# \#smells **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/tag/smells/2269.md [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) --- ## [Smells like isopropyl alcohol](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smells-like-isopropyl-alcohol/52281)
**Author:** [@Tiyumba](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tiyumba)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2023, 11:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smells-like-isopropyl-alcohol/52281 "2023-11-03T11:44:46Z")
The inside of my car smells powerfully of isopropyl alcohol. I've never had any sort of alcohol in the car, with the exception of beer or wine as groceries which I keep in the trunk. I had a flat tire fixed last week.… --- ## [Strong silicone smell from vents](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strong-silicone-smell-from-vents/38464)
**Author:** [@kaijam](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kaijam)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2020, 1:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strong-silicone-smell-from-vents/38464 "2020-03-27T13:59:53Z")
about two to three times a week for the past year, the vents in my car omit a VERY strong silicone smell, almost burning my nose hairs. The a/c is on when this happens. Took it to the dealership and they cant figure it o… --- ## [Smells like school glue](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smells-like-school-glue/31369)
**Author:** [@tmccartney](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tmccartney)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 5:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smells-like-school-glue/31369 "2020-03-01T05:53:06Z")
Hi, all... I have a 1999 Ford F-150 pickup with a little over 150K miles on it. Lately, whenever I turn on the fan (not even the AC necessarily), a tangy smell like Elmer's School Glue or caulk comes out of the ven… --- ## [Funny smell after driving 2009 Subaru Forester](https://community.cartalk.com/t/funny-smell-after-driving-2009-subaru-forester/156866)
**Author:** [@israelhsu\_162310](https://community.cartalk.com/u/israelhsu_162310)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2020, 12:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/funny-smell-after-driving-2009-subaru-forester/156866 "2020-01-20T00:32:50Z")
For the past couple weeks, I’ve noticed a funny smell or odor after driving my Forester, when I turn off the engine and step out of the car. The smell is like heated or burning plastic, or perhaps burning rubber (though … --- ## [Why is my car poisoning me?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-my-car-poisoning-me/41057)
**Author:** [@Cincinnati](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cincinnati)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2019, 2:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-my-car-poisoning-me/41057 "2019-09-14T02:55:37Z")
I have had a perfect car, an ?08 Ford Focus. My story begins when three weeks ago I started the car and the cabin filled with fumes that were so strong I had to jump out and open all the doors. I then drove for a … --- ## [Exhaust smell](https://community.cartalk.com/t/exhaust-smell/70396)
**Author:** [@manfromnantucket](https://community.cartalk.com/u/manfromnantucket)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2019, 11:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/exhaust-smell/70396 "2019-05-16T11:15:20Z")
Hi, For the last few months, I've had an annoying problem with my 2003 Liberty. If I'm driving the car with the blower on (i.e. when it's cold out), whenever I stop the car and am idling, I get a very strong exhaust sm… --- ## [Smelling antifreeze when I run heat](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smelling-antifreeze-when-i-run-heat/59686)
**Author:** [@friarpuck](https://community.cartalk.com/u/friarpuck)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2019, 12:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smelling-antifreeze-when-i-run-heat/59686 "2019-03-03T12:52:48Z")
I smell antifreeze when I run my heat and/or defroster....but BOTH still WORK fine! There is no leaking of coolant into the cab of the car or through defroster vents. It's a 1995 Isuzu Rodeo with 155K miles on it --- ## [Adventures in abandoned cardom](https://community.cartalk.com/t/adventures-in-abandoned-cardom/128907)
**Author:** [@Burger1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Burger1)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2018, 9:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/adventures-in-abandoned-cardom/128907 "2018-11-15T21:29:38Z")
2002 Ford Focus. No engine light. The poor thing had seen a 5-10 mph front end collision, cracked bumper and condenser hanging by a cost hanger. Surely why there’s no a/c…yet. Owner said it didn’t shift. Replaced both s… --- ## [2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-jeep-grand-cherokee/113717)
**Author:** [@Ben40](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ben40)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 3:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-jeep-grand-cherokee/113717 "2018-05-29T03:34:37Z")
I have the same problem with my 2013 Grand Cherokee with the 3.5 V6 Smell of burning oil inside the cockpit while driving. --- ## [2011 Ford Escape gas smell after fillup](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-ford-escape-gas-smell-after-fillup/116947)
**Author:** [@KevinGarit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/KevinGarit)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2018, 1:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-ford-escape-gas-smell-after-fillup/116947 "2018-05-09T01:52:19Z")
Does anyone have a gas smell in the passenger compartment after filling up car? --- ## [2005 Chrysler Crossfire stinks like dirty socks!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-chrysler-crossfire-stinks-like-dirty-socks/115720)
**Author:** [@MARKLLERENA](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MARKLLERENA)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2018, 7:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-chrysler-crossfire-stinks-like-dirty-socks/115720 "2018-04-15T19:45:31Z")
I just bought a used base model 2005 Crossfire Convertible. It smells like dirty socks inside the cabin with the top up. Every time I run the air conditioning it becomes worst. What suggestions do you have to have it sme… --- ## [2008 Subaru Impreza smells "hot"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-subaru-impreza-smells-hot/115652)
**Author:** [@Suzette10](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Suzette10)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2018, 11:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-subaru-impreza-smells-hot/115652 "2018-04-15T11:36:40Z")
When I’m done driving, and get out of the car, it smells hot. I’m not smelling oil or coolant… Just smells kind of electrical hot. --- ## [2005 Ford Focus stinks like fish](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-ford-focus-stinks-like-fish/114070)
**Author:** [@DeniseLewis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DeniseLewis)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 8:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-ford-focus-stinks-like-fish/114070 "2018-03-20T20:03:20Z")
My ford galaxy has just started to smell of fish. I have cleaned it thoroughly and it is immaculate. But stinks. --- ## [Mold & mildew in the A/C](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mold-mildew-in-the-a-c/45)
**Author:** [@andyma](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andyma)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2018, 2:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mold-mildew-in-the-a-c/45 "2018-01-30T02:06:39Z")
What is it with modern cars? Why does this happen so much? Both of our cars (2002 Saturn LW200 wagon & 2006 Toyota Prius) have these awful smells in the air conditioning system. When you turn it on for the first time in … --- ## ["Smoking badly"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smoking-badly/107093)
**Author:** [@daa5114](https://community.cartalk.com/u/daa5114)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2017, 11:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smoking-badly/107093 "2017-08-21T23:03:41Z")
Just for my own peace of mind, could somebody clarify whether or not I should be worried about my car? This past Saturday, my wife and I went to my local Midas to get my 2013 Kia Soul inspected. When they were finished,… --- ## [Cabin Air Duct Odor Repair](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cabin-air-duct-odor-repair/104717)
**Author:** [@Zarathuztra](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Zarathuztra)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2017, 4:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cabin-air-duct-odor-repair/104717 "2017-06-08T04:35:21Z")
Vehicle: 2013 Lexus 300h Since my wife purchased her car, we have noticed it has an odor when the cabin air is on. Best description I can give is that is smells like old gym clothes... not good at all. I've read up tha… --- ## [How do I get the strong smell of cigarette smoke out of a used car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-do-i-get-the-strong-smell-of-cigarette-smoke-out-of-a-used-car/10898)
**Author:** [@ellen2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ellen2)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 5:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-do-i-get-the-strong-smell-of-cigarette-smoke-out-of-a-used-car/10898 "2017-05-07T17:35:55Z")
Help! I went down to my local Honda dealer and bought a used 2006 Honda Civic. When I drove it I thought I smelled something funny, but it wasn't very strong. I thought it was a used car sitting around smell. I was … --- ## [Smell of gasoline when starting the car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smell-of-gasoline-when-starting-the-car/86882)
**Author:** [@Swami](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Swami)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2017, 9:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smell-of-gasoline-when-starting-the-car/86882 "2017-03-07T21:34:08Z")
When starting the car (2002 Toyota Camry XLE) with 114k miles, I noticed that I can gasoline. I also have a rare intermittent stalling when brake & come to a stop. Earlier post: http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/… --- ## [The real problem with the Subaru Outback's burning smell](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-real-problem-with-the-subaru-outbacks-burning-smell/61538)
**Author:** [@n4hpg2011](https://community.cartalk.com/u/n4hpg2011)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2017, 2:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-real-problem-with-the-subaru-outbacks-burning-smell/61538 "2017-02-17T02:23:35Z")
The problem with the caller from CA's Subaru smelling like burnt rubber is the actual tires are heating up due to an improper torque split between the tires. Subarus are very sensitive to changes in tire pressure an… --- ## [AC bad smell](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-bad-smell/93037)
**Author:** [@AQX](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AQX)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2016, 3:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-bad-smell/93037 "2016-04-16T15:01:59Z")
I have a new 2015 infiniti QX50 with only 1000 miles. Sometimes the air that comes in from the vents when the A/C is off or on at low fan smells bad, something like feet! This happens around 20% of the time and it only l… --- ## [2007 Ford Escape emitting a strange smell from... I don't know from whence it originates](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2007-ford-escape-emitting-a-strange-smell-from-i-dont-know-from-whence-it-originates/91369)
**Author:** [@BRAKELINE](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BRAKELINE)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2015, 1:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2007-ford-escape-emitting-a-strange-smell-from-i-dont-know-from-whence-it-originates/91369 "2015-10-18T01:16:07Z")
I own a 2007 Ford Escape. Upon parking in the garage and leaving over night, I have noticed a strange smell. It is unlike any smell I know. I took the SUV to a Ford dealership and $70 later he said nothing's wrong. I… --- ## [Weird smell only when car is really hot in 2 different cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-smell-only-when-car-is-really-hot-in-2-different-cars/90946)
**Author:** [@Ninab](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ninab)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2015, 2:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-smell-only-when-car-is-really-hot-in-2-different-cars/90946 "2015-08-22T02:50:20Z")
We have a 1997 Camry and a 1994 Mercedes C280-- we first noticed a weird chemical smell (like acrylic nails or melting plastic) coming from the front right (near the battery) of the Toyota. It would only happen when the… --- ## [Gasoline Doesn't Smell Good Like It Used To - Anyone Know Why?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gasoline-doesnt-smell-good-like-it-used-to-anyone-know-why/88729)
**Author:** [@scram](https://community.cartalk.com/u/scram)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2015, 11:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gasoline-doesnt-smell-good-like-it-used-to-anyone-know-why/88729 "2015-03-03T23:03:04Z")
When I grew up in the 1970s, gasoline had an orange color and smelled good. Working with dad, tarring the roof of our shed, we got the sticky tar off of our hands with a rinse of gasoline and rags (now we'd wear rubber g… --- ## [Automatic - Trans Flush vs Exchange and smell question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automatic-trans-flush-vs-exchange-and-smell-question/87664)
**Author:** [@Jcrampton94](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jcrampton94)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 5:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automatic-trans-flush-vs-exchange-and-smell-question/87664 "2014-10-16T17:54:09Z")
In the debate between which one should be performed, Mazda 3 2010 2.0 automatic - Owners manual doesn't recommend a service interval on the transfluid Mileage is 117k driven it since new, Its about 50% Highway/15% Rural… --- ## [P0420 Code w/ Exhaust Smell in Cabin](https://community.cartalk.com/t/p0420-code-w-exhaust-smell-in-cabin/87219)
**Author:** [@Jaked21](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jaked21)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2014, 3:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/p0420-code-w-exhaust-smell-in-cabin/87219 "2014-09-17T03:00:57Z")
To the Car Talk Community: I own a 2004 Ford Taurus (3.0L V6, OHV (12), non-flex fuel) registering a P0420 engine code. If I can smell exhaust fumes in the cabin, can I assume there is a leak in the catalytic converter… --- ## [RAV4 smells like burning rubber after driving for half an hour (or a little more)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav4-smells-like-burning-rubber-after-driving-for-half-an-hour-or-a-little-more/85689)
**Author:** [@asisson27](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asisson27)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2014, 8:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav4-smells-like-burning-rubber-after-driving-for-half-an-hour-or-a-little-more/85689 "2014-06-29T20:38:51Z")
I have a 2003 rav4 with about 100000 miles on it. Over the last 4 months I have noticed that, whenever I drive half hour or longer on the highway the car starts to smell like burning rubber or burning antifreeze or some… --- ## [Gas/Petrol Smell - 1994 Suburu Legacy](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-petrol-smell-1994-suburu-legacy/84138)
**Author:** [@vjb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vjb)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2014, 3:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-petrol-smell-1994-suburu-legacy/84138 "2014-03-12T15:32:02Z")
Our 1994 Suburu Legacy runs on Petrol or LPG (we are presently living in Poland). For some unknown reason, there is a strong petrol smell in the car. When this happens, the car will eventually stop and the engine stops. … --- ## [Strong persistent exhaust smell in 2003 Camry two weeks after front catalytic converter replaced](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strong-persistent-exhaust-smell-in-2003-camry-two-weeks-after-front-catalytic-converter-replaced/82716)
**Author:** [@shawncoons](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shawncoons)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2013, 11:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strong-persistent-exhaust-smell-in-2003-camry-two-weeks-after-front-catalytic-converter-replaced/82716 "2013-12-18T23:07:26Z")
This summer we had the rear catalytic converter replaced in our 2003 Camry. On December 4 we had the front one replaced along with the upstream and downstream O2 sensors. Immediately after we picked up the car two weeks… --- ## [Volvo 240 problems](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-240-problems/68562)
**Author:** [@abcducati](https://community.cartalk.com/u/abcducati)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2011, 9:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-240-problems/68562 "2011-12-09T21:27:16Z")
I have a 1989 volvo 240DL sedan with 181,900 miles on the odometer, 4-cylinder with automatic overdrive transmission and no owners manual. We bought the car through a local vehicle auction for $750.00, so I was not expec… --- ## [HELP! STRANGE BURNING SMELL 2005 Hyundai Accent](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-strange-burning-smell-2005-hyundai-accent/69667)
**Author:** [@AliCat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AliCat)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2011, 12:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-strange-burning-smell-2005-hyundai-accent/69667 "2011-11-29T00:58:55Z")
I recently purchased a 2005 automatic Hyundai Accent. A few weeks after purchasing it, I started noticing an alarming burning, rubber-like, smell coming from under my hood when driving up steep grades. The smell is more … [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/tag/smells/2269.md?match_all_tags=true&page=1&tags%5B%5D=smells)