# Honda HR-V coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 11 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (4) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 11 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Honda HR-V (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (4). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Honda HR-V coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2018 | 4 | 160 | 3% | | 2019 | 3 | 241 | 1% | | 2020 | 1 | 86 | 1% | | 2023 | 3 | 688 | 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. ## Is there a recall for the Honda HR-V coolant temperature warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Honda HR-V has 13 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Honda HR-V page](/vehicles/honda-hr-v) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Honda HR-V owners report - "I've read this is a common issue with this year and model, I've heard the rear defrost overheats and shatters the glass." -- owner of a 2023 Honda HR-V, complaint filed 2023 - "When we went to the dealership, the maintenance man said that this is a common issue due to the fact that they put the radar system in a location that gets overheated. We filed a claim, but they only will pay for a small portion of it to be repaired. Many of these cars have the same issue." -- owner of a 2020 Honda HR-V, complaint filed 2026 - "...vehicle is squeaking, the tire lights have come on numerous times, airbags light is on, the fuel cap light has come on Engine temperature light comes on Any more questions can be emailed or called. Thanks kindly." -- owner of a 2019 Honda HR-V, 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 Honda HR-V coolant temperature light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Honda HR-V years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2023 HR-V model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 4 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Honda HR-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 HR-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 HR-V warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-hr-v): 10 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-hr-v): 19 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-hr-v): 51 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-hr-v): 54 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-hr-v): 23 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/honda-hr-v): 18 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 HR-V - [Honda HR-V specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-hr-v) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-hr-v Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.