# Jeep Cherokee coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 75 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (19) - **Related recalls:** 4 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 75 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Jeep Cherokee (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (19). There are **4 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Jeep Cherokee coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 19 | 1794 | 1% | | 2016 | 19 | 1414 | 1% | | 2017 | 10 | 1338 | 1% | | 2018 | 7 | 689 | 1% | | 2019 | 15 | 1676 | 1% | | 2020 | 4 | 334 | 1% | | 2021 | 1 | 177 | 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. ## Jeep Cherokee recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[21V310000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V310000)** (2021 models, reported 2021-05-04): A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the hose, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed May 18, 2021. **[18V344000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V344000)** (2019 models, reported 2018-05-25): Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2018. **[17V670000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V670000)** (2018 models, reported 2017-10-24): If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. **[15V676000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V676000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-10-19): If the line is misrouted, it may contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the air conditioning hose. Any hose that is misrouted will be replaced and installed correctly. This work will be performed free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Jeep Cherokee owners report - "PTU overheated, message is "4WD unavailable" or "reduced functionality". PTU replaced by Jeep, new PTU has overheated and will not go out of 4WD low unless car is turned off, PTU cools off for 20 minutes, will then go out of 4WD low. Dealer has confirmed the problem. Not sure what next steps are but I thought you..." -- owner of a 2021 Jeep Cherokee, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the engine temperature started to increase. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where the tires were replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle..." -- owner of a 2020 Jeep Cherokee, complaint filed 2025 - "The contact also became aware of a coolant leak underneath the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000." -- owner of a 2019 Jeep Cherokee, 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 Jeep Cherokee coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 4 related recalls (21V310000, 18V344000, 17V670000, 15V676000) covering 2015-2021 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Jeep Cherokee years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Cherokee model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 19 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Jeep Cherokee 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 Jeep Cherokee has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Jeep 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 Jeep Cherokee warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-cherokee): 32 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-cherokee): 71 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/jeep-cherokee): 144 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-cherokee): 64 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-cherokee): 145 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/jeep-cherokee): 5 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 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 ## Jeep Cherokee - [Jeep Cherokee specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-cherokee) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-cherokee Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.