# Subaru Outback coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 25 - **Most complaints:** 2020 (6) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 25 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Subaru Outback (2015-2026 models), most for the **2020** model year (6). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Subaru Outback coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 2 | 509 | 0% | | 2016 | 4 | 642 | 1% | | 2018 | 2 | 816 | 0% | | 2019 | 1 | 1036 | 0% | | 2020 | 6 | 905 | 1% | | 2021 | 3 | 299 | 1% | | 2022 | 3 | 465 | 1% | | 2023 | 2 | 89 | 2% | | 2025 | 2 | 83 | 2% | 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 Outback recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[22V473000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V473000)** (2022 models, reported 2022-07-01): A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. 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 Outback owners report - "...clearance" causing wire damage, short circuits, power loss - 2019-22 Ascent: 271,694 recalled for electrical overheating from improper wiring COMMON DEFECT: Improper wire routing, inadequate protection, vulnerable placement - DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECTS not owner damage. CONCERN: If critical wire accessible to..." -- owner of a 2025 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2025 - "Wireless charger overheats phone. Checking online this issue goes back several years with no fix. I am worried about a fire with the lithium batteries and stopped using the charger. Waiting for a reply from Subaru to replace or remove the charger." -- owner of a 2023 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2023 - "The consumer stated ford escape vehicles betwen model years 2016-2019 havent coolant leak issues. The consumer owns a 2018 ford escape with 80,000 miles. The warranty was expired." -- owner of a 2022 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2022 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 Outback coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (22V473000) covering 2022 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Subaru Outback years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2020 and 2021 Outback model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 6 for 2020. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Subaru Outback 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 Outback 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 Outback warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/subaru-outback): 10 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/subaru-outback): 33 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/subaru-outback): 14 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/subaru-outback): 46 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/subaru-outback): 67 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/subaru-outback): 18 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-outback): 33 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/subaru-outback): 13 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/subaru-outback): 15 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 Outback - [Subaru Outback specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-outback) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/subaru-outback Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.