[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

 

[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

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

Can someone kindly describe the antifreeze smell? I think I might be smelling it. I only get this weird smell if the fan is on or if the car hasn't been driven for a long period of time.

Sent from my HTC Amaze 4G using AutoGuide.Com Free App

jaszypoo,
I would suggest that you contact your local dealership and have them look into this for you. If you would like me to contact your dealer for you please send me a PM and I can get you an appointment set up. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

Took my 2011 Cruze LT in today for coolant smell and film on W/shield. Dealer ordered a heater core. I have my doubts that this will repair it, since there are no signs of a leak. Also my A/C was not cooling properly. Dealer said it was cooling OK. Since it was 55 degrees, don't think they could tell. We shall see. I recently retired as a dept. manager for a Pontiac/Buick/GMC dealer. I purchased the Cruze due to the elimination of Pontiac. Not a great experience so far.

expontiacowner,
I understand that this can be frustrating. I would like you to keep me posted on the outcome of these issues. In the meantime if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

I've had the same smell with my '12 Cruze 2LT since new. Have had it a little more than a month now. At first I thought it was because it was new but after 800 miles the smell is still present. I guess it's time to bring it in to the dealer.

jtk33;83368,
I would suggest that you contact your local dealership and have them look into this issue for you. if you would like I can contact your dealer for you and make you an appointment. If you would like me to make you an appointment please send me a PM with your name and VIN. I would also like you to keep me posted on the outcome of your appointment at the dealer. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

haha. Just got a call from the dealer, and they told me that they know that GM is looking into the burning smell, and the film on the windows, but all they can do is just look for a physical leak, and if there isn't one there is nothing they can do right now.

On a side note, while I had the car in to look at this, I figured I would get them to look at a rotational squeak noise the car has had since new. They told me that there is rocks/dirt around the rear brakes, and they would be more then happy to do a brake service for me at additional cost. Since I declined the service I now get to pay them for the time they spent diagnosing the issue since it isn't a warranty issue! I still wont have my car back until tomorrow morning at the earliest but if they don't find a physical coolant leak, it looks like I also have to pay for the rental they put me in as well, since they don't have a repairable warranty item. Reminds me why I love taking my car to the dealership....

stormbine,
I would like to look into this for you. Can you please send me a PM with your name, address, phone number, VIN, current mileage and the name of your dealership? I look forward to hearing back from you. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me with them.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

Just an update guys and gals. I can still smell the coolant after I drive the car to operating temp and use the heater and then turn the car off for a while. Always happens and can smell if for a while then it dissipates. This leads me to believe there is something that uses coolant is causing this. I think its something under the hood like the turbo or something else. I am no mechanic but I think GM should have a recall for this as it is dangerous to our health. Maybe it has to take someone dieing and get sued by the family. Pretty sad in my opinion. Sucks because I love this car other than its little annoyances.

SuCraM,
I understand that this issue can be frustrating. I would like to look into this for you. Can you please send me a PM with your name, address, phone number, VIN, current mileage as well as the name of the dealer that you are working with? I look forward to hearing back from you as well as assisting you with this issue.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

Again my car is still at the dealer.. They still have no idea what the problem is. The water pump is not leaking anywhere. coolant level is still good...smell is really bad. I have to wonder if the coolant smell is at all realted to the fire issues? I know that it seems realted to oil change. Something get hotter than it should perhaps?

ShadowHawkRacer,
I can understand that you are frustrated with this issue. I would like to look into this for you. Will you please send me a PM with your name, address, phone number, VIN, current mileage and the name of the dealership that you are working with? I look forward to hearing back from you as well as assisting you with this issue.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

Stacy, Thanks for offereing to help. I already have an open case with GM/Chevrolet customer servicee. I have been in contact with the Regional Rep and I am told the district manager should begetting involved. Right now the last thing I want to do is bug Chevy to the point that I am ignored. I just think Chevy needs to do the right thing... Frankly, My car smells so bad that the service folks and Managers have gotten sick driving it...and the dealer has had the car going on two weeks now. The loaner I have doesn't leave me with a good impression of GM quality either...but at least it is transportation. I have tried very hard to be calm and nice about the whole thing because I feel "taking the high road" is the best action for me to take. however, There are protections in place for owners. I would much rather find a solution directly!

ShadowHawkRacer,
I would suggest that you continue to work with your current agent. If you would like me to look into this please send me a PM with your VIN. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

Like you all, I've been having the same intermittant problem smelling anti freeze in the car. A few times so bad I had to roll the windows down. Would have taken it to the dealer but I'm sure I would have gotten the could not duplicate answer. I'll have a talk with them when I go for an oil change. I've smelled it in the garage coming from the engine compartment also. Looked as much as I could but know it is probably vaporizing before I'm able to see it. The windows inside don't fog up but there is a film on the inside windshield an the dash had a very light film on it I noticed when I ran my fingers over it. At one point the smell inside came as I was rounding a turn so I thought that if some had spilled inside the car during manufacturing and hit the heater core that might have been the cause. I'm at a loss and I'm sure I'll get the same from the dealer.

aewid,
I would suggest that you contact your local dealership and have them look into this for you. If you would like me to contact your dealership and set up an appointment for you please send me a PM with your name, phone number and VIN. Either way, please keep me posted on this. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

I have sometimes smelled antifreeze also. so while I came across this post, I went outside to look at the coolant tank in my 12 Cruze. The antifreeze is all the way at the bottom of the tank, at the top of the heater hose, I assume that it should be at the top line that has the arrow pointing to it. I wonder if this has also caused the slipping problem with the trans, would it be possible that the trans isn't being cooled properly? I called the dealer and I'm waiting for a call back. This is Chevy's last shot, my 09 Cobalt had been towed 7 times in 10,000 miles, I had to get a Lemon Law Attorney involved and Chevy bought the car back. I really had good dealings with my dealer and they talked me into staying with Chevy, I hope this can be worked out. I have a Nissan Altima that we bought new in 05, 112,000 miles, and its never been on the hook.

ZZR12,
I would like to look into this for you. Can you please send me a PM with your name, address, phone number, VIN, current mileage and the name of your dealership? I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

I have had this issue for a long time, it's been to the shop 5 times for this problem and it still exists. I suggest that everyone that has this issue to research your states lemon law rights and to post your issue on as many car sites as you can. Gm needs to own up to this problem instead of playing dumb and trying to pacify us.

Toxic cruze,
I would like to apologize for the issues that you are experiencing with your Cruze. I understand that this can be frustrating to deal with. I would like to look into this for you. Can you please send me a PM with your name, address, phone number, VIN, current mileage and the name of your dealership? I look forward to hearing back from you as well as assisting you with this issue.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

Got it back today! As suspected the water pump was bad, the dealer said that the dye had revealed a small pressed in plug in the water pump (probably a freeze plug) had begun leaking. Very slow and really only enough to cause a smell. They replaced the pump, hopefully my dilemma is finally over!

cruze01,
I am happy to hear that you have had your Cruze repaired! I would like you to continue to keep me posted. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

I have a 2012 Cruze ECO and I have that antifreeze smell.

fripple,
Have you taken your vehicle into your dealership regarding this issue? If you have not I would suggest that you do so. If you would like me to set up an appointment for you please send me a PM with your name, phone number, VIN, dealer and the days and times that you are available. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

After 2 days I got my car back and the dealer installed the coolant fix. I will try to post pics this weekend. The dealer told me they suspect an official redesign to come out eventually. BTW- you are correct- it does look like a MacGyver fix. lol

dby2011,
That's great! I am very happy to hear that they have found a fix for this issue! Thank you for the update. Please contact me if you have any further concerns with this.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

I'm on my way to my dealer. PI0740 in hand. I'll let you know how it goes. BTW I think Jim is right regarding warranty and labor coverage. I'm recently retired as a service writer for a GM dealer,and if threre's no labor op. you don't get paid. Sad but true.

expontiacowner,
Please keep me posted on the outcome of your visit to your dealer. I look forward to hearing back from you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

Well, after 3 weeks,a new evap core,a new heater core, and the PI0740 repair, I have my Cruze back. So far so good, do not smell antifreeze yet.
although, when doing the PI0740 fix, they did not install the additional vent hose on the coolant tank. They did install the additional seals to the cowl area. Not sure why they didn't do the hose, other than they can't read a tech bulletin.

expontiacowner,
I am very happy to hear that you have had this repair done! I am also very happy to hear that you have not had this problem again! Thank you for the update! If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

I have a 2012 cruze 1lt 41000 miles on it that we have had problems with coolent smell.First dealer coudnt reproduse prob ,2nd replaced heater core and t-stat & housing dident fix prob and service writer was more worryed about his preformance revew then taking care of the prob,after calling GM the 3ed dealer replaced the water pump with an updated part number still get coolent smell but now the ac compressed makes a squweeling sound all the time and dose not cool any more,I know that they had to evacc and recharge to replace the heater core. Has anyone eles had or heard of gm having a prob with this AC compreser?

Kammler,
I understand your concern as well as frustration with this issue. I would like to look into this further for you. If you have a SR# (Service Request Number), can you please send that to me in a PM? If you do not have one can you please send me your VIN? I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevy Customer Care]

2012 LT2 RS. I have smelled coolant from the 2nd day I bought it. I contacted the dealer on the 3rd day and was told it was the new car smell. I just took it in for the first servise @ 3000 miles and had a recall fixed. I made an appointment for tomorrow for the windshield leak (whistle) at highway speeds and I have them look into the coolant smell as well. Ill get it documented. 3300 miles today.

dieseljunkie,
I understand your concern with this issue. I would like to look into this further for you. Can you please send me a PM with your name, address, phone number, VIN, current mileage and the name of your dealer? I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service