# Jeep Grand Cherokee coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Stop driving

- **Owner complaints:** 88
- **Most complaints:** 2018 (19)
- **Related recalls:** 6
- **Verdict:** Stop now

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 88 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Jeep Grand Cherokee (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (19). There are **6 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No.

## Jeep Grand Cherokee coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2015 | 10 | 1369 | 1% |
| 2016 | 8 | 312 | 3% |
| 2017 | 9 | 364 | 2% |
| 2018 | 19 | 855 | 2% |
| 2019 | 13 | 370 | 4% |
| 2020 | 6 | 241 | 2% |
| 2021 | 9 | 507 | 2% |
| 2022 | 3 | 457 | 1% |
| 2023 | 4 | 504 | 1% |
| 2024 | 4 | 319 | 1% |
| 2025 | 1 | 120 | 1% |
| 2026 | 2 | 59 | 3% |

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 Grand Cherokee recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light

**[24V926000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V926000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-12-12): An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury. A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and secure the crossmember bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025.

**[23V411000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V411000)** (2015-2020 models, reported 2023-06-08): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be...

**[22V284000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V284000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2022-04-28): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022.

**[20V699000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V699000)** (2015-2019 models, reported 2020-11-12): Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are...

**[20V475000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V475000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2020-08-13): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021.

**[17E061000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17E061000)** (2015-2017 models, reported 2017-10-19): A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** ATI will notify owners and will replace the supercharger brackets, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2017.

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 Grand Cherokee owners report

- "New 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee overheated at 1,900 miles; engine hit red zone, A/C shut off, coolant low\. Vehicle towed\. Request full warranty repair, diagnosis, and reimbursement for towing, rental, and hotel costs\." -- owner of a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, complaint filed 2026
- "The contact stated that her husband had not observed any warning or indication when he had parked the vehicle that it was overheating. The contact stated that he had opened the driver's side front door to retrieve personal items, and then the vehicle burst into flames on the driver's side front. The contact stated..." -- owner of a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee, complaint filed 2025
- "Most recently check engine light went on and car began to overheat on its own. Hot air did not work and only cold air would come on. Car continued to say temperature too hot and began to smell like smoke." -- owner of a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee coolant temperature light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 related recalls (24V926000, 23V411000, 22V284000, 20V699000, 20V475000, 17E061000) covering 2015-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have the most coolant temperature light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2018 and 2019 Grand Cherokee model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 19 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Jeep Grand 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 Grand 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 Grand Cherokee warning lights

- [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-grand-cherokee): 58 complaints
- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-grand-cherokee): 57 complaints
- [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/jeep-grand-cherokee): 17 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints
- [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-grand-cherokee): 386 complaints
- [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-grand-cherokee): 12 complaints
- [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints
- [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/jeep-grand-cherokee): 18 complaints
- [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 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 Grand Cherokee

- [Jeep Grand Cherokee specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-grand-cherokee)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-grand-cherokee
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
