coolant smell and loss - 2014 Pathfinder

[ediekrager]

I own a 2014 Pathfinder SL (and new to this forum). 35k miles. Even since we took delivery, there has been a coolant smell outside of the cabin after driving. Ironically, I don't notice the smell nearly as much when I open the hood. The level in the overflow tank has slowly, but steadily decreased over time. It got to the point where it would barely reach the minimum level marking AFTER it had warmed up. I've had it in twice to the Walser Nissan dealer and they haven't found anything wrong. They said they ran a pressure test which came back fine. They did top off the coolant, which does prove my point that it had been losing a bit of coolant over time. The service manager (after the service advisor went to get him) said that a bit of evaporation was normal. I said that was BS and you shouldn't have to top off the coolant in a vehicle still under warranty, nor should you be able to smell it.

Two questions. First, and foremost, has anyone else had this problem? Second, can I write to Nissan (of North America?) and get some type of paper trail started or elevate this issue somehow?

[elwesso]

Welcome to NICO!

How long does it take for the overflow tank to lose it's level? I would say that it is normal to lose SOME coolant, but we're talking like maybe a couple cups over the course of a few years or something. If at 35k miles you've had to top off the coolant multiple times then that's probably nor normal..

I did a little bit of digging and it appears the most common cause for this is the radiator, however I do see some other folks replacing other items.. All of them said that these items did not show up on a pressure test...

Honestly, you're probably screwed until the leak becomes noticeable enough for it to show up on a pressure test. It sucks to have to wait until it gets worse, but you're probably pissin' in the wind until then.

[ediekrager]

This is the first time it had to be topped off in 35k miles. It had basically gone from being at the "max" line when the engine was warm to the "minimum" line when the engine was warm. I've read a few conflicting reports too. It's really the smell that is most noticeable. Almost like the leak (albeit small) hits the warm engine which bakes it and makes the smell worse. Definitely a "first-world" problem, but frustrating nonetheless.

[Platinum04]

Something to check for, check the carpet on the front passenger side, if it is wet there may be a leak coming from the heater core, which in some vehicles goes through the fire wall. Also check all coolant hoses, there may be a pinhole in one of them which will allow a minute steady stream of coolant to hit the engine block

[PJT]

Were you able to find the leak? I recently had a similar problem. Freeze plug at the rear of the engine was leaking a little bit. Went to autozone and pick this up. Hasn't leaked since.

http://www.autozone.com/antifreeze-radi ... 54327_0_0/

[Dino V]

I have been having the coolant smell in our 2014 Platinum since the day we bought it brand new. Pressure test done, contacted Nissan, coolant was below min (completely empty) by the time we hit 28k miles. Eventually I gave up as nobody can determine what causes it nor what the issue is. Best I could do is have all documentation from dealer from every time I took it in and their inspection and acknowledgement of smell, so when warranty expires and something happens I have proof that it has been occuring since brand new and no resolution in early stages.

[Buzzman]

And this just adds another item to the list of why I won't buy a new Pathfinder when it comes time to replace my '02. Way to go Nissan.