# Jeep Wrangler coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 143 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (35) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 143 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Jeep Wrangler (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (35). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Jeep Wrangler coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 7 | 481 | 1% | | 2016 | 7 | 462 | 2% | | 2017 | 4 | 312 | 1% | | 2018 | 35 | 1827 | 2% | | 2019 | 11 | 747 | 1% | | 2020 | 23 | 618 | 4% | | 2021 | 35 | 959 | 4% | | 2022 | 13 | 413 | 3% | | 2023 | 8 | 376 | 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. ## Is there a recall for the Jeep Wrangler coolant temperature warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Jeep Wrangler has 50 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Jeep Wrangler page](/vehicles/jeep-wrangler) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Jeep Wrangler owners report - "Most recently, the vehicle was brought to the dealership for Safety Recall 68C, which addresses potential internal battery cell failure that may lead to overheating or fire. During the recall procedure, after the required software updates and diagnostic testing, the vehicle failed the 68C recall. The dealership..." -- owner of a 2023 Jeep Wrangler, complaint filed 2026 - "I do NOT feel safe driving this vehicle, I have major anxiety when I am driving in Traffic because I get wanting to release the clutch peddle due to overheating. The jeep sits in the driveway whenever possible due to safety concerns. And I'm PAYING MONTHLY PAYMENTS. It's frustrated and EXTREMELY UNSAFE!" -- owner of a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, complaint filed 2024 - "The engine is overheating at idle speed and there's a phamtom coolant leak. We just bought this in January and are already having major issues. Seems to be a problem with the plastic coolant reservoir being near a very hot engine." -- owner of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, 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 Wrangler 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 Jeep Wrangler years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2020 and 2021 Wrangler model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 35 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-wrangler): 180 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-wrangler): 88 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/jeep-wrangler): 33 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-wrangler): 95 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-wrangler): 338 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-wrangler): 10 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/jeep-wrangler): 10 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 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 - [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 - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-silverado): 100 complaints ## Jeep Wrangler - [Jeep Wrangler specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-wrangler) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-wrangler Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.