# Chevrolet Colorado coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 39 - **Most complaints:** 2024 (12) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 39 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Chevrolet Colorado (2015-2026 models), most for the **2024** model year (12). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Chevrolet Colorado coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 3 | 498 | 1% | | 2016 | 6 | 716 | 1% | | 2017 | 4 | 216 | 2% | | 2018 | 2 | 183 | 1% | | 2019 | 1 | 150 | 1% | | 2020 | 2 | 88 | 2% | | 2021 | 2 | 80 | 3% | | 2022 | 1 | 56 | 2% | | 2023 | 5 | 138 | 4% | | 2024 | 12 | 126 | 10% | | 2025 | 1 | 28 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Colorado coolant temperature warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Chevrolet Colorado has 18 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Chevrolet Colorado page](/vehicles/chevrolet-colorado) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Chevrolet Colorado owners report - "As this is the cooling system, it can cause the engine to overheat and potentially ruin the engine. The flaw seems to be an engineering issue with the rubber seal they use (instead of a high quality o-ring) to seal the upper hose to the radiator. Additionally, since this can cause engine failure it should be..." -- owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Colorado, complaint filed 2026 - "Parts are back ordered for months, this is clearly a manufacture defect that could lead to overheating the engine and engine damage and failure" -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, complaint filed 2026 - "Had a severe coolant leak coming from top radiator hose blowing back onto hot motor which could have turned into a fire quickly. I was lucky! A lot of GMC Canyons and Colorado's are all reporting the same problem around 22k miles. It is currently at Grossman Chevy Old Saybrook, CT for repair." -- owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the coolant temperature warning light means A red coolant temperature light means the engine is overheating or about to. The most common cause is low coolant from a leak, followed by a stuck thermostat, a failed radiator fan, and a worn water pump. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it is safe, because continued driving can warp the cylinder head and destroy the engine. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low coolant from a leak** (most common) 2. **Thermostat stuck closed** (common) 3. **Radiator fan not working** (common) 4. **Failing water pump or broken belt** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Coolant temperature warning light](/warning-lights/coolant-temperature). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Colorado coolant temperature light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Chevrolet Colorado years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2023 and 2024 Colorado model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 12 for 2024. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Colorado with the coolant temperature light on? Stop driving. No. Stop driving as soon as it is safe and shut the engine off. Driving an overheating engine even a few miles can cause damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair. ### How do I check if my Chevrolet Colorado has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chevrolet Colorado warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-colorado): 25 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-colorado): 13 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-colorado): 44 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-colorado): 106 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints ## Coolant temperature warning light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-escape): 1520 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-edge): 752 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-explorer): 222 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-accord): 193 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-wrangler): 143 complaints - [Nissan Rogue](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/nissan-rogue): 140 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chrysler-pacifica): 139 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-sorento): 138 complaints - [Jeep Compass](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-compass): 112 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-soul): 110 complaints ## Chevrolet Colorado - [Chevrolet Colorado specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-colorado) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-colorado Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.