# GMC Sierra coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 58 - **Most complaints:** 2021 (14) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 58 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the GMC Sierra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2021** model year (14). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## GMC Sierra coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 6 | 818 | 1% | | 2016 | 1 | 50 | 2% | | 2017 | 6 | 431 | 1% | | 2018 | 7 | 305 | 2% | | 2019 | 3 | 658 | 0% | | 2020 | 3 | 484 | 1% | | 2021 | 14 | 599 | 2% | | 2022 | 5 | 603 | 1% | | 2023 | 7 | 506 | 1% | | 2024 | 2 | 380 | 1% | | 2025 | 3 | 126 | 2% | | 2026 | 1 | 81 | 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. ## GMC Sierra recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[25V274000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V274000)** (2021-2024 models, reported 2025-04-24): Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed... **[14V007000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V007000)** (2015 models, reported 2014-01-13): The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire. **Remedy:** General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What GMC Sierra owners report - "We tried to pull over on the highway then the truck lost all power and overheated. Our trailer was not all the way off the highway, so a WY State Trooper pulled behind us and kept his lights flashing for 3 hours until a tow truck came. Truck could not be placed in neutral, so it had to be dragged onto the flat bed..." -- owner of a 2026 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026 - "This appears to be a component overheating defect that poses a potential fire risk if left in continued use. I am not aware of an existing recall or technical service bulletin covering physical melting of this component (existing GM bulletins address intermittent charging function only, not heat damage to plastic)...." -- owner of a 2025 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026 - "This code pops-up regardless of the engine temperatures. It has been to the dealer where I bought it each time, and they state that GMC told them it is normal. They reset the computer, and the check engine light goes out until I run the truck in temperatures below 30 degrees. The dealer has been great with me, but..." -- owner of a 2024 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2025 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 GMC Sierra coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (25V274000, 14V007000) covering 2015-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which GMC Sierra years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2021 and 2023 Sierra model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 14 for 2021. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any GMC 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 GMC Sierra warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/gmc-sierra): 37 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/gmc-sierra): 18 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/gmc-sierra): 540 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/gmc-sierra): 57 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/gmc-sierra): 212 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 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 ## GMC Sierra - [GMC Sierra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/gmc-sierra) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/gmc-sierra Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.