VW Taos Coolant Loss Points to Potential System Leaks

Having owned a 2020 VW T-Cross with the 1.0 TSI engine, I can share my experience with similar coolant issues. With some general maintenance experience, I went through almost identical symptoms last winter. After noticing low coolant warnings and the check engine light, my first concern was a potential coolant leak or head gasket problem. The workshop discovered loose cable connections at the coolant level sensor, which was causing false readings and triggering the warning lights. The repair involved fixing the connection and performing a thorough inspection of the radiator hoses and cooling system. Total cost was 95€ for diagnostics and repair. The mechanic also performed a proper coolant system bleeding to remove any air pockets that might have formed. Before jumping to conclusions about your Taos, it would help to know: Which engine variant do you have? Are you noticing any coolant puddles under the car? Is the engine running at normal temperature? Have you noticed any sweet smell from the engine bay? These details would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if it points to a different problem in the cooling system. Pro tip: Even if it turns out to be a minor issue, have the entire cooling system checked while its being serviced. Prevention is better than dealing with engine overheating later.

Just had my 55574km service last month. After reading about your coolant issue, I wanted to share that I experienced something similar with my coolant reservoir consistently losing fluid. The good news is a coolant leak was quickly traced to a cracked radiator hose. The cooling fan was functioning properly, but the hose had developed a hairline crack near the clamp. Engine overheating never occurred since I caught it early. The repair was straightforward once the actual source was found. Keep in mind that low coolant could indicate various issues from simple hose damage to more complex problems with the water pump or head gasket. A pressure test would reveal if you have any active coolant leaks. Air pockets can also form in the cooling system if its not bled properly after repairs or coolant changes. Have you noticed any puddles where you park or sweet smells from the engine bay? This information would help narrow down potential causes. The total repair in my case came to 220€ including parts and labor.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the radiator hose issue. Good to hear you caught it early before any major problems developed. My T-Cross actually went through something similar around the 60000km mark. After the initial sensor connection fix I mentioned, I later discovered a small leak where the radiator hose connects to the water pump. The clamp had worked loose over time, allowing coolant to seep out gradually. The cooling fan and other components checked out fine, but the mechanic recommended replacing both upper and lower radiator hoses as preventive maintenance since they showed signs of aging. This turned out to be a smart move because the old hoses were indeed becoming brittle near the connection points. The total cost for my subsequent hose replacement was around 180€. Worth every cent since it prevented potentially bigger issues down the line. A proper coolant system pressure test helped identify the exact leak location, and the system was carefully bled to prevent air pockets from forming. For anyone reading this thread, these cases show why its crucial to address coolant loss quickly, even small leaks can indicate or lead to more serious problems if left unchecked.

Thanks everyone for the detailed feedback. Since my initial post, I took my Taos to a certified mechanic who found the actual problem. Turned out I had both a leaking radiator cap and a small crack in one of the radiator hoses near a connection point. The pressure test confirmed coolant was escaping from these two spots. No issues were found with the water pump or head gasket, which was a huge relief. The cooling fan was working perfectly too. Total repair cost was 265€, covering: New radiator cap, Replacement of both radiator hoses, System pressure test, Complete cooling system flush and refill, Labor costs After the repair, the engine overheating warnings stopped completely. The mechanic showed me how to properly check coolant levels and recommended monitoring it monthly. They also mentioned these hoses typically need replacement around 60000km due to normal wear. This forum discussion helped me understand the importance of addressing coolant issues quickly. Would definitely recommend getting a proper pressure test done if anyone notices similar symptoms.