# Kia Telluride coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 27 - **Most complaints:** 2020 (9) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 27 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Kia Telluride (2015-2026 models), most for the **2020** model year (9). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Kia Telluride coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2020 | 9 | 777 | 1% | | 2021 | 5 | 374 | 1% | | 2022 | 6 | 330 | 2% | | 2023 | 3 | 213 | 1% | | 2024 | 2 | 227 | 1% | | 2025 | 2 | 124 | 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. ## Kia Telluride recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[24V077000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V077000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-02-07): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. A hole in the engine block increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the engine sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. 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 Telluride owners report - "While idle, I started to get a warning the engine was overheating with the ac only blowing hot air while the engine smelt like it was overheating. This put me at risk of being stranded in the heat with my toddler and new born or the vehicle malfunctioning in the highway." -- owner of a 2025 Kia Telluride, complaint filed 2026 - "Kia has previously issued a recall addressing the potential for the front power seat motor to overheat, melt, and potentially cause a fire. Despite the previous recall and attempted remedy, Kia has now issued another recall concerning the same or substantially similar safety issue. This raises serious concerns..." -- owner of a 2024 Kia Telluride, complaint filed 2026 - "Based on owner community research, the likely cause is a faulty signal being sent to the Engine Control Module, which triggers the fan to run even when the vehicle is not overheating and is fully shut off. The component is available for inspection. Safety risk: The vehicle is parked in an attached garage. An..." -- owner of a 2023 Kia Telluride, 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 Telluride coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (24V077000) covering 2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Kia Telluride years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Telluride model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 9 for 2020. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia Telluride 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 Telluride 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 Telluride warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/kia-telluride): 10 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-telluride): 8 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-telluride): 12 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-telluride): 25 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-telluride): 95 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-telluride): 38 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-telluride): 31 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-telluride): 16 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 Telluride - [Kia Telluride specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-telluride) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-telluride Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.