to drive in difficult conditions such as snow or rain, proceed with extra caution if you know that your VSC system isn’t engaged. 
However, there are a few times when you should avoid driving with the VSC light on, such as: 
  • If the check engine light is on: While it doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious mechanical risk, the check engine light is a sign that there’s more wrong with your car than a faulty VSC system. It’s worth taking the car to a mechanic—or at least checking the fault codes—before you drive it. 
  • If the ABS light is on: It’s safe to drive with the ABS light on, but again, proceed with caution. Without these essential safety features, you’re at a much higher risk until you can diagnose and fix the problem. 
  • If you notice odd noises, smells, or driving behavior: If your VSC light is on and you’re noticing sudden engine misfires or unfamiliar sounds, it’s best to get the car to a mechanic as soon as possible. 
Toyota owners can bring their Prius to a Toyota service center for diagnosis and repair by Toyota experts—and if the part that’s causing your VSC light to turn on is covered under warranty, you may even get it fixed for free! 

How to save on Toyota Prius insurance

While driving with the VSC light on isn’t dangerous, a malfunctioning VSC system puts you at greater risk of accidents—which can raise your
Toyota Prius insurance costs
To keep your rate low and save on all your car-related expenses, download the
Jerry
app. In just a few clicks and about 45 seconds, Jerry can tell you whether you’re overpaying for your Prius’s insurance policy, and help you find a better one with lower costs or improved coverage. And it doesn’t just work for Prius owners—if you’ve got a Camry, a Lexus, or even a Honda, Jerry can still find you the best rates. 
“Super practical! It’s my first time getting car insurance and I’m forever grateful that I found
Jerry
. So simple and so easy!” —Deyja H.
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