# Chevrolet Trax coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 34 - **Most complaints:** 2020 (10) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 34 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Chevrolet Trax (2015-2026 models), most for the **2020** model year (10). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Chevrolet Trax coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 3 | 96 | 3% | | 2016 | 4 | 120 | 3% | | 2017 | 4 | 114 | 4% | | 2018 | 4 | 102 | 4% | | 2019 | 4 | 136 | 3% | | 2020 | 10 | 98 | 10% | | 2021 | 1 | 25 | 4% | | 2024 | 2 | 180 | 1% | | 2025 | 2 | 103 | 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 Trax coolant temperature warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Chevrolet Trax has 11 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Chevrolet Trax page](/vehicles/chevrolet-trax) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Chevrolet Trax owners report - "It was dangerous because I could not see my speed, the engine temperature, or be aware of any warnings (had there been any). The engine appeared to run normally. I haven't driven again to test if the problem reoccurs. I haven't had the opportunity to bring to the dealership to evaluation." -- owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Trax, complaint filed 2025 - "Come September 2024 my 3 small children and I were on a road trip in Mexico La Rumorosa Mountains highway 2 when I noticed my car overheating on the temperature gauge; pulled over immediately found the coolant reservoir completely empty, the radiator was empty from coolant as well, so I filled it up with drinking..." -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Trax, complaint filed 2026 - "It seemed to be overheating but there is no temperature gauge on the display. I had it towed to my service center again. At that time, four spark plugs and an ignition coil were replaced. After these repairs, I have continued to have significant power issues, the engine warning light has come back on, and the..." -- owner of a 2021 Chevrolet Trax, 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 Trax 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 Trax years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2020 Trax model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 10 for 2020. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Trax 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 Trax 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 Trax warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-trax): 12 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-trax): 17 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-trax): 164 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-trax): 43 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-trax): 19 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 Trax - [Chevrolet Trax specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-trax) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-trax Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.