# Hyundai Tucson coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 66 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (28) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 66 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Hyundai Tucson (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (28). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Hyundai Tucson coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2016 | 28 | 1626 | 2% | | 2017 | 10 | 1096 | 1% | | 2018 | 6 | 398 | 2% | | 2019 | 6 | 385 | 2% | | 2021 | 1 | 80 | 1% | | 2022 | 9 | 502 | 2% | | 2023 | 1 | 171 | 1% | | 2024 | 2 | 149 | 1% | | 2025 | 3 | 449 | 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. ## Hyundai Tucson recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[25V549000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V549000)** (2025-2026 models, reported 2025-08-26): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. 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 Tucson owners report - "When a phone is placed in the intended storage or wireless charging area, the device overheats and triggers thermal protection warnings. The console surfaces also become hot enough to present a potential burn risk with prolonged skin contact. These temperatures exceed recommended ambient conditions for consumer..." -- owner of a 2025 Hyundai Tucson, complaint filed 2026 - "According to the recall documentation, this defect can cause inoperative stop lamps and, in rare cases, an electrical short that could result in overheating or a vehicle fire. Since receiving the notice, I have contacted Hyundai Motor America corporate customer care three separate times seeking escalation and..." -- owner of a 2024 Hyundai Tucson, complaint filed 2026 - "Attempt to accelerate and will not accelerate and car start overheating and bad odor smog coming out from the exhaust. Dealer foud the following, concern scanned for codes, found codes p111100, p030000. P030100, p030300, p030400 abnormal combustion detection for any cylender, ramdon cylinder misfire detected..." -- owner of a 2023 Hyundai Tucson, complaint filed 2023 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 Tucson coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (25V549000) covering 2025-2026 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Hyundai Tucson years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2022 Tucson model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 28 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Hyundai Tucson 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 Tucson 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 Tucson warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/hyundai-tucson): 25 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/hyundai-tucson): 37 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/hyundai-tucson): 26 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/hyundai-tucson): 83 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-tucson): 202 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-tucson): 35 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-tucson): 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 ## Hyundai Tucson - [Hyundai Tucson specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/hyundai-tucson) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/hyundai-tucson Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.