GM Radiator Hose Leak: Traverse, Acadia & Enclave Problems
The Problem: GM SUVs May Experience Radiator Hose Coolant Leaks
Owners of certain newer General Motors SUVs may encounter coolant leaks caused by a problem with the radiator inlet hose connection. General Motors has acknowledged the potential condition in a special coverage bulletin affecting the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave.
On April 1, 2026, GM issued Special Coverage Bulletin N262546590, titled "Radiator Inlet Hose Leak," addressing coolant leakage from the radiator hose quick-connect fitting at the radiator inlet.
The bulletin identifies the following model years:
2024–2026 Chevrolet Traverse
2024–2026 GMC Acadia
2025–2026 Buick Enclave
Not every vehicle within these model years is necessarily covered. GM instructs dealerships to verify individual vehicle eligibility through its warranty management system.
Under the special coverage program, qualifying vehicles are eligible for repair at no charge if the identified condition develops within five years or 60,000 miles of the vehicle's original in-service date, whichever occurs first.
Although the repair may appear relatively straightforward, cooling system leaks can become serious when they result in coolant loss, engine overheating, or repeated dealership visits.
For California consumers, persistent cooling system problems may also raise questions about their rights under the state's lemon law.
Allegations and Potential Concerns Involving Radiator Hose Leaks
A vehicle's cooling system plays an essential role in maintaining proper engine operating temperatures. Coolant circulates through the engine and radiator, absorbing heat and helping prevent the engine from overheating.
The radiator hoses must maintain secure connections and properly contain the coolant under varying temperatures and operating conditions.
If a radiator hose connection develops a leak, coolant may gradually escape from the system. Depending on the extent of the leak, a driver might initially notice only a small amount of coolant collecting beneath the vehicle.
However, continued coolant loss can eventually compromise the cooling system's ability to regulate engine temperature.
Potential consequences include overheating, the need to stop driving, engine damage, and unexpected repair expenses.
GM's bulletin specifically identifies a potential leak at the quick-connect fitting of the radiator inlet hose. Rather than identifying the entire radiator assembly as defective, the bulletin directs technicians to inspect the hose connection and replace its sealing components when the covered leak is confirmed.
The bulletin does not establish that every Traverse, Acadia, or Enclave will experience this problem. Nor does it establish how frequently the condition occurs across the affected vehicle population.
Nevertheless, the existence of a manufacturer-issued special coverage program is significant because it documents GM's awareness of a specific cooling system condition and provides an established repair procedure.
For owners who have experienced recurring coolant leaks, multiple repair attempts, or prolonged vehicle downtime, this information may be particularly important.
GM Special Coverage Bulletin N262546590: Radiator Inlet Hose Leak
GM's April 2026 bulletin establishes additional protection for qualifying owners and lessees whose vehicles experience coolant leakage at the radiator inlet hose quick-connect fitting.
According to the bulletin, dealerships must first inspect the lower radiator hose to determine whether coolant is leaking from the hose-to-radiator connection.
If the covered leak is confirmed, technicians are instructed to drain the cooling system, remove the radiator inlet hose, and replace the seals located at both ends of the quick-connect assembly.
GM identifies the replacement component as Radiator Lower Hose Seal, Part Number 42966997.
The repair procedure also emphasizes the importance of thoroughly cleaning the connection surfaces before installing the replacement seals.
GM warns that contamination, corrosion, or improper installation can lead to premature leaks. Technicians must inspect the sealing grooves, install the seals in the proper orientation, reassemble the connection, refill the cooling system, and verify that no leakage remains while the engine is running.
These instructions highlight the importance of properly completing the repair rather than merely replacing a component without addressing contamination or sealing issues.
The bulletin also acknowledges limited initial parts availability and advises dealerships against unnecessarily stocking replacement seals.
For affected consumers, parts availability may become an additional concern if repairs cannot be completed promptly.
Five-Year or 60,000-Mile Special Coverage
GM provides special coverage for the specified radiator inlet hose leak for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first, measured from the vehicle's original in-service date.
The coverage applies regardless of ownership, provided the vehicle and condition qualify under the program.
GM also provides a reimbursement process for owners and lessees who previously paid to correct the covered condition.
Reimbursement requests generally must be submitted by April 30, 2027, unless applicable state law provides a longer period.
Owners should understand that this special coverage is not equivalent to a safety recall. GM's program addresses a particular condition on eligible vehicles, and the bulletin advises customers to seek the repair when they believe their vehicle is experiencing the identified problem.
The availability of a free repair also does not necessarily resolve every legal issue if a vehicle continues experiencing substantial defects after reasonable repair opportunities.
Symptoms of a Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, or Buick Enclave Radiator Hose Leak
Owners experiencing a radiator hose leak may notice several warning signs, although the precise symptoms depend on the severity and location of the coolant loss.
One possible indication is a puddle or residue beneath the vehicle. Engine coolant may have a distinctive color and odor, although appearance alone cannot reliably establish the source of a leak.
Another potential symptom is a declining coolant level in the vehicle's reservoir. If coolant levels repeatedly decrease, the cooling system may have an active leak requiring inspection.
Drivers may also notice an engine temperature warning or an abnormally high temperature reading. When the cooling system loses sufficient coolant, it may become unable to regulate engine temperatures properly.
In more severe circumstances, drivers could experience an overheating event requiring them to pull over and discontinue driving.
Other potential signs include visible coolant residue around hose connections, steam from the engine compartment, or repeated requests to add coolant.
These symptoms are not exclusive to the condition addressed in GM's bulletin. Other components, including the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, and additional cooling system connections, can also develop problems.
A proper dealership diagnosis is therefore important.
Owners should not assume that their vehicle's coolant leak is necessarily covered under Special Coverage Bulletin N262546590 merely because they own one of the listed models.
However, repeated coolant loss or overheating complaints should not be dismissed as normal vehicle operation.
If a temperature warning occurs or the engine overheats, continuing to drive could increase the risk of damage. Drivers should follow the vehicle manufacturer's safety instructions and obtain appropriate assistance.
How to Proceed if Your GM SUV Has a Radiator Hose Leak
California consumers experiencing coolant leaks, overheating, or repeated cooling system repairs should take the following steps:
Schedule a dealership inspection. Ask an authorized GM dealership to inspect the radiator inlet hose connection and determine whether Special Coverage Bulletin N262546590 applies.
Verify your vehicle's eligibility. Have the dealership check your VIN through GM's warranty management system. Model year alone does not establish eligibility.
Document the symptoms. Record coolant loss, warning messages, overheating incidents, and any circumstances requiring you to stop driving.
Keep all repair orders. Request written documentation for every dealership visit, including visits where technicians cannot duplicate the problem.
Review prior repair expenses. If you previously paid for a qualifying radiator hose repair, ask about GM's reimbursement program and its April 30, 2027 deadline.
Track time out of service. Document how long the dealership retains your vehicle, particularly if repairs are delayed because of unavailable parts.
Request transportation assistance. Ask whether courtesy transportation is available. GM's bulletin makes this assistance subject to separate eligibility requirements.
Evaluate your California lemon law rights. If the vehicle continues experiencing significant cooling system problems despite reasonable repair opportunities, consult a California lemon law attorney.
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act may provide remedies when a qualifying vehicle cannot be repaired to conform to its express warranties after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
Depending on the circumstances, those remedies may include a manufacturer repurchase or vehicle replacement.
A lemon law claim is not established simply because GM has issued a technical bulletin or special coverage program. The vehicle's warranty status, repair history, severity of the defect, and applicable statutory requirements must be evaluated.
California's newer lemon law procedures also impose important notice requirements and deadlines in covered cases.
Consumers should avoid delaying an evaluation of their potential rights merely because the manufacturer has offered additional repair coverage.
Contact Valero Law About GM Radiator Hose Problems
If your 2024–2026 Chevrolet Traverse, 2024–2026 GMC Acadia, or 2025–2026 Buick Enclave has experienced recurring coolant leaks, engine overheating, or unsuccessful cooling system repairs, you may have rights under California's lemon law.
Although GM has established a special coverage program addressing radiator inlet hose leaks, repeated repair attempts or extended periods without a properly functioning vehicle may present additional legal concerns.
A free warranty repair does not automatically eliminate a consumer's potential lemon law remedies.
At Valero Law, APC, we represent California consumers experiencing defects with vehicles covered by manufacturer warranties.
Our firm evaluates vehicle repair histories, warranty coverage, manufacturer communications, and potential claims under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
If your GM SUV continues experiencing coolant leaks or related cooling system problems, we can review your circumstances and help determine whether you may qualify for relief.
Contact Valero Law today for a consultation regarding your Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, or Buick Enclave lemon law concerns.