# Honda Civic coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 18 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (5) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 18 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Honda Civic (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (5). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Honda Civic coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 2 | 389 | 1% | | 2016 | 5 | 1083 | 0% | | 2017 | 3 | 607 | 0% | | 2018 | 2 | 596 | 0% | | 2019 | 1 | 353 | 0% | | 2020 | 4 | 239 | 2% | | 2022 | 1 | 889 | 0% | 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 Civic recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[16V074000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V074000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-02-09): If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the piston assemblies and damaged engine components, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in the Summer of 2016. Owners were mailed an interim notification beginning March 31, 2016, and will be mailed a second notice when... 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 Civic owners report - "Could not see speed, warning lights, gas gauge, engine temp, etc. Pulled over to check out problem and "push to start" button would not turn off engine. It did on second try. Dealer diagnosed fault in gauge control module. Must be replaced." -- owner of a 2020 Honda Civic, complaint filed 2025 - "Concerned with diluted oil not lubricating effectively as well as excess oil/fuel in the engine can cause overheating, frothing along with other concerns. This oil was driving all highway miles and during the summer." -- owner of a 2018 Honda Civic, complaint filed 2020 - "Could lead to incredibly high temperatures within the car or other components failing/overheating. Dealership quoted $2400 to fix the evaporator." -- owner of a 2017 Honda Civic, 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 Honda Civic coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (16V074000) covering 2016 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Honda Civic years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2020 Civic model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 5 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Honda Civic 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 Civic 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 Civic warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-civic): 15 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-civic): 59 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-civic): 113 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-civic): 83 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/honda-civic): 59 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-civic): 25 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 ## Honda Civic - [Honda Civic specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-civic) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-civic Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.