# Honda CR-V coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 91 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (31) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 91 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Honda CR-V (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (31). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Honda CR-V coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 673 | 0% | | 2016 | 3 | 395 | 1% | | 2017 | 24 | 1779 | 1% | | 2018 | 31 | 2165 | 1% | | 2019 | 7 | 1107 | 1% | | 2020 | 6 | 447 | 1% | | 2021 | 4 | 446 | 1% | | 2022 | 3 | 350 | 1% | | 2023 | 6 | 633 | 1% | | 2024 | 3 | 483 | 1% | | 2025 | 2 | 293 | 1% | | 2026 | 1 | 181 | 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. ## Honda CR-V 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 CR-V owners report - "At around 220 miles, the vehicle's dashboard displayed major safety warnings: "Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem" and "Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem." Soon after, a very strong burning smell--similar to fire or overheated brakes--came from the vehicle. When I brought it to Honda of Concord, the..." -- owner of a 2026 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2025 - "I am concerned that the wireless charging system may cause overheating that could damage devices or present a potential fire or safety hazard. This occurred during normal, expected use of the vehicle's built-in equipment." -- owner of a 2025 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2025 - "Before diagnosis, the vehicle displayed symptoms consistent with gasket integrity loss, including rough running, shaking during acceleration, reduced power output, inconsistent engine temperature, and abnormal vibration. These issues indicate possible combustion leakage, coolant intrusion into the cylinders, or..." -- owner of a 2024 Honda CR-V, 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 CR-V 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 CR-V years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2019 CR-V model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 31 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Honda CR-V 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 CR-V 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 CR-V warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-cr-v): 27 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-cr-v): 58 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/honda-cr-v): 15 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-cr-v): 392 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/honda-cr-v): 15 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/honda-cr-v): 146 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-cr-v): 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 CR-V - [Honda CR-V specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-cr-v) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-cr-v Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.