# Subaru Forester coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 38 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (14) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 38 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Subaru Forester (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (14). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Subaru Forester coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 4 | 616 | 1% | | 2016 | 4 | 416 | 1% | | 2018 | 2 | 498 | 0% | | 2019 | 14 | 834 | 2% | | 2020 | 12 | 603 | 2% | | 2021 | 2 | 215 | 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. ## Subaru Forester recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[23V723000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V723000)** (2024 models, reported 2023-10-26): Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Subaru’s independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. **[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. **[16V162000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V162000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2016-03-21): An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. 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 Forester owners report - "The Thermo Control Valve failed and the engine overheated in April 2025. The car has only been driven 1,200 miles since then and the engine failed at 65,000 miles likely due to the TCV failure and engine damage." -- owner of a 2021 Subaru Forester, complaint filed 2025 - "the [S] is constantly blinking, the check engine light On, the temperature light is on as cold, and the eye sight and anti collision is off." -- owner of a 2020 Subaru Forester, complaint filed 2025 - "The thermo control valve (TCV), responsible for regulating cabin temperature and engine temperature failed, causing the vehicle to go into safe mode and was not drivable." -- owner of a 2019 Subaru Forester, complaint filed 2024 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 Forester coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (23V723000, 19V856000, 16V162000) covering 2015-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Subaru Forester years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2019 and 2020 Forester model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 14 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Subaru Forester 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 Forester 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 Forester warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/subaru-forester): 20 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/subaru-forester): 280 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/subaru-forester): 43 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/subaru-forester): 179 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/subaru-forester): 21 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-forester): 26 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/subaru-forester): 15 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/subaru-forester): 26 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 Forester - [Subaru Forester specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-forester) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/subaru-forester Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.