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Coolant Leak & Low Coolant Warning on 2018 Chevy Cruze 1.4L Turbo

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:44 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice regarding my 2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT with the 1.4L turbo engine. For the past few weeks, I've been getting a 'Low Coolant' warning message on my dashboard, and I've noticed I'm losing coolant. I have to top it off every few days.

I've checked under the hood and I can see some residue around what looks like the thermostat housing area, but it's hard to pinpoint the exact source. There's also a faint sweet smell when the engine is warm. I haven't noticed any overheating, but I'm worried about driving it like this.

Has anyone else experienced similar coolant leak issues with their 1.4T Cruze? What are the common failure points for coolant leaks on these models? I'm trying to gather some information before I take it in for repair. Thanks in advance for any help!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 1:44 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Coolant leaks are a relatively common issue for the 1.4L turbocharged engine found in your 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The sweet smell and visible residue are strong indicators of an active leak. Addressing this quickly is important to prevent engine overheating and potential damage.

  1. Common Leak Points on the 1.4L Turbo Engine:

    • Thermostat Housing/Water Outlet: As you've observed, the plastic thermostat housing is a very common failure point. It can crack or its seals can degrade over time, leading to leaks.
    • Water Pump: The water pump can develop leaks, especially from its shaft seal. Look for coolant stains directly below the pump.
    • Coolant Hoses and Connections: Check all coolant hoses, especially those connected to the turbocharger, for cracks, bulges, or loose clamps. The plastic quick-connect fittings can also become brittle and leak.
    • Degas Bottle (Coolant Reservoir): The plastic reservoir itself can develop hairline cracks.
    • Turbocharger Coolant Lines: The turbocharger uses engine coolant to regulate its temperature. Leaks can occur from the lines feeding or returning coolant from the turbo.

  2. Diagnostics and What to Look For:

    • Visual Inspection: With the engine cold, carefully inspect the areas you mentioned, especially the thermostat housing, water pump, and all hose connections. Use a flashlight.
    • Pressure Test: A professional shop can perform a cooling system pressure test. This involves pressurizing the system and observing where the coolant leaks from, making it easier to pinpoint the exact source.
    • OBD Codes: While a direct coolant leak code is rare, prolonged low coolant can trigger:
      • P0117 (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Low Input): If the sensor isn't submerged in coolant.
      • P0118 (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor High Input): If the engine is actually overheating due to low coolant.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • It's highly recommended to have your Cruze inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with a persistent coolant leak risks engine overheating, which can lead to severe and expensive damage like a blown head gasket or cracked cylinder head.
    • A shop can accurately diagnose the leak, replace the faulty component(s), and properly bleed the cooling system to ensure no air pockets remain.
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