# Toyota Tundra coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Stop driving

- **Owner complaints:** 13
- **Most complaints:** 2023 (4)
- **Related recalls:** 3
- **Verdict:** Stop now

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 13 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Toyota Tundra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2023** model year (4). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No.

## Toyota Tundra coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2015 | 1 | 51 | 2% |
| 2016 | 1 | 120 | 1% |
| 2022 | 3 | 432 | 1% |
| 2023 | 4 | 412 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 351 | 0% |
| 2025 | 3 | 141 | 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.

## Toyota Tundra recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light

**[26V320000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V320000)** (2024 models, reported 2026-05-20): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will perform an inspection on the #1 main bearing using vehicle inspection software and drive data, and if necessary, replace the engine. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 23, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final...

**[25V767000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V767000)** (2022-2024 models, reported 2025-11-06): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will perform an inspection on the #1 main bearing using vehicle inspection software and drive data, and if necessary, replace the engine. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 28, 2026.

**[24V381000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V381000)** (2022-2023 models, reported 2024-05-30): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the engine assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between December 17, 2024 and February 19, 2025.

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 Tundra owners report

- "An unknown warning light was illuminated with an audible alert, and the temperature warning light was displayed for a short while before turning off. There was an abnormal plastic burning odor during the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting); and..." -- owner of a 2025 Toyota Tundra, complaint filed 2026
- "My family was put at risk due to the brakes not functioning properly and causing me to let off the braking system in order to prevent overheating. I asked my dealer to review the brakes and they indicated nothing is wrong, I can reproduce this action anytime for the dealership with a simple ride up and down the..." -- owner of a 2024 Toyota Tundra, complaint filed 2025
- "The warnings first appeared for high temp when the coolant was totally out and mentioned the vehicle was overheating and to pull over." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Tundra, 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 Toyota Tundra coolant temperature light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (26V320000, 25V767000, 24V381000) covering 2022-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which Toyota Tundra years have the most coolant temperature light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2022, 2023 and 2025 Tundra model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 4 for 2023. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Tundra 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 Tundra 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 Tundra warning lights

- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-tundra): 7 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-tundra): 47 complaints
- [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-tundra): 74 complaints
- [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/toyota-tundra): 11 complaints
- [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-tundra): 28 complaints
- [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-tundra): 14 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 Tundra

- [Toyota Tundra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-tundra)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-tundra
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
