# Ford Explorer coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 222 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (70) - **Related recalls:** 10 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 222 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Ford Explorer (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (70). There are **10 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Ford Explorer coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 21 | 1814 | 1% | | 2016 | 70 | 2464 | 3% | | 2017 | 67 | 1713 | 4% | | 2018 | 37 | 733 | 5% | | 2019 | 6 | 302 | 2% | | 2020 | 12 | 1248 | 1% | | 2021 | 5 | 452 | 1% | | 2022 | 4 | 271 | 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 Explorer 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. **[26V532000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V532000)** (2026 models, reported 2026-08-13): Engine failure can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing oil to leak, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the engine long blocks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 25, 2026. **[26V343000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V343000)** (2025-2026 models, reported 2026-05-27): A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2026. **[26V205000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V205000)** (2026 models, reported 2026-03-31): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 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. **[25V344000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V344000)** (2025 models, reported 2025-06-13): A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. **[24V635000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V635000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2024-08-24): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. **[23V597000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V597000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-08-25): An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as soon as possible if they see an oil pressure warning light or smoke coming from the engine compartment. Dealers will replace the turbo oil supply line assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. **[16V925000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V925000)** (2017 models, reported 2016-12-22): An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. **[16V183000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V183000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-03-31): Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. 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 Explorer owners report - "It's currently in the shop and I'm being told by the shop and a third party adjuster that I need a whole new engine because there is coolant leaking into the cylinders." -- owner of a 2022 Ford Explorer, complaint filed 2025 - "The car was then taken to a separate dealership where it was diagnosed with a defective transmission due to an engine coolant leak. The dealership did not provide any means of transportation in response despite the vehicle being under warranty." -- owner of a 2021 Ford Explorer, complaint filed 2021 - "The overheating temp light keeps coming on for no reason. Vehicle has been to Rob Smith Ford seven times and still has not been fixed." -- owner of a 2020 Ford Explorer, complaint filed 2021 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 Explorer coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 10 related recalls (26V548000, 26V532000, 26V343000, 26V205000, 26V122000, 25V344000, 24V635000, 23V597000, 16V925000, 16V183000) covering 2016-2026 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Explorer years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Explorer model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 70 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Explorer 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 Explorer 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 Explorer warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ford-explorer): 33 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-explorer): 205 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ford-explorer): 15 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-explorer): 62 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-explorer): 314 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-explorer): 11 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ford-explorer): 23 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 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 - [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 Explorer - [Ford Explorer specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-explorer) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-explorer Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.