# Honda Accord coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 193 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (103) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 193 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Honda Accord (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (103). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Honda Accord coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 8 | 640 | 1% | | 2016 | 9 | 614 | 1% | | 2017 | 4 | 585 | 1% | | 2018 | 103 | 2015 | 5% | | 2019 | 41 | 792 | 5% | | 2020 | 7 | 408 | 2% | | 2021 | 9 | 294 | 3% | | 2022 | 12 | 317 | 4% | 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. ## Honda Accord recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[15V121000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V121000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-03-02): Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Honda Accord owners report - "Misfire codes 2,3,4 Engine temperature at limit warning. Driver and passenger seats malfunctioning VSA module malfunctioning" -- owner of a 2022 Honda Accord, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact was informed that the rear rotors need to be replaced and that the brakes were overheating. The vehicle was repaired but the sound from the brakes returned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000." -- owner of a 2021 Honda Accord, complaint filed 2022 - "I took it to the dealership to be checked out and they told me that the head gasket had failed and coolant was leaking into the cylinder and causing the engine to overheat." -- owner of a 2020 Honda Accord, 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 Honda Accord coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (15V121000) covering 2015 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Honda Accord years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2022 Accord model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 103 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Honda 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 Honda Accord warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-accord): 72 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-accord): 90 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/honda-accord): 13 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-accord): 422 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/honda-accord): 154 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-accord): 67 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 - [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 ## Honda Accord - [Honda Accord specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-accord) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-accord Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.