Your engine is equipped with a feature called fail-safe cooling. Essentially, this is a technology that helps minimize the damage caused by overheating the engine. ... Several cylinders will be shut down to pump air in order to cool the engine. You may notice reduced power and performance from your engine during this time.

What does fail-safe cooling do?

Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily drive your vehicle before any incremental component damage occurs. The fail-safe distance depends on ambient temperature, vehicle load and terrain. A warning lamp illuminates and a message may appear in the information display.

How good is a fail-safe thermostat?

Conclusion: A Fail-Safe thermostat is not better than a regular thermostat. A Fail-Safe thermostat must be replaced after an engine overheat while a regular thermostat might not. Now, how many times your vehicle overheated during your vehicle ownership?