# Toyota RAV4 coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 92 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (52) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 92 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Toyota RAV4 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (52). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Toyota RAV4 coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2017 | 1 | 321 | 0% | | 2018 | 4 | 348 | 1% | | 2019 | 52 | 907 | 6% | | 2020 | 27 | 652 | 4% | | 2021 | 6 | 510 | 1% | | 2022 | 1 | 177 | 1% | | 2023 | 1 | 238 | 0% | 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 RAV4 recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[20V064000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V064000)** (2019-2020 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. 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 RAV4 owners report - "The front camera is known to overheat in weather that exceeds 70°F. Which disables the AEB, Cruise Control, Lane Keep, Automatic Headlights, and Automatic Wipers." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota RAV4, complaint filed 2026 - "If not addressed soon, it could cause the engine to overheat. The man at the auto parts store said it doesn't hurt to drive it but it is best not to prolong it. There needs to be an investigation of a recall started on this, as it can be a very confusing situation. It makes people think the car is just reminding you..." -- owner of a 2022 Toyota RAV4, complaint filed 2023 - "The initial coolant leak was first noticed on 10/17/2023. The vehicle repairs were completed by Price Leblanc Toyota and picked up on 12/13/2023." -- owner of a 2021 Toyota RAV4, 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 RAV4 coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (20V064000) covering 2019-2020 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota RAV4 years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2019, 2020 and 2021 RAV4 model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 52 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota RAV4 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 RAV4 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 RAV4 warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-rav4): 19 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-rav4): 41 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/toyota-rav4): 13 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-rav4): 63 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-rav4): 123 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-rav4): 129 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/toyota-rav4): 17 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-rav4): 46 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 RAV4 - [Toyota RAV4 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-rav4) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-rav4 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.