# Kia K5 coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 36 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (10) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 36 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Kia K5 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (10). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Kia K5 coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 10 | 1010 | 1% | | 2016 | 9 | 760 | 1% | | 2017 | 4 | 257 | 2% | | 2018 | 3 | 233 | 1% | | 2019 | 1 | 213 | 0% | | 2020 | 1 | 153 | 1% | | 2021 | 4 | 170 | 2% | | 2022 | 4 | 130 | 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. ## Is there a recall for the Kia K5 coolant temperature warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Kia K5 has 19 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Kia K5 page](/vehicles/kia-k5) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Kia K5 owners report - "Under acceleration--specifically when merging onto expressways--the vehicle suffers a sudden loss of power and enters 'limp mode' with a dashboard alert stating the engine is overheating. This creates an immediate safety hazard in high-speed traffic. When the fault occurs, the radiator fans lock at 100% duty cycle...." -- owner of a 2022 Kia K5, complaint filed 2026 - "Hi I brought my 2021 kia k5 got line last February 2023 around 44k miles I have had coolant leak where nobody can tell me where is the leak coming from I look online and other Kia owner have had the same issues" -- owner of a 2021 Kia K5, complaint filed 2024 - "Although no visible flames were observed, I suspected an electrical component was overheating or melting, creating a potential fire and respiratory hazard. My son has asthma and experienced coughing and shortness of breath throughout that day, requiring use of his prescribed rescue inhaler. Neither of us received..." -- owner of a 2020 Kia K5, 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 Kia K5 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 Kia K5 years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 K5 model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 10 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia K5 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 Kia K5 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Kia 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 Kia K5 warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/kia-k5): 29 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-k5): 25 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-k5): 26 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-k5): 23 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-k5): 518 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-k5): 159 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-k5): 52 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/kia-k5): 12 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-k5): 36 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 ## Kia K5 - [Kia K5 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-k5) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-k5 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.