Mystery Coolant Leak 2012 Prius II

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by KeystoneKid, Jan 28, 2026 at 11:37 AM.

  1. KeystoneKid

    KeystoneKid Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2023
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    Location:
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yesterday I noticed a small puddle of pink coolant on the garage floor under the aft wheel well on passenger side of car. Further inspection showed similar small puddles on the floor under the passenger side of car up to the front wheel well. I opened the hood and removed the bolts holding the reservoir and checked for any coolant under the reservoir. It was bone dry. The coolant level in the reservoir indicated it was full. No leaks at the small hose on the reservoir. (I drained and refilled the coolant a couple years ago along with inverter coolant and also changed the CVT fluid.)
    I removed the under engine panel to further inspect for leaks. Nothing found. Over night the garage floor shows no leaks anywhere. Now I'm at a loss to find this mystery leak. Anyone have any ideas where this coolant could be leaking from? Also this car is always parked inside my garage where temps are above freezing and not outdoors for long periods of time so I don't suspect a freezing issue. Thank you all in advance very much!
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Windshield washer fluid is also pink.
     
  3. KeystoneKid

    KeystoneKid Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2023
    19
    4
    0
    Location:
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hi Mendel. In my case, I am using a winter blend windshield fluid that is blue. I will also remove the coolant reservoir cap to release any vacuum if it's present and see what happens. Just a thought. Thanks for your reply!