# Toyota Camry coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 29 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (10) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 29 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Toyota Camry (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (10). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Toyota Camry coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2018 | 7 | 782 | 1% | | 2019 | 10 | 412 | 2% | | 2020 | 9 | 284 | 3% | | 2022 | 1 | 67 | 1% | | 2023 | 2 | 66 | 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. ## Toyota Camry recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[20V064000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V064000)** (2020 models, reported 2020-02-06): A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. **[18V200000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V200000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-03-28): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production date codes of the pistons and, if an engine contains a piston from the affected production period, the engine assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 25, 2018. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota Camry owners report - "Before parking the vehicle, I did not observe any warning lights, dashboard messages, smoke, unusual odors, overheating, electrical issues, mechanical problems, or other symptoms that would have indicated a possible fire or malfunction. Because the vehicle caught fire while parked and turned off, the incident..." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Camry, complaint filed 2026 - "took it to a shop and got code p268115 which states there is a recall for the coolant valve bypass for 2022 Camrys, but for some reason my specific VIN number does not constitute as being a recall it is putting the safety of me and family members at harm not knowing if the vehicle will overheat or stop on the side..." -- owner of a 2022 Toyota Camry, complaint filed 2026 - "Car can overheat or cause other electrical issues. Dealer stated this is a frequent issue for a lot of models. Not covered under warranty." -- owner of a 2020 Toyota Camry, 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 Toyota Camry coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (20V064000, 18V200000) covering 2018-2020 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota Camry years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Camry model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 10 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota 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 Toyota Camry warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-camry): 17 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-camry): 46 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-camry): 86 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-camry): 154 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-camry): 68 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/toyota-camry): 10 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-camry): 19 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 ## Toyota Camry - [Toyota Camry specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-camry) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-camry Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.