# Kia Sorento coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 138 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (83) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 138 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Kia Sorento (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (83). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Kia Sorento coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 19 | 755 | 3% | | 2016 | 83 | 1262 | 7% | | 2017 | 7 | 808 | 1% | | 2018 | 5 | 255 | 2% | | 2019 | 7 | 435 | 2% | | 2020 | 4 | 140 | 3% | | 2022 | 3 | 194 | 2% | | 2023 | 5 | 126 | 4% | | 2024 | 2 | 44 | 5% | | 2025 | 3 | 78 | 4% | 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. ## Kia Sorento recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[25V548000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V548000)** (2025 models, reported 2025-08-25): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. **[22V202000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V202000)** (2022 models, reported 2022-03-29): An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. **[17V586000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V586000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-09-21): If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crankshaft, and, as necessary, replace the engine sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Kia Sorento owners report - "This renders the car undrivable, with a concern for electric motor overheating, given that the hydrid mode and electric power can not be turned off. This is available for inspection. It is unclear whether the electric motor will shut down when overheated, but seizing of the motor or fire seems possible...." -- owner of a 2025 Kia Sorento, complaint filed 2025 - "A rock struck and punctured my radiator causing it to aggressively spray engine coolant, eventually leading to my engine overheating. I found this incident to be an extremely odd and rare situation considering I was only driving on paved suburban roads. After some further investigation online, it appears there are..." -- owner of a 2024 Kia Sorento, complaint filed 2026 - "Subject: Request for Review of Potentially Related Electrical Overheating - Kia Sorento HVAC Harness Recall SC351 / NHTSA 25V649 I am requesting that NHTSA review an electrical overheating issue involving my Kia Sorento and consider whether it could be related to the existing HVAC blower-motor resistor harness..." -- owner of a 2023 Kia Sorento, 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 Sorento coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (25V548000, 22V202000, 17V586000) covering 2017-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Kia Sorento years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Sorento model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 83 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia Sorento 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 Sorento 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 Sorento warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/kia-sorento): 36 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-sorento): 37 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-sorento): 29 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-sorento): 24 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sorento): 578 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sorento): 216 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-sorento): 81 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/kia-sorento): 14 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-sorento): 34 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 - [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 ## Kia Sorento - [Kia Sorento specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-sorento) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-sorento Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.