Hi,

We have a 2006 Tucson Limited (V6). Ever since we got it we've noticed a chemical-ish hot type smell that only happens in the winter. I'll pull the car in the garage and come out a bit later and the whole garage smells. I've asked the dealer a few times and they said they don't notice it and can't find anything.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Thanks

 

Hard to say without actually smelling what you smell. Can you describe the odor more?

 

To me, it's a chemical smell. Do these cars do something different in the winter time than the summer time?

 

How long have you had it? The only thing I could think of would be your a/c evaporator is dirty, or you have a slow coolant leak somewhere. What part of Texas you in? Do they use ice removal chemicals where you live during the winter, if the roads get bad?

 

We've had it since new, January 2006. I'm from Pennsylvania (Texas Pete is a hot sauce I like).

We've noticed the smell since we got it. At first I thought it was something burning off the engine since it was new. The 2nd year I became suspicious and have told my dealer every winter check up since and they can't find anything.

 

I have a new 2011 that had a glycol/antifreeze odor. They went in behind glove box and sprayed something to clean vent/filter. It cleared it up. May give it a shot-good luck.

 

The smell has returned. It reminds me of antifreeze and I wonder if there is any vent/overflow/etc that would allow air to circulate over some part of engine that vents or contains antifreeze. Just a thought and have no clue where to start looking to figure it out. Will mention again on next service to dealer.

 

Are you noticeing very small amounts of coolant disappearing from the recovery bottle? Have them check the heater core hoses, and the heater core itself, it could have a tiny leak. If it does, it would be evident if they opened up the core case.

 

I've also been experiencing a smell for several months in my 9-month old i30cw. It comes and goes and sometimes I don't smell it but I do experience irritation in my throat and/or eyes. Would coolant have that effect?

It's a leased car, and the leasing company has checked several times but they didn't find anything. They changed the a/c filter a couple of times but that didn't do anything. Last time I think they sprayed the filter with fragrance or else put a deodorizer in the air duct because I now have deodorizer smell whenever I turn on the fan. I suppose if they can't find the source they figure masking it is a good alternative. Doesn't fix the throat/eye irritation though.

I will check the coolant recovery bottle and mark the level to see if it's changing.