# Ford Bronco Sport coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 40 - **Most complaints:** 2021 (13) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 40 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Ford Bronco Sport (2015-2026 models), most for the **2021** model year (13). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Ford Bronco Sport coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2021 | 13 | 713 | 2% | | 2022 | 13 | 370 | 4% | | 2023 | 4 | 163 | 2% | | 2024 | 10 | 115 | 9% | 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. ## Ford Bronco Sport recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[26V548000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V548000)** (2026 models, reported 2026-08-25): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. **[26V122000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V122000)** (2025 models, reported 2026-03-04): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. **[22V191000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V191000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2022-03-25): An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ford Bronco Sport owners report - "The contact opened the hood and noticed that the engine had overheated. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact waited for the engine temperature to lower. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure..." -- owner of a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport, complaint filed 2025 - "The engine temperature gauge warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000." -- owner of a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, complaint filed 2025 - "Ford told me to continue driving it at risk of overheating due to back ordered parts. 3 weeks before new parts arrives and was fixed" -- owner of a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport, 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 Ford Bronco Sport coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (26V548000, 26V122000, 22V191000) covering 2021-2026 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Bronco Sport years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2021, 2022 and 2024 Bronco Sport model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 13 for 2021. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Bronco Sport 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 Ford Bronco Sport has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ford 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 Ford Bronco Sport warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ford-bronco-sport): 4 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-bronco-sport): 5 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ford-bronco-sport): 17 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-bronco-sport): 20 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-bronco-sport): 88 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-bronco-sport): 3 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-bronco-sport): 12 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-bronco-sport): 6 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 ## Ford Bronco Sport - [Ford Bronco Sport specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-bronco-sport) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-bronco-sport Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.