# Dodge Charger coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 12 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (3) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 12 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Dodge Charger (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (3). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Dodge Charger coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 2 | 136 | 1% | | 2016 | 2 | 182 | 1% | | 2017 | 2 | 128 | 2% | | 2019 | 3 | 120 | 3% | | 2020 | 1 | 58 | 2% | | 2021 | 2 | 35 | 6% | 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. ## Dodge Charger recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[17V496000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V496000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-08-08): If an EOC line fails, oil may spray onto the windshield or contact a hot surface, impairing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash or fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EOC lines, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2017. **[15V114000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V114000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-02-27): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a vehicle fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the engine fuel rail injector crossover hose, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Dodge Charger owners report - "The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the vehicle and noticed that the transmission had overheated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. An independent mechanic was contacted and informed the contact that the head gasket might have..." -- owner of a 2021 Dodge Charger, complaint filed 2024 - "Loss of A/C may seem like a comfort issue, but in extreme heat it can create a driver-safety risk due to overheating, window defogging problems, and driver fatigue. I live in Arizona where daytime temperatures regularly climb above 80 degrees, even in the winter. A major component like an evaporator should not..." -- owner of a 2020 Dodge Charger, complaint filed 2026 - "On 3/21/23 it overheated again an cause a electrical fire behind the headlight assembly. It is fleet police car and I have several cars that have the headlight connector melted and replace." -- owner of a 2019 Dodge Charger, complaint filed 2023 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 Dodge Charger coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (17V496000, 15V114000) covering 2015-2017 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Dodge Charger years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Charger model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 3 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Dodge 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 Dodge Charger warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/dodge-charger): 13 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/dodge-charger): 9 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/dodge-charger): 26 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/dodge-charger): 29 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/dodge-charger): 5 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/dodge-charger): 20 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 ## Dodge Charger - [Dodge Charger specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/dodge-charger) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/dodge-charger Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.