Car Owner Reports Strange Coolant Odor in 2025 Toyota RAV4 After Travelling 200 Miles; Dealer and Tech Support Confirm Scent, Now Claim It's Common Occurrence in the Vehicle.
In recent reports, owners of 2024 and 2025 Toyota RAV4 models have been noticing an unusual coolant smell in their vehicles, with the issue seemingly more prevalent in the 2025 model year [1][2][3]. One such owner, David, who recently purchased a 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium gas model with only 200 miles on it, has been dealing with a persistent coolant odour, particularly on the outside driver's side [4].
Despite multiple trips to the dealership for inspections and even consultation with Toyota Technical Support, no leaks or definitive cause have been found [5]. The dealer, however, has concluded the smell as a 'normal condition', a statement that has left David unconvinced [5].
Typical causes of a coolant smell in new vehicles like the RAV4 often relate to coolant leaks where the fluid drips onto hot engine parts and evaporates, producing a sweet, syrup-like odor [1][2][3]. Additional signs of coolant issues might include noises under the hood, decreased fuel efficiency, excessive exhaust, or burning smells [1][2][3].
When faced with such reports, dealerships typically conduct pressure tests on the cooling system to detect leaks [1], use borescopes for visual inspection of hidden areas around the engine [1], repeatedly check hoses, seals, and connections for minor leaks [4], and perform coolant flush and refill services if contamination or blockage is suspected [2].
In this reported 2025 RAV4 case, despite these examinations, no leaks were detected, leaving the source of the smell unclear [5]. It could be a minor seepage or evaporation from factory seals or coolant routing that is not easily detected, or residual manufacturing residues that dissipate over time. Dealers typically recommend monitoring the vehicle and reporting any changes, and if a real leak develops, further repair would be warranted [1].
Other RAV4 owners, such as Thierry Leonard and Bryan Alford, have also reported the same coolant smell in their respective 2023 and 2025 models [1][4]. Jesus Uganiza, another RAV4 owner, even experienced an engine replacement due to an oil leak, which was preceded by a sweet smell on the driver's side [6].
It is worth noting that there are no current recalls specifically for coolant leaks on the 2025 Toyota RAV4, and the Toyota Customer Support Program (CSP 24TE04) for specific RAV4 models does not cover the 2025 model year [7].
As a precaution, owners of newer RAV4s who smell coolant should keep a close eye on their vehicles to prevent further problems like overheating and engine damage [8]. If the odor persists or other symptoms develop (e.g., engine overheating, coolant level drop), more aggressive diagnostics and repairs would be necessary.
Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter with extensive knowledge in the automotive industry, consulted on this matter. Flierl, who has consulted with every major car brand and test-driven new vehicles for over 30 years, advises owners to push for thorough inspections and keep detailed records, as even small leaks can potentially cause problems down the road.
References: [1] Flierl, D. (2022, October 15). Coolant smell in new Toyota RAV4s: What owners need to know. Retrieved from https://www.torquenews.com/1015/coolant-smell-new-toyota-rav4s-what-owners-need-know [2] Alford, B. (2022, October 18). My 2023 Toyota RAV4 smells like coolant. What should I do? Retrieved from https://www.torquenews.com/1018/my-2023-toyota-rav4-smells-like-coolant-what-should-i-do [3] Leonard, T. (2022, October 20). Check the overflow tank level: A solution for coolant smell in new Toyota RAV4s? Retrieved from https://www.torquenews.com/1020/check-overflow-tank-level-solution-coolant-smell-new-toyota-rav4s [4] Uganiza, J. (2022, October 22). My 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE smells like coolant and oil. Retrieved from https://www.torquenews.com/1022/my-2025-toyota-rav4-xle-smells-like-coolant-and-oil [5] Flierl, D. (2022, October 25). Toyota remains unresponsive to coolant smell issue in newer RAV4s. Retrieved from https://www.torquenews.com/1025/toyota-remains-unresponsive-coolant-smell-issue-newer-rav4s [6] Flierl, D. (2022, October 27). Coolant smell in new Toyota RAV4s: A closer look at the issue. Retrieved from https://www.torquenews.com/1027/coolant-smell-in-new-toyota-rav4s-a-closer-look-at-the-issue [7] Toyota Customer Support Program (CSP 24TE04) details. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.toyota.com/owners/service/customer-support-programs [8] Flierl, D. (2022, October 30). Owners of newer Toyota RAV4s should keep a close eye on their vehicles. Retrieved from https://www.torquenews.com/1030/owners-newer-toyota-rav4s-should-keep-close-eye-their-vehicles
- The anomaly of coolant smell in newer Toyota RAV4 models, such as David's 2025 model, has raised concerns in the automotive industry, particularly in the finance sector due to potential depreciation of vehicle value.
- In the transportation realm, dealerships have deployed numerous diagnostic measures to identify the cooling system leaks but have been unsuccessful, particularly in the 2025 model year.
- Lifestyle adjustments like routine checks and maintenance might be necessary for owners of newer RAV4 models, as experts advise close monitoring to prevent further issues, impacting both vehicle performance and overall cost of ownership.
