# Chevrolet Malibu coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 14 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (6) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 14 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Chevrolet Malibu (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (6). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Chevrolet Malibu coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2016 | 6 | 865 | 1% | | 2017 | 2 | 727 | 0% | | 2018 | 1 | 700 | 0% | | 2019 | 2 | 193 | 1% | | 2020 | 1 | 200 | 1% | | 2022 | 2 | 99 | 2% | 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 Malibu coolant temperature warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Chevrolet Malibu has 19 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Chevrolet Malibu page](/vehicles/chevrolet-malibu) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Chevrolet Malibu owners report - "Later while operating the vehicle, the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the turbocharger was faulty and needed to be replaced. The turbocharger was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Recently, while driving, the message "Shift to Park"..." -- owner of a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2025 - "The engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine was cold. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was carbon build up. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced and the orifice tube needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was..." -- owner of a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2024 - "I also get the rushing/sloshing water noise other people have reported as complaints when coming to a stop, I read in forums that it's something to do with low coolant but not low enough to turn on low coolant warning light. GM really needs to address this stop/start and traction control needing service light..." -- owner of a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2022 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 Malibu 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 Malibu years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2019 Malibu model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 6 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Malibu 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 Malibu 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 Malibu warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-malibu): 22 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-malibu): 53 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-malibu): 63 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-malibu): 134 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 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 Malibu - [Chevrolet Malibu specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-malibu) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-malibu Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.