# Nissan Altima coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 21 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (9) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 21 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Nissan Altima (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (9). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Nissan Altima coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 955 | 0% | | 2016 | 3 | 555 | 1% | | 2017 | 4 | 393 | 1% | | 2019 | 9 | 234 | 4% | | 2020 | 3 | 182 | 2% | | 2021 | 1 | 71 | 1% | 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. ## Nissan Altima recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[25V437000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V437000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2025-06-27): Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Nissan Altima owners report - "Appointment my wife was driving our 2021 Nissan Altima when suddenly there was a loss of power to the engine as if the engine was overheating or had loss of fuel or only able to slowly exit the freeway to a safe place and call a tow truck, after 1 1/2 days of diagnosing and testing. I was able to drive the vehicle..." -- owner of a 2021 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2026 - "Additionally, the vehicle experienced excessive coolant consumption and the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred and worsened. The vehicle was returned to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cooling..." -- owner of a 2020 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2026 - "Coolant leak not visible egr cooler and egr valve malfunction catalytic converter malfunction. Diagnosted at nissan a known issue with nissan make and model." -- owner of a 2019 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (25V437000) covering 2019-2020 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Nissan Altima years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2019 Altima model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 9 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Nissan 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 Nissan Altima warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-altima): 250 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/nissan-altima): 21 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-altima): 203 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-altima): 34 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-altima): 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 ## Nissan Altima - [Nissan Altima specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-altima) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/nissan-altima Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.