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Coolant Leak on my 2018 Q50 Red Sport 400 - Is this common?

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Angela R. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:11 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, and I just noticed a small puddle of coolant under the front passenger side of the car this morning. The coolant level in the reservoir looks a bit low, and I'm starting to get worried.

Is this a common issue with these VR30DDTT engines, especially on the Red Sport models? I've heard whispers about coolant leaks being a thing, but I wanted to get some direct feedback from other owners.

What should I be looking for? Any specific areas that are known to fail? I'm hoping it's something minor, but the thought of a major engine issue is definitely concerning. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:11 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's concerning to find a coolant leak, John. For your 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 with the VR30DDTT engine, coolant leaks are unfortunately a known issue that many owners encounter. Here's what you should know:

  1. Common Causes:

    • Coolant Bypass Valve (CBV): This is one of the most frequent culprits. The plastic housing for the coolant bypass valve, located on the passenger side of the engine near the turbos, can become brittle and crack over time due to heat cycling. This leads to a slow, persistent leak.
    • Turbo Coolant Lines: The VR30DDTT uses coolant to cool its twin turbos. The lines supplying and returning coolant to the turbos, particularly the seals and connections, can degrade and leak.
    • Water Pump: While less common than the CBV, the water pump can also be a source of leaks, especially as the vehicle ages.
    • Radiator/Hoses: Standard wear and tear on radiator hoses or the radiator itself can also lead to leaks, though often less specific to the VR30DDTT's known issues.

  2. Diagnostics:

    • Visually inspect the area around the turbos on the passenger side, specifically looking for pink or red residue (Infiniti's factory coolant color) around the coolant bypass valve.
    • A pressure test of the cooling system can help pinpoint the exact source of the leak.
    • While not directly an OBD code for a leak, persistent low coolant levels can trigger a 'low coolant' warning or, if severe enough, lead to engine overheating codes (e.g., P0117, P0118 for engine coolant temperature sensor issues if overheating occurs).

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • Immediately: If you notice a significant puddle, your coolant light comes on, or your engine temperature gauge starts to rise above normal. Driving with low coolant can lead to severe engine damage, including head gasket failure or a warped cylinder head.
    • As soon as possible: Even a small, slow leak should be addressed promptly. It won't fix itself and will only get worse, potentially leaving you stranded or causing more expensive damage down the line.
    • A qualified Infiniti technician will be able to accurately diagnose the leak source and recommend the appropriate repair, which often involves replacing the coolant bypass valve with an updated part or addressing turbo coolant line seals.

Addressing this proactively will save you from potential headaches and costly repairs in the future.

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