3.3TT Antifreeze smell after driving

[JMP]

Car is still pretty new, so maybe it's just what it is, but thought I would check if anyone else is having this. I notice after driving, there is a distinct and fairly strong smell of antifreeze on the outside of the car (no smell inside what so ever). No visible leaks anywhere (combed over it with a flash light), no puddles under the car, no visible puddles of any kind, no loss of coolant in the overflow tank that I noticed....nothing. Just the smell. What's funny, when you pop the hood the smell dissipates so you can't hardly smell anything. I looked while the engine was running, looked while the engine was off. If coolant was dripping on a hot component, there would be steam, but nothing of that sort either. color me confused a little.

Wondering if anyone else has noticed this? Is this normal for these cars? (I'm an old car guy and coolant smell is not a good thing)

To be fair, my wife's Santa Fe which we had for 6 years did this as well, and never lost coolant either, so maybe this is just a Hyundai Motor Co. car design thing where by the coolant off gasses are detectable ....dunno.

 

[Houstinger1]

I have experienced this from time to time, but I thought it was due to my unique situation. I work away from home and let the car sit for 2-6 weeks at a time. When I return home, I tend to drive... spiritedly. I know for sure this last time I was home I smelled it. Perhaps it has something to do with the temperature change as I don't remember it that much during the warmer months. But then again I've slept since then and not well, so..... ?

I'll also add that my wife has a 2018 Sorento, and I have occasionally smelled coolant from it as well.

 

[Toddasaurus]

I've experienced the same thing. I have a 2019 G70 3.3 - noticed it pretty soon after I bought it. Exact same symptoms, smells like coolant right when I get out of the car, mostly if I've driven it hard, but cannot for the life of me find any leaks. When opening the hood the smell dissipates. Haven't noticed any coolant loss either...

It seems okay, but sometimes it's a pretty dang strong coolant smell and I can't help but be concerned.

I haven't noticed it as much lately now that it's cold out. It I've been driving it pretty easy lately too, so... I don't know.

 

[nhcowboy28]

Hi. Normal. Many have posted over the last year about this.

If I recall, it is actually the windshield fluid.

No need to stress.

 

[RandallK]

I had the same issue and it ended up being a leak at the thermostat housing...

 

[Ahawk1968]

I have the same issue occasionally. Had the dealer check it, and notate. No leaks found.

 

[JMP]

Hi. Normal. Many have posted over the last year about this.

If I recall, it is actually the windshield fluid.

No need to stress.

For sure not windshield washer fluid. This is antifreeze smell. FWIW, seems to have lessened significantly last few days. Based on replies here and my own experience with our SantaFe, this must be a Hyundai thing. Wasn't worried , but just thought I would ask to see who else noticed it

 

[KiaStingerNewb]

100% same issue. I smell anti freeze pretty bad after driving hard especially. I opened washer fluid cap and I'm 100% sure it's not that fluid after smelling it. I checked inside engine bay and under and didn't see any leaks.

 

[Grayt 8]

100% same issue. I smell anti freeze pretty bad after driving hard especially. I opened washer fluid cap and I'm 100% sure it's not that fluid after smelling it. I checked inside engine bay and under and didn't see any leaks.

Same issue here. Definitely not washer fluid. Smell seems to be on the driver's side of the engine bay. Can't see any drips or leaks. Already taken in to the dealership once. Curious to see where this goes.

 

[z1x2c3]

I have the same issue with my 2019 Stinger. I've only had it since December 2019 but I notice the smell after driving. No leaks or low fluid levels.

 

[G-586506]

I've experienced the same thing. I have a 2019 G70 3.3 - noticed it pretty soon after I bought it. Exact same symptoms, smells like coolant right when I get out of the car, mostly if I've driven it hard, but cannot for the life of me find any leaks. When opening the hood the smell dissipates. Haven't noticed any coolant loss either...

It seems okay, but sometimes it's a pretty dang strong coolant smell and I can't help but be concerned.

I haven't noticed it as much lately now that it's cold out. It I've been driving it pretty easy lately too, so... I don't know.

I have a Kia k900. Same exact problem. I’ve had it in multiple times and the dealer has been unable to diagnose it. I even called Kia to file a complaint to make sure my unresolved problem was noted. I drive my car all the time and the smell is always strong. The odd thing is that when the dealer does an oil change, they always add a bit of antifreeze. I’m at a loss here...