# Hyundai Elantra coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 26 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (7) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 26 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Hyundai Elantra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (7). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Hyundai Elantra coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 262 | 0% | | 2016 | 2 | 293 | 1% | | 2017 | 6 | 770 | 1% | | 2018 | 7 | 284 | 2% | | 2019 | 2 | 252 | 1% | | 2020 | 2 | 255 | 1% | | 2021 | 2 | 162 | 1% | | 2023 | 3 | 101 | 3% | | 2024 | 1 | 56 | 2% | 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. ## Hyundai Elantra recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[24V308000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V308000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-05-01): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Hyundai Elantra owners report - "Suddenly the warning light went off that car was overheating. This also happened the day before. He was stopped at a light the 2nd time. The car has less then 7000 miles. We recently had the oil and air filter changed at Hyundai dealership. There was no problems at the time of service a month ago. All fluids were..." -- owner of a 2024 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2024 - "Is this related to the recent recall for the electric oil pump assembly that may overheat and increase the risk of a fire?" -- owner of a 2023 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2023 - "The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak, and the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown." -- owner of a 2021 Hyundai Elantra, 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 Hyundai Elantra coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (24V308000) covering 2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Hyundai Elantra years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2023 Elantra model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 7 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Hyundai Elantra 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 Hyundai Elantra has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Hyundai 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 Hyundai Elantra warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/hyundai-elantra): 12 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/hyundai-elantra): 24 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-elantra): 317 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 72 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-elantra): 67 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 20 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-elantra): 24 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 ## Hyundai Elantra - [Hyundai Elantra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/hyundai-elantra) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/hyundai-elantra Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.