For over a decade, Honda vehicles have included a tech feature that significantly improves safety. It’s called Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), helping prevent accidents by maintaining the car’s stability. VSA-equipped Honda models have an indicator on the instrumentation panel that illuminates in specific situations. Below are five reasons why the VSA light turns on and how to switch it off.

What is VSA, and what does it do?

Vehicle Stability Assist is Honda’s trademarked version of electronic stability control. The feature keeps the car stable, preventing it from skidding and sliding when the tires have a bad grip on uneven or loose terrain or in harsh weather conditions. In addition, this car safety system corrects oversteering and understeering to ensure the vehicle doesn’t lose control.

Honda models with Vehicle Stability Assist have a corresponding light in the gauge cluster. The VSA light can turn on for several reasons.

5 reasons why the VSA light in a Honda might turn on

The VSA light can blink or appear with an exclamation mark on the dashboard for various reasons. Here are five of the most common causes:

1. A faulty ABS unit: The antilock braking system (ABS) prevents the wheels from locking and ensures the vehicle doesn’t crash or skid. Like Vehicle Stability Assis, ABS contributes to vehicle stability. Consequently, a faulty ABS reluctor ring, wheel speed sensor, control module, or wiring harness can cause the VSA light to illuminate.
2. Low tire pressure: The second most common reason the Vehicle Stability Assist light might turn on is low tire pressure. Tires play a critical role in maintaining car stability. A drop in pressure causes the wheels to spin at different speeds, causing stability issues. The VSA responds by switching on.
3. Other tire issues: Another VSA light trigger can be tire problems. Honda recommends a specific set of tires on its models for optimal performance. The wrong tires can cause the wheels to rotate at different speeds and cause traction issues that trigger the VSA and the corresponding light on the dashboard.
4. A damaged steering angle sensor: The steering angle sensor collects and transmits data such as wheel angle, turn rate, and other steering input that affects stability. When the sensor is faulty, the VSA light might illuminate.
5. The VSA button on the dashboard is off: A VSA button in an off position might trigger the VSA light. On the dashboard, the button sits in a spot susceptible to accidental presses. When the system is off, the VSA light will come on.

How to turn off the VSA light in your Honda

Honda drivers can turn off the VSA light by shutting off the Vehicle Stability Assist system. To switch it off, J.D. Power advises users to press the VSA button on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel until the system beeps. The “VSA is off” light will illuminate.

However, the warning light switches on for a reason. While there are instances of false alarms, drivers should double-check for problems and repair or replace any affected vehicle parts. Otherwise, their Honda might experience decreased traction and automatic braking, inhibiting a smooth driving experience. 

The VSA light warns drivers of vehicle stability issues. Although the warning light activates in bad weather, on slippery surfaces, and when taking corners too fast, sometimes it turns on due to maintenance issues that require a diagnosis.