Does the Sonic have the same anti-freeze smell as the Cruze

[Frosty87]

Hi all,

I've been a forum lurker on and off for the past few months. I'm really interested in the Sonic for a while now.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Sonic shares the same engine as the bigger brother Cruze. I've been reading that Cruze models from 2011 to even 2013 has been notorious for noxious fumes entering the cabin, be it anti-freeze or some other odour.

Has there been reports of the Sonic having similar issues? That would be a big turn-off for me in considering the car.

Thanks!

 

[sx sonic]

First off welcome to the forum!

Yes Both models share the same powertrain.

There have been a few Sonics that have had the antifreeze smell and unsurprisingly had to have the heater cores replaced, the smell or wet floor is a hallmark of a leaking heater core.
The issue has appeared to be fairly limited and only a small fraction of members have reported it. but there are enough complaints that I wouldn't be suprised if GM updates the core in coming years.

If I was at a computer I'd post a link to the thread on it but alas on I'm my phone. It's certainly not a common problem and is covered under warranty, It's also not exclusive to these product lines. I've done a number of these on other makes and models, albeit usually a few years older.

The other odors I've no idea. From shop experience its usually something with the occupants, how the a/c is used, or where the car is parked that causes strange odors.


Keep browsing the forum and see what else you find. Personally I love my sonic and have zero regrets with the purchase.

 

[FIMS]

All GM cars dont realy use antifreeze, they use dex-cool...

And when it burns, it smells like a cat that was on fire is extinguished by a skunk urinating on it.

Now it will smell like sugary koolaid in the coolant tank.

 

[Stew]

If you've been reading the Cruze forums you'll already know this, it has been found that some of the complaints are linked to the grease used during assembly of the HVAC control doors and mechanisms. Apparently it has a similar base as dex-cool anti-freeze and when it gets warm from using the heater it gives off a similar odor.

 

[ChrisJ]

All GM cars dont realy use antifreeze, they use dex-cool...

And when it burns, it smells like a cat that was on fire is extinguished by a skunk urinating on it.

Now it will smell like sugary koolaid in the coolant tank.

Dexcool is antifreeze.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Frosty87,

Welcome! If you need assistance locating the Sonic you are looking for please let us know.

Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Papasonic]

I haven't looked at the Cruze forums concerning this issue.
I have two Sonics, one with a 1.8 auto, and one is a 1.4 turbo 6 sp. manual.
The 1.8 doesn't emit any unusual odors of any kind. The 1.4 turbo does have a definite odor when it is warmed up and operating at slow stop & start conditions such as in traffic. The odor is also quite noticeable when starting the engine when warm. The odor seems to be drawn in through the hvac system, and the specific odor smells like engine crankcase blow-by vapor. It does not have a coolant smell. I never have isolated the specific origin of the crankcase vapor odor, but I believe there is some excessive crankcase pressure that vents to the atmosphere under certain conditions due to the turbo. At some point I will try to explain this to a service adviser at my dealer to resolve this issue, but I don't expect them to even recognize this as a problem.

 

[Frosty87]

Thanks for all the replies! Here in Canada you can only get the turbo engine with the LTZ trim. The price is encroaching on compact class territory so I'll most likely be looking at LT's with the 1.8. |

Glad to hear the problem isn't that prevalent.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I haven't looked at the Cruze forums concerning this issue.
I have two Sonics, one with a 1.8 auto, and one is a 1.4 turbo 6 sp. manual.
The 1.8 doesn't emit any unusual odors of any kind. The 1.4 turbo does have a definite odor when it is warmed up and operating at slow stop & start conditions such as in traffic. The odor is also quite noticeable when starting the engine when warm. The odor seems to be drawn in through the hvac system, and the specific odor smells like engine crankcase blow-by vapor. It does not have a coolant smell. I never have isolated the specific origin of the crankcase vapor odor, but I believe there is some excessive crankcase pressure that vents to the atmosphere under certain conditions due to the turbo. At some point I will try to explain this to a service adviser at my dealer to resolve this issue, but I don't expect them to even recognize this as a problem.

Papasonic,
If you do want for us to document that you're experiencing this odor, let us know. We can be reached via private message (please include your name and contact information and the last 8 digits of your VIN so we can do some preliminary research).

Sarah (Assisting Erica)
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[steve333]

If you've been reading the Cruze forums you'll already know this, it has been found that some of the complaints are linked to the grease used during assembly of the HVAC control doors and mechanisms. Apparently it has a similar base as dex-cool anti-freeze and when it gets warm from using the heater it gives off a similar odor.

Apparently that was not a definitive fix as the smell has come back for a few who thought this was the fix.
I don't know why GM is dragging their butt on this but maybe the reps who visit this forum should make sure GM gets this fixed already.
3 years and counting-that's unacceptable