# Ram 1500 coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 79 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (20) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 79 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Ram 1500 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (20). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Ram 1500 coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 14 | 1460 | 1% | | 2016 | 16 | 1554 | 1% | | 2017 | 5 | 884 | 1% | | 2018 | 10 | 667 | 1% | | 2019 | 20 | 1497 | 1% | | 2020 | 6 | 642 | 1% | | 2021 | 8 | 686 | 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. ## Ram 1500 recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[23V411000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V411000)** (2015-2019 models, reported 2023-06-08): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be... **[20V475000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V475000)** (2015-2018 models, reported 2020-08-13): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. **[19V757000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V757000)** (2015-2019 models, reported 2019-10-24): Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ram 1500 owners report - "If this transmission overheats or fails it could catch on fire or cause a serious accident please help in this matter. It only has 19000 miles on it and Dodge seems like they don't want to help" -- owner of a 2021 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2022 - "I also believe this is a safety concern due to the fact that it causes the driver to become nauseous and possibly disoriented not to mention if enough coolant leaks, it can cause the vehicle to overheat or catch fire." -- owner of a 2020 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2026 - "I assuming the brakes are overheating. Of course I am at fault for the bumper to bumper accident, claim number 31-22T8-87X with State Farm." -- owner of a 2019 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2021 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 Ram 1500 coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (23V411000, 20V475000, 19V757000) covering 2015-2019 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ram 1500 years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 1500 model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 20 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ram 1500 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 Ram 1500 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ram 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 Ram 1500 warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ram-1500): 280 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ram-1500): 77 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ram-1500): 17 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ram-1500): 521 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ram-1500): 28 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ram-1500): 15 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 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 ## Ram 1500 - [Ram 1500 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ram-1500) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ram-1500 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.