# Subaru Crosstrek coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 6 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (2) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 6 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Subaru Crosstrek (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (2). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Subaru Crosstrek coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 100 | 1% | | 2016 | 2 | 136 | 1% | | 2019 | 1 | 286 | 0% | | 2020 | 1 | 71 | 1% | | 2023 | 1 | 36 | 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. ## Subaru Crosstrek recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[19V856000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V856000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-12-02): An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. **[19V744000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V744000)** (2018 models, reported 2019-10-17): An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Subaru Crosstrek owners report - "Oil temperature warning light illuminated on October 5, 2026; dealer diagnosed CVT torque converter failure requiring replacement ($2,954 repair). This is the second CVT failure in two months: the same dealer replaced the CVT valve body in August 2026 (~$3,400) for the same warning light. Vehicle has remained parked..." -- owner of a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, complaint filed 2026 - "This leaves the vehicle at risk of a repeat stall in traffic, as the underlying software defect that causes coils to overheat remains unaddressed in the 2020 model year and the remaining coils may already be at risk." -- owner of a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, complaint filed 2026 - "My engine overheated at 125,000 miles roughly and 2025 and this year the engine oil is leaking into the coolant tank at 135,000 miles." -- owner of a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 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 Subaru Crosstrek coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (19V856000, 19V744000) covering 2018-2019 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Subaru Crosstrek years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Crosstrek model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 2 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Subaru 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 Subaru Crosstrek warning lights - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/subaru-crosstrek): 6 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/subaru-crosstrek): 39 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-crosstrek): 20 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 ## Subaru Crosstrek - [Subaru Crosstrek specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-crosstrek) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/subaru-crosstrek Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.