# Ford Expedition coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 50 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (13) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 50 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Ford Expedition (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (13). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Ford Expedition coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 6 | 164 | 4% | | 2016 | 2 | 217 | 1% | | 2017 | 10 | 358 | 3% | | 2018 | 13 | 383 | 3% | | 2019 | 8 | 524 | 2% | | 2020 | 7 | 428 | 2% | | 2021 | 3 | 242 | 1% | | 2022 | 1 | 117 | 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 Expedition recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[25V198000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V198000)** (2024-2025 models, reported 2025-03-28): A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, 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 engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. **[24V851000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V851000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-12-20): A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, 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 engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. 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 Expedition owners report - "I have read that this is related to the fuel injection system getting overheated which causes the fuel supply to drop and basically starves the system of the necessary fuel for combustion. Ford does not have a solution for this, however, the problem continues and creates a safety hazard especially during the darker..." -- owner of a 2022 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2026 - "The temperature gauge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Chevrolet dealer twice to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. After the second repair the contact noticed that the engine was..." -- owner of a 2021 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2024 - "The contact stated that the vehicle then had a coolant leak, and the coolant hose was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000." -- owner of a 2020 Ford Expedition, 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 Expedition coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (25V198000, 24V851000) covering 2024-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Expedition years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Expedition model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 13 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Expedition 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 Expedition 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 Expedition warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-expedition): 47 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-expedition): 85 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-expedition): 161 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-expedition): 5 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-expedition): 14 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 Expedition - [Ford Expedition specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-expedition) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-expedition Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.