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2018 Discovery Sport Coolant Leak - Pinhole in Hose or Something Worse?

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 6:35 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE with about 75,000 miles on it. Recently, I've noticed a slight sweet smell after driving, and the coolant level in the reservoir has been dropping slowly. I finally found a small puddle under the front passenger side of the vehicle this morning.

Upon closer inspection, it looks like there might be a very small leak coming from one of the hoses near the bottom of the engine bay, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly. It's not a gush, more like a slow drip. I'm worried it could be something more serious than just a hose.

Has anyone with a similar Discovery Sport experienced common coolant leak points around this mileage? I want to try and tackle this myself if it's straightforward, but I'm also concerned about potential damage if I let it go. No warning lights on the dash yet, thankfully, but I'm keeping a close eye on the temperature gauge.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 6:35 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Coolant leaks are a common issue across many vehicle makes, and your 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport is no exception. Addressing it promptly is crucial to prevent overheating and potential engine damage. Here's a breakdown of common causes and steps you can take:

  1. Visual Inspection: Start by thoroughly inspecting all visible coolant hoses, the radiator, the coolant reservoir, and the water pump area. Look for any signs of discoloration, crusty residue (dried coolant), or active drips. Pay close attention to hose clamps and connection points. A small mirror and a flashlight can help reach tight spots.

  2. Common Leak Points:

    • Hoses: Over time, rubber hoses can degrade, crack, or develop pinholes. Check both the upper and lower radiator hoses, as well as smaller heater hoses.
    • Water Pump: The water pump seal can fail, leading to leaks, often visible near the pulley.
    • Coolant Reservoir/Expansion Tank: These plastic tanks can crack, especially around seams or hose connections.
    • Radiator: The radiator itself can develop leaks, particularly at the plastic end tanks or from stone chips.
    • Thermostat Housing: The housing or its gasket can fail, causing leaks.

  3. Pressure Test (Recommended): If you can't find the leak visually, a cooling system pressure tester (available for rent at most auto parts stores) is invaluable. It pressurizes the system when the engine is cold, making small leaks much easier to spot as they will drip more consistently.

  4. Coolant Type: Ensure you are using the correct Land Rover-approved coolant (usually a specific OAT or HOAT type, often colored pink or orange). Mixing incompatible coolants can lead to corrosion and further issues.

When to See a Shop:

  • If you cannot locate the source of the leak after a thorough inspection and pressure test.
  • If the leak appears to be coming from a complex area like the engine block, head gasket, or turbocharger lines.
  • If the vehicle is consistently overheating, even with a topped-off coolant level.
  • If you notice any related dashboard warning lights, such as a 'Low Coolant' message or an engine temperature warning. While a direct leak doesn't usually trigger an OBD code unless it leads to overheating, codes like P0117 or P0118 (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor issues) could appear if the system is severely compromised.

Addressing this quickly will save you from more expensive repairs down the line.

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