Fault Code Lookup › Powertrain codes › P0128

P0128 Powertrain · generic OBD-II

Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)

P0128 is a standard code covering engine, transmission, fuel and emissions. It names the system that logged the fault, not the part that failed. Below: which cars owners reported it on, what happened, and recalls on those cars, from 93 complaints filed with NHTSA. Updated November 3, 2026.

  • 93owner reports
  • 17car models
  • 1mention a crash
  • 0mention a fire
  • 2012–2024model years

Which cars get code P0128?

Every model whose owners mentioned P0128 in a complaint, most reports first. Each year opens that car's full problem report. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.

Where does P0128 show up?

By brand

  • Chevrolet43
  • GMC24
  • Jeep13
  • Chrysler5
  • Dodge4
  • Ford2
  • Mercedes-Benz1
  • Ram1

Component the owner filed it under

  1. Engine62 (66.7%)
  2. Steering37 (39.8%)
  3. Electrical System27 (29%)
  4. Power Train21 (22.6%)
  5. Vehicle Speed Control4 (4.3%)
  6. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)4 (4.3%)

Is there a recall for P0128?

The others concern the component owners file this code under (Engine) on the same cars; they may or may not relate to the code. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Oil/Lubrication: Pump Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. NHTSA campaign 23V905000 · December 22, 2023 · Affected cars

2021 Ford Ecosport. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Renegade vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may be equipped with a cracked oil pump housing/balance shaft module (BSM), which can cause the oil pump to fail and the engine to stall. NHTSA campaign 18V131000 · February 22, 2018 · Affected cars

2017 Jeep Renegade. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Gasoline: Turbo/Supercharger Accessible Technologies, Inc. (ATI) is recalling certain ProCharger Superchargers, model numbers AB037A-100, AB037A-100P, and A037A-100B, sold for installation on 2012-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and SRT vehicles. The supercharger mounting bracket may contact and damage the ABS line, possibly… NHTSA campaign 17E061000 · October 19, 2017 · Affected cars

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall. NHTSA campaign 16V907000 · December 16, 2016 · Affected cars

2016 Dodge Journey. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through June 2, 2013 and equipped with 1.6L engines. The affected vehicles may experience localized overheating of the engine cylinder head which may cause cracks that could allow oil to… NHTSA campaign 13V583000 · November 25, 2013 · Affected cars

2013 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these… NHTSA campaign 13V177000 · May 7, 2013 · Affected cars

2013 Ram 1500. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling This is an update to a recently announced recall. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through November 26, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines, as well as certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured from February 3, 2012, through… NHTSA campaign 12V551000 · December 3, 2012 · Affected cars

2013 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through August 31, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. The cylinder head cup plug (freeze plug) may become dislodged resulting in significant loss of engine coolant. NHTSA campaign 12V431000 · September 4, 2012 · Affected cars

2013 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

What happened when owners saw P0128?

10 of the 93 reports, spread across the models above, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.

2020 Chevy Blazer LT 3.6 L V6 I'm filing this complaint regarding multiple concerning mechanical and safety related issues with my 2020 Chevy Blazer LT that I purchased brand new and currently have 54,224 miles . Without warning, My vehicle developed several problems simultaneously. The check engine light came on, The engine cooling fan started running continuously at high speed, the AC stopped blowing cold air and is warm air, the steering assist reduced came on and my chevy app notified me that I have an engine cooling system malfunction and to service now. It's showing a P0128 code when I had it checked. After doing some research, I discovered GM issued a thermostat special coverage…
2020 Chevrolet BlazerSteering, Power Train, EngineNHTSA complaint 11773043 · Oct 22, 2026
I am submitting this complaint to request that NHTSA investigate a potential safety defect involving the engine coolant temperature monitoring system, thermostat/engine coolant temperature sensor system, and its relationship to reduced steering assist in 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles. My 2019 GMC Acadia, currently at approximately 91,500 miles, has experienced the following symptoms: • The engine temperature gauge remains flat or reads abnormally low/cold. • The cooling fans run continuously at extremely high speed, creating a loud "screaming" fan noise. • The vehicle displays the warning message "Steering Assist is Reduced — Drive with Care." • The vehicle has a history of diagnostic trouble…
2019 GMC AcadiaSteering, EngineNHTSA complaint 11764000 · Sep 14, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2017 Jeep Renegade, VIN ZACCJAAB5HPE81627. The vehicle was purchased used on May 22, 2026 at approximately 89,055 miles and began experiencing problems almost immediately. On May 27, only five days and approximately 96 miles after purchase, a diagnostic showed Check Engine FAIL with codes P0128 and P0456. On May 28, the selling dealership advised that the vehicle needed a thermostat and had an EVAP code requiring further diagnosis. On June 5, another diagnostic again showed Check Engine FAIL and identified an EVAP-related issue. The vehicle also had safety recall UB2/NHTSA Campaign 18V731000 involving the fuel-pump assembly. The recall addresses a…
2017 Jeep RenegadeUnknown Or Other, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11756341 · Aug 11, 2026
I purchased this 2021 Jeep Cherokee, and it has developed a life-threatening defect where it performs an uncommanded braking while driving at speed. Without any warning the car slams on the brakes creating an immediate risk of a Rear end collision. Diagnostic scans show multiple critical failures: PO128 (the initial warning of a computer communication issues). Dealership (Echo Park) refuses to fix with the proper OEM part and denies my warranty, (I called it in on day 15 on my Warranty, 01/28/26) I let them know the fans were loud, RPMs fluctuating, tailpipe full of black soot and making a loud sputtering, this is burning up my fuel fast. My appt was on 02/10/26 They said there was nothing…
2021 Jeep CherokeeElectrical System, Engine, Forward Collision AvoidanceNHTSA complaint 11726675 · Mar 24, 2026
Transmission FAIL check engine light went on. Car was not accellorating, bucking can't drive over 30 MGH. Thank god I was drving a back street when it happened and not the Mass Pike. Two estimates done. They both said replace the transmission. WHAT ??? Burnt transmission fluid at 77,400 miles. Three Diagnostic Errors P0128 P0734 P1790 . I have to REPLACE my transmission at a cost of $5,000 This is not supppose to happen at 77,400 . Please advise and recall or concessions available.
2014 Chrysler 200Power TrainNHTSA complaint 11508372 · Feb 21, 2023
•vehicle stalls when slowing down in traffic and cut off on freeway •happens while driving at low speed •vehicle restarts immediately after stalling •0–10 mph (coming to stop) •slowing from traffic speed •check engine light appeared •code P0128 was detected Vehicle stalled while driving and could have caused a crash if it happened in heavier traffic.” •I reported the issue to the dealership I bought it and went to dodge dealership because I seen 4 recalls •they checked the vehicle •they stated no recalls were open •blind spot warning system not functioning •lane assist button not responding •115-volt power outlet not working happened multiple times •started recently after purchase…
2018 Dodge Grand CaravanElectrical System, Lane DepartureNHTSA complaint 11722389 · Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that on the same day that the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle experienced a failure. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start-up. The dealer, Flori Auto Sales LLC, was contacted, and the dealer towed the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor "A" had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
2016 Chevrolet CamaroPower Train, EngineNHTSA complaint 11704738 · Dec 12, 2025
My 2024 trailblazer lt's engine light came on about a month ago. I took it to a local dealership and they said it was caused by CCND. Diagnosed code P0128 in pass/fail status. They test drove it to get light to come on and it was unable to duplicate it. They cleared the codes. A month later it came back on. I took it to my dealership and they said they have to take the entire front end off to replace the engine coolant bypass valve. They said that the electronic component was going bad. This car isn't even 2 yrs old. This should not be happening.
2024 Chevrolet TrailblazerEngineNHTSA complaint 11711444 · Jan 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in traffic, the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and was able to drive to the intended destination. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle required to be shifted to neutral(N) repeatedly. In addition, the contact stated that on another occasion, the vehicle independently accelerated, prompting the contact to immediately depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. In addition, the check engine warning light later illuminated. The contact used a fuel treatment…
2016 Chrysler Town and CountryPower TrainNHTSA complaint 11701926 · Nov 28, 2025
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON - AFTER SCAN, CODE P0128 APPEARS INDICATING THAT THE COOLANT THERMOSTAT HAD A FAULT. ACCORDING TO SERVICE TECH, MOST COMMON SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (ECT). THIS APPARENTLY IS VERY A COMMON ERROR ON ALL MOPAR ENGINES MODEL YEARS 2006-2012 OR SO AND THIS HAPPENS ON A LOT OF THEM. SINCE THIS IS APPARENTLY A MISTAKE ON MOPAR'S PART AND IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL, IT SHOULD BE PAID FOR AT THE DEALERS EXPENSE. I WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR THIS WAS A SOMEWHAT KNOWN ISSUE BUT THAT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ENACTED FOR IT.
2012 Dodge ChargerEngineNHTSA complaint 11141958 · Oct 22, 2018

P0128: questions drivers ask

What does code P0128 mean?

P0128 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code. Its standard definition is "Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)". The code tells you which system set the fault, not which part failed; the owner reports on this page show what it meant in practice for 17 car models.

Which cars get code P0128 most often?

In NHTSA owner complaints, P0128 is mentioned most for the Chevrolet Blazer (41), GMC Acadia (24), Jeep Renegade (6), across 17 models and model years 2012 to 2024. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.

Is there a recall for code P0128?

No NHTSA recall text names P0128 directly. 8 recalls on the cars that report this code concern the same component owners name most (Engine); they may or may not relate to the code. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What should I do if my car shows P0128?

Write down when the code appeared and what the car did (warning lights, loss of power, noises, speed, weather). Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer or independent workshop to read the stored freeze-frame data before anyone clears the code, and keep the repair order. If the car loses power in traffic, stop driving it. CarHooq does not diagnose: these are owner reports and official recall notices, not repair advice.

How this page was made

CarHooq read the text of every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for 19 US and European brands (model years 2012 onwards) and picked out the diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote down. This page lists every mention of P0128. The definition is the generic SAE J2012 wording; a carmaker may use the code slightly differently. Nothing here is a diagnosis. Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain), retrieved November 3, 2026. How CarHooq reports are made.

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