KIA Stonic overheating and coolant smell – is it a radiator crack o r hose problem?

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KIA Stonic overheating and coolant smell – is it a radiator crack o r hose problem?

I drive a 2021 KIA Stonic in Karachi, and recently the engine has been overheating slightly, and I can smell coolant when I stop the car. There’s also some moisture near the front grille area. A local mechanic suggested the radiator might have a hairline crack o r the hose may be leaking. Are radiator issues common with the Stonic in Pakistan? What should I check first before replacing parts?

Talha Kyanii asked on 13 Sep 2025 16:40:09 pm

1 Answer

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Gari Master - on 13 Sep 2025 16:40:56 pm

The symptoms you’re describing — mild overheating, coolant smell, and moisture around the grille — strongly suggest a coolant leak, most likely from a radiator hose o r the radiator itself.

🔍 Common Causes:

Cracked Radiator Plastic End Tanks:
Many modern radiators, including the one in the KIA Stonic, have plastic side tanks. These can crack due to engine heat and pressure, especially in hot climates like Karachi.

Loose o r Leaky Hoses:
Over time, rubber hoses become brittle, especially in dusty and hot environments. A small tear o r loose clamp can cause coolant to leak and evaporate quickly.

Coolant Odor from Engine Bay:
A sweet smell after driving usually means hot coolant is leaking onto engine components o r the radiator area and evaporating.

Faulty Radiator Cap:
If the radiator cap isn’t sealing properly, coolant can escape as vapor even before boiling point is reached.

✅ What to Check First:

Inspect the upper and lower radiator hoses for bulges, cracks, o r wetness.

Check around the radiator edges and seams for any white residue o r staining.

Make sure the coolant reservoir level isn’t overfilled can cause overflow leaks.

Have a mechanic do a pressure test and UV dye test to pinpoint the exact leak.

If you detect a crack o r damage, it’s best to replace the radiator o r hoses with OEM parts rather than attempting DIY patches, which often fail in the long term under Pakistani heat and traffic conditions.

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