Understanding coolant accumulation in Mazda

    June 17, 2025
    Some 216-2022 Mazda CX-3, 2016-2022 Mazda2, 2019-2022 Mazda3, 2017-2021 Mazda6 and 2017-2020 CX-5 vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant around the water pipe. 
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    Photo courtesy of Mitchell 1
    1) Coolant pipe; 2) housing.
    1) Coolant pipe; 2) housing.
    Photo courtesy Mitchell 1
    1) Cooleant pipe to housing. If dried coolant is found at gap, clean with a wire brush. Wait for the engine to cool before cleaning.
    1) Cooleant pipe to housing. If dried coolant is found at gap, clean with a wire brush. Wait for the engine to cool before cleaning.

    Some 216-2022 Mazda CX-3, 2016-2022 Mazda2, 2019-2022 Mazda3, 2017-2021 Mazda6 and 2017-2020 CX-5 vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant around the water pipe. 

    This is caused by a gap between the housing and pipe due to a press fitting during manufacturing.

    The accumulated coolant is solidified and plugs the gap in high temperature environment and the seepage is stopped and does not progress. This is normal and does not require a part replacement. Clean off the dried coolant from around the pipe with a wire brush.

    About the Author

    Mike Mavrigian | Motor Age Editor

    Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of  specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.

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