[Xenocamry]

I've noticed a few threads regarding antifreeze smell emanating from the engine compartment on 1.4 liter Cruze. I thought it would be a good idea to centralize information regarding the issue.

In my personal experience, the smell would originate from under the hood, and waft in through the windows occasionally. I've visited the dealer three times for the issue, below is the order of events:

1. Visit one, dealer "could not duplicate"
2. Visit two, dealer changed the coolant surge tank, smell still present
3. Visit three, currently in progress, deal followed procedure outlined in recent TSB, dyed coolant, and cycled the engine a few times. Noted leakage coming from the timing chain cover, as the dealer explained, it is a cast piece, and as a result of a manufacturing defect, there is either a hairline crack\improper formation in the housing. The part has been replaced, and remains at the dealer for additional testing. visit began 3/16/12.

*update 3/23, new part installed, dealer said the car was running rough, likely due to timing chain is a notch off, they ordered new gaskets, might have the car back next week sometime...sigh...disappointing

What has everyone experienced?

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

I've noticed a few threads regarding antifreeze smell emanating from the engine compartment on 1.4 liter Cruze. I thought it would be a good idea to centralize information regarding the issue.

In my personal experience, the smell would originate from under the hood, and waft in through the windows occasionally. I've visited the dealer three times for the issue, below is the order of events:

1. Visit one, dealer "could not duplicate"
2. Visit two, dealer changed the coolant surge tank, smell still present
3. Visit three, currently in progress, deal followed procedure outlined in recent TSB, dyed coolant, and cycled the engine a few times. Noted leakage coming from the timing chain cover, as the dealer explained, it is a cast piece, and as a result of a manufacturing defect, there is either a hairline crack\improper formation in the housing. The part has been replaced, and remains at the dealer for additional testing. visit began 3/16/12.

What has everyone experienced?

Xenocamry,
I would like to apologize for the inconveniences that you have experienced with your Cruze. I would like to look into this for you. Can you please send me a PM with your full name, address, phone number, VIN number, current mileage and the name of the dealership that your vehicle is at? I look forward to hearing back from you as well as assisting you with this issue.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[cruze01]

I had the same smell problem, however, when the dealer changed the tank and cap it did go away. Apparently that small clear molded tube coming from under the cap was seeping vapors somehow, you could also see a line of residue under the tube leading down the side of the tank. I have not smelled antifreeze since they replaced it.

 

[Xenocamry]

Thanks Stacy, I'll pm.you shortly

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[Xenocamry]

There's, another local cruze with the same problem as i, and the surge tank didn't fix his either.hopefully it works for you.

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[patty1671]

I've had the same problem with my Cruze. The smell is not constant...mainly when the heater is running... and when it is very cold outside. The mechanic smelled it the second time I brought it in but has been unable to find the problem.

They replaced the air compressor, cabin filter, and we have done the dye test. They have been unable to find a leak. We have spoke with Chevy and they had an engineer come out and have been unable to duplicate the problem.

The dealerships have been told not to replace any parts unless they find a leak. They are working on a solution. They had my car for 4-5 weeks... mechanic was very nice... but I told him that just because Chevy can't figure out the problem doesn't mean that I should have to smell it. I'm sure that it can't be very healthy to smell this.

 

[Xenocamry]

Yea, I may have gotten lucky, and they took it out cold day.

I should have my car back tomorrow, hopefully

 

[Cruzergal]

I took my car in for the same problem, they told me it was new car smells.... that magically appear 10 months after the car has been owned...

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

I've had the same problem with my Cruze. The smell is not constant...mainly when the heater is running... and when it is very cold outside. The mechanic smelled it the second time I brought it in but has been unable to find the problem.

They replaced the air compressor, cabin filter, and we have done the dye test. They have been unable to find a leak. We have spoke with Chevy and they had an engineer come out and have been unable to duplicate the problem.

The dealerships have been told not to replace any parts unless they find a leak. They are working on a solution. They had my car for 4-5 weeks... mechanic was very nice... but I told him that just because Chevy can't figure out the problem doesn't mean that I should have to smell it. I'm sure that it can't be very healthy to smell this.

patty1671,
I understand your frustration with this issue. I would like to look into this further for you. Can you please send me a PM your full name, address, phone number, VIN number, current mileage and the name of the dealership that you have been working with? I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

I took my car in for the same problem, they told me it was new car smells.... that magically appear 10 months after the car has been owned...

Cruzergal,
I understand that this issue is frustrating and I would like to look into this further for you. Can you please send me a PM your full name, address, phone number, VIN number, current mileage and the name of the dealership that you have been working with? I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Xenocamry]

Got the car back yesterday, i think it still smells, hoping some coolant spilled and it'll burn off

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[Xenocamry]

They made it worse, one more shot, then I'm contracting a lemon law lawyer.

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[70AARCUDA]

...please DO keep us advised of your results!

 

[Xenocamry]

Before it was a whiff here and there, today not only did my fiance notice, but so did the guy next to us in the parking lot. This is bs I've had nothing but problems with this car since i bought it. I've tried to remain calm about this, but it's ridiculous.

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[Jim Frye]

Before it was a whiff here and there, today not only did my fiance notice, but so did the guy next to us in the parking lot. This is bs I've had nothing but problems with this car since i bought it. I've tried to remain calm about this, but it's ridiculous.

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Just curious, how many dealershiip service departments have you had this car to? Is it just the one where you purchased it?

 

[Xenocamry]

2nd dealership

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[Jim Frye]

2nd dealership

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Wow! Thanks. I continue to question the ability of Chevy service departments to handle the Cruze. Perhaps Chevy Corporate needs to put some focus on how well trained they are, and perhaps cough up some more warranty support ($$$$$$) for the car. Of course, by the time that happens, the '11s and '12s will be out of warranty. Guess the best thing to do is wait for the 2013s.

 

[NYCruze2012]

You know come to think of it I smell antifreeze too. I never really thought much about it. I just bought mine in December and it's a 2012.

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[pinfsp18]

I took my 2012 Cruze in yesterday for the antifreeze smell. Nothing was done with the car, I was told several owners have complained abou this issue, but GM has not come up with a fix yet. Great!!

 

[Xenocamry]

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