# Chevrolet Silverado coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 100 - **Most complaints:** 2021 (19) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 100 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Chevrolet Silverado (2015-2026 models), most for the **2021** model year (19). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Chevrolet Silverado coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 8 | 1193 | 1% | | 2016 | 7 | 801 | 1% | | 2017 | 5 | 839 | 1% | | 2018 | 17 | 522 | 3% | | 2019 | 9 | 1097 | 1% | | 2020 | 13 | 749 | 2% | | 2021 | 19 | 855 | 2% | | 2022 | 5 | 656 | 1% | | 2023 | 9 | 391 | 2% | | 2024 | 5 | 320 | 2% | | 2026 | 3 | 127 | 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. ## Chevrolet Silverado recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[25V274000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V274000)** (2021-2024 models, reported 2025-04-24): Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed... **[14V007000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V007000)** (2015 models, reported 2014-01-13): The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire. **Remedy:** General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Chevrolet Silverado owners report - "Due to a manufacturing defect outlined in Gm internal bulletin #PIT6452E caused an electrical motor to stall, overheat, melting the plastic HVAC box and actuator doors and fill the cabin with a burning plastic smell. 50°+ heat above cabin thermostat setting was documented blowing extreme heat and burning plastic..." -- owner of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado, complaint filed 2026 - "Safety: Can overheat, reduced acceleration can cause accident. Problem reproduced: Dealer did check/confirm codes and errors Warning Messages: No warning or messages prior." -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, complaint filed 2025 - "When asked if the truck was drivable was told that it wasn't recommended due to engine overheating concern and vehicle going into LIMP mode and leaving me in an unsafe situation if traveling on a highway or at freeway speeds." -- owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado, complaint filed 2024 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 Silverado coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (25V274000, 14V007000) covering 2015-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Chevrolet Silverado years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2020 and 2021 Silverado model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 19 for 2021. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Silverado 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 Silverado 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 Silverado warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-silverado): 89 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-silverado): 50 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/chevrolet-silverado): 5 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/chevrolet-silverado): 58 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 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 Silverado - [Chevrolet Silverado specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-silverado) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-silverado Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.