# Nissan Pathfinder coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 29 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (12) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 29 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Nissan Pathfinder (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (12). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Nissan Pathfinder coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 6 | 321 | 2% | | 2016 | 5 | 107 | 5% | | 2017 | 12 | 188 | 6% | | 2020 | 1 | 53 | 2% | | 2022 | 4 | 137 | 3% | | 2024 | 1 | 87 | 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. ## Is there a recall for the Nissan Pathfinder coolant temperature warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Nissan Pathfinder has 17 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Nissan Pathfinder page](/vehicles/nissan-pathfinder) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Nissan Pathfinder owners report - "I had to brake extremely hard, smelled overheated brakes and made emergency lane changes to avoid collisions. No warning lights appeared. I stopped on the shoulder, still in Drive, and held the brake about 30 seconds. Upon releasing it, the SUV lunged forward aggressively again, unlike normal creeping in Drive. I..." -- owner of a 2024 Nissan Pathfinder, complaint filed 2026 - "c)I didn't just continue to slip the front wheels but kept stopping, adjusting the traction selector and then try again until a warning pulled up "AWD Overheat, Stop Vehicle". At least twice during throttle application there was unanticipated rollback of the vehicle. a)This sudden rollback surprised me and by the..." -- owner of a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, complaint filed 2022 - "Operating a vehicle under these conditions raises concerns for engine reliability, overheating, and failure. The suspension defect created risk of loss of control, and the engine condition created risk of drivability issues. These conditions posed a safety risk to the driver and passengers, including a newborn..." -- owner of a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, 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 Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Pathfinder model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 12 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Nissan Pathfinder 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 Pathfinder 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 Pathfinder warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/nissan-pathfinder): 14 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-pathfinder): 48 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/nissan-pathfinder): 15 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-pathfinder): 48 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-pathfinder): 12 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-pathfinder): 23 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 Pathfinder - [Nissan Pathfinder specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-pathfinder) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/nissan-pathfinder Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.