# Chevrolet Equinox coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 21 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (5) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 21 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Chevrolet Equinox (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (5). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Chevrolet Equinox coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 3 | 680 | 0% | | 2016 | 4 | 399 | 1% | | 2017 | 5 | 276 | 2% | | 2018 | 3 | 410 | 1% | | 2019 | 2 | 310 | 1% | | 2020 | 3 | 318 | 1% | | 2025 | 1 | 241 | 0% | 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 Equinox coolant temperature warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Chevrolet Equinox has 20 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Chevrolet Equinox page](/vehicles/chevrolet-equinox) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Chevrolet Equinox owners report - "The contact stated that while pulling to a stoplight when they noticed the brakes squeaking and they began to smell like overheated brakes. The vehicle's brakes started dragging from the rear and the brake pad sticks to the roader. The failure occurred approximately 3-4 times. The dealer had not been able to..." -- owner of a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, complaint filed 2021 - "The contact stated that there was coolant leaking from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the contact and to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the coolant expansion tank recovery hose had failed causing engine coolant to leak from the hose onto the PCM. The contact stated that the hose needed to be..." -- owner of a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, complaint filed 2025 - "Faulty 55513550 water pump (ACDelco/GM OE) commonly causes engine overheating, coolant leaks (often from the weep hole), and unusual noise (squeaking/rumbling) in 1.6L diesel engines for Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox, and GMC Terrain. It may cause cabin heating issues and trigger engine codes. Major Problem #2:..." -- owner of a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, complaint filed 2026 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 Equinox 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 Equinox years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Equinox model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 5 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Equinox 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 Equinox 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 Equinox warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-equinox): 15 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-equinox): 28 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-equinox): 462 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/chevrolet-equinox): 50 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-equinox): 48 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/chevrolet-equinox): 20 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-equinox): 58 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 Equinox - [Chevrolet Equinox specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-equinox) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-equinox Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.