My 2025 Toyota RAV4 200 Miles In Smells Like Coolant, the Dealer Confirmed It Was There, Had to Call Tech Support, and Now They Say It’s Normal

Why would a coolant smell on a brand-new Toyota RAV4 ever be called normal unless there's a problem?

That's what David wants to know, as he stated in his post on the Toyota RAV4 Discussion Group Facebook page. 

He can't figure out why his 2025 Toyota RAV4, with only 200 miles on it, smells like engine coolant. He can smell it every time he opens his door. 

David, in response to this unusual smell, took his brand-new RAV4 to the Toyota dealer for an inspection. The dealer, after a thorough examination, concluded that the smell was normal, leaving David perplexed. 

David shares, "I have a 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium gas model. I've been smelling coolant, mainly on the outside driver's side, after driving my car for a while now. I'm at the dealer now, and they have confirmed the smell, but cannot find any leaks."

The dealer then conducted a pressure test and a thorough inspection.

"They just did a pressure test, and they say they can't find anything wrong. The Toyota dealer's service department even had to call Toyota technical support, and all they told them was to look around with a borescope." 

David revealed the copy of the service receipt they gave him after they performed the tests, and the technician said:

"The customer states he smells coolant after driving for a while, outside, not inside the car." 

"Diagnostics tell us more." 

"I drove the vehicle, after returning, verified a coolant smell around the driver's side wheel well area. There are no leaks found upon vital inspection."

"Performed coolant pressure test, and there are no abnormal pressure drops in the coolant system."

"I created a Toyota TAS (Technical Assistance System) case #TA251900001. Per their advisement, I inspected for leaks under the intake manifold with a borescope. No evidence of coolant present." 

"I test drove the vehicle and found it in like condition (coolant smell in the front wheel well area), after driving for 8 miles." 

Despite David's concerns, the dealer advised him that the smell was a 'normal condition', a statement that David found hard to accept.

"I advised the customer that this is a normal condition," the technician told David.

What Are Other Toyota RAV4 Owners saying?

Another RAV4 owner shared a similar experience. He noticed the same smell in his 2023 XLE gas model and, after a thorough inspection, found no leaks. His friend, a service advisor, reassured him that this was a common issue with newer RAV4s.

Bryan Alford - "I have a 2023 XLE gas. I noticed the same smell. I spent two hours personally inspecting every inch of the engine bay, and there were no leaks. My friend is a service advisor at my local dealer. I asked him, he said that he fields calls about smelling coolant on the newer RAV4s daily." 

"The overflow releases vapor into the engine bay, and it smells like coolant. He said, unless it's a 2021 or older, he said not to worry about it until I find drips or a puddle."

Thierry Leonard - "Keep an eye on your overflow tank. If the level stays at the same level, there's nothing to worry about. Check the level either when the engine is cold or after it has been running for approximately 10 minutes. My preference is to check it first thing in the morning. Try to park in the same spot so the level does not vary due to the slope of the ground." 

Jesus Uganiza - "I have a 2025 RAV4 XLE also with 200 miles. I'm having the engine replaced due to an oil leak. However, before that, there was a sweet smell that lingered after driving on the driver's side as well. I removed the lower splash guards and found an oil leak instead."

Nick Vaughan asks, "Are you losing coolant?"

David responds, "I haven't monitored the coolant level because it was brand new when I bought it; however, I did notice the level in the overflow was on the low side (still in the safe zone), but that was literally the day I drove it off the lot. I didn't think anything of it. It only had one mile on it."

So, Is It Normal For a new 2025 RAV4 To Smell Like Coolant?

It's never "normal" for any car to have a coolant smell. It often indicates a leak in the cooling system. Even a small leak can cause a smell as coolant drips onto hot engine parts and evaporates.

However, the Toyota tech performed a coolant pressure test and found zero leaks. 

A Reddit thread reports that there's a Toyota Customer Support Program for a defective coolant bypass valve, which can cause a coolant smell to emanate from the car. However, it only covers RAV4s built from 2019 up to February 2021, and not later model years. 

It's worth noting that there have been no reports from owners of RAVs built after 2021 of valve failures. 

Are There Any 2025 RAV4 Recalls?

There are no current recalls specifically for coolant leaks on the 2025 Toyota RAV4. While some early reports mention potential issues, including coolant leaks. 

The Lemon Law Experts report states that a Customer Support Program (CSP 24TE04) exists for specific RAV4 models; however, there are no active recalls for coolant leaks related to the 2025 model year. 

Conclusion:

Some owners of 2024 and 2025 Toyota RAV4s have reported smelling coolant, but this issue doesn't appear to be widespread, unlike the coolant bypass valve problem that affected earlier models (up to February 2021). 

Toyota is aware of a problem with the new 2024 RAV4, as the technician working on David's car was instructed by Toyota Technical Support to inspect the vehicle for leaks under the intake manifold using a borescope.

This tells me they know there is an issue, but they don't have a solution beyond that. 

David and other RAV4 owners who smell coolant should keep a close eye on their vehicles, as a coolant leak, even a small one, can lead to more significant problems down the road, such as overheating and engine damage. 

Any vehicle, let alone a new car like David's 2025 Toyota RAV4, should not smell like coolant, inside or outside the vehicle. 

David concludes, "I can't believe they're saying this is a normal condition. Has anyone else had this issue with their new RAV4?"

How About You?

Do you own a newer Toyota RAV4, and what is your experience with the model? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my 2025 Toyota RAV4 story: I Just Bought a 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE, Put 1000 Miles On It, and I Already Want To Trade It In, This Car Is a Total Disappointment

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl