# Hyundai Sonata coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 76 - **Most complaints:** 2021 (18) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 76 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Hyundai Sonata (2015-2026 models), most for the **2021** model year (18). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Hyundai Sonata coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 15 | 1209 | 1% | | 2016 | 8 | 861 | 1% | | 2017 | 10 | 850 | 1% | | 2018 | 1 | 384 | 0% | | 2019 | 6 | 167 | 4% | | 2020 | 7 | 182 | 4% | | 2021 | 18 | 190 | 9% | | 2022 | 7 | 114 | 6% | | 2023 | 4 | 88 | 5% | 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 Hyundai Sonata coolant temperature warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Hyundai Sonata has 27 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Hyundai Sonata page](/vehicles/hyundai-sonata) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Hyundai Sonata owners report - "The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Overheated" displayed. The contact checked the Hyundai app, but it showed no failure. The contact's wife drove to their son's residence, who inspected and discovered that there was no coolant in the engine. The contact's..." -- owner of a 2023 Hyundai Sonata, complaint filed 2026 - "Vehicle threw a check engine light, warning lights, and overheated when accelerating getting onto the highway and accelerating to highway speeds." -- owner of a 2022 Hyundai Sonata, complaint filed 2024 - "The vehicle has now reached 71,000 miles and is experiencing the identical symptoms: coolant loss, overheating, and white exhaust smoke. The EHRS shares a coolant loop with the hybrid battery thermal management system. Coolant loss from this failure puts the hybrid battery and power electronics at risk of..." -- owner of a 2021 Hyundai Sonata, 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 Sonata 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 Hyundai Sonata years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2021 Sonata model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 18 for 2021. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Hyundai Sonata 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 Sonata 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 Sonata warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/hyundai-sonata): 42 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/hyundai-sonata): 45 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/hyundai-sonata): 31 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/hyundai-sonata): 46 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-sonata): 168 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-sonata): 182 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/hyundai-sonata): 23 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-sonata): 74 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 Sonata - [Hyundai Sonata specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/hyundai-sonata) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/hyundai-sonata Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.