# Ford F-150 coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 4 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (1) - **Related recalls:** 4 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 4 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Ford F-150 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (1). There are **4 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Ford F-150 coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2016 | 1 | 113 | 1% | | 2017 | 1 | 84 | 1% | | 2018 | 1 | 95 | 1% | | 2019 | 1 | 69 | 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 F-150 recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[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. **[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)** (2024-2025 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. **[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. 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 F-150 owners report - "The RPM increased to high, and the temperature gauge was at HOT. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with complete transmission failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,513." -- owner of a 2018 Ford F-150, complaint filed 2026 - "The engine was not overheating; a $40 CHT sensor fixed it. Evidence: I watched live data on an Autel MaxiCheck MX808S-TS while driving during the events. CHT dropped to implausibly low values for brief moments, then immediately returned to normal values matching coolant temp. Coolant temp stayed normal throughout...." -- owner of a 2017 Ford F-150, complaint filed 2026 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 F-150 coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 4 related recalls (25V344000, 25V198000, 24V851000, 24V635000) covering 2021-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford F-150 years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2018 F-150 model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 1 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford F-150 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 F-150 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 F-150 warning lights - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-f-150): 8 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-f-150): 41 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-f-150): 4 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 F-150 - [Ford F-150 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-f-150) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-f-150 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.