# Ford Escape coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 1520 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (666) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 1,520 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Ford Escape (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (666). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Ford Escape coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 79 | 1135 | 7% | | 2016 | 77 | 1180 | 7% | | 2017 | 666 | 2701 | 25% | | 2018 | 535 | 1823 | 29% | | 2019 | 125 | 599 | 21% | | 2020 | 15 | 1839 | 1% | | 2021 | 7 | 375 | 2% | | 2022 | 2 | 388 | 1% | | 2023 | 13 | 139 | 9% | | 2024 | 1 | 89 | 1% | 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 Escape recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[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. **[22V484000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V484000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2022-07-07): An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. **Remedy:** Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. **[22V191000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V191000)** (2020-2022 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 Escape owners report - "The engine was overheating and a new warning popped up, upon the kickback with a wrench, and engine warning, along with a coolant over temp warning among others and service engine soon. The vehicle had just had an oil change not even a full month prior. My safety was put as risk as I could not accelerate in the..." -- owner of a 2024 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2025 - "For the last 2 weeks After accelerating my engine coolant overheat warning light goes off and i can't accelerate any further until light goes off. Also ford mechanic states there is metal shavings in the coolant that might be causing engine to overheat on top of the sensor issue." -- owner of a 2023 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2025 - "Not a good combination with a defective heated seat that overheats to the point of blisters! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)" -- owner of a 2022 Ford Escape, 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 Escape coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (26V122000, 22V484000, 22V191000) covering 2020-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Escape years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Escape model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 666 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Escape 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 Escape 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 Escape warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ford-escape): 23 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-escape): 27 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ford-escape): 27 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-escape): 59 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-escape): 19 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-escape): 178 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ford-escape): 36 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-escape): 57 complaints ## Coolant temperature warning light on other models - [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](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-silverado): 100 complaints ## Ford Escape - [Ford Escape specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-escape) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-escape Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.