# Kia Sportage coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 22 - **Most complaints:** 2020 (5) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 22 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Kia Sportage (2015-2026 models), most for the **2020** model year (5). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Kia Sportage coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 146 | 1% | | 2017 | 4 | 404 | 1% | | 2018 | 3 | 165 | 2% | | 2019 | 4 | 71 | 6% | | 2020 | 5 | 166 | 3% | | 2021 | 1 | 54 | 2% | | 2022 | 2 | 47 | 4% | | 2023 | 1 | 195 | 1% | | 2026 | 1 | 30 | 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 Sportage coolant temperature warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Kia Sportage has 14 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Kia Sportage page](/vehicles/kia-sportage) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Kia Sportage owners report - "The contact stated that his wife had driven for 6.5 hours at 35-70 MPH with the seat heater activated, the seat heater overheated. Upon exiting the vehicle, the driver discovered second-degree burns on her right thigh and significant bruising extending from her left thigh to her buttocks. The contact stated that the..." -- owner of a 2026 Kia Sportage, complaint filed 2026 - "The description listed below is what is happening to my vehicle 2023 Kia Sportage LX Model An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire The oil was hot like it wasn't circulating and the transmission would not change gears the vehicle came to a stop with the dashboard stating the..." -- owner of a 2023 Kia Sportage, complaint filed 2023 - "The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine running, there was an alert on the instrument panel that stating "Warning - System Overheating". The contact checked the coolant level, and the level was at the operational level; however, the A/C was not operating properly. While driving the..." -- owner of a 2022 Kia Sportage, 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 Sportage 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 Sportage years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2019 and 2020 Sportage model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 5 for 2020. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia Sportage 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 Sportage 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 Sportage warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/kia-sportage): 5 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-sportage): 14 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-sportage): 8 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-sportage): 14 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sportage): 202 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sportage): 76 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-sportage): 19 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-sportage): 8 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 Sportage - [Kia Sportage specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-sportage) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-sportage Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.