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Home / Symptoms / Car Leaking Red Fluid

Four common causes for a vehicle leaking red fluid and their related parts.

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Is Your Car Leaking Red Fluid?

The red fluid leak probably comes from the transmission or hydraulic power steering system (they typically use a red fluid). In this case, it can come from a leak in the transmission pan, cooler, wire connector seal, output shaft seal, or cooler lines. Less often, it can be related to a power steering fluid leak.

Some vehicle fluids are red-colored. Therefore, they're easier to identify when leaking. Red fluid leaking from a vehicle usually comes from either the power steering system or the transmission. Note that responding to leaks quickly is essential. If fluids run dry, your vehicle will be at risk.

Transmission fluid leaks happen more often. This is because this system has connections and seals prone to leaking. Plus, your transmission pan is at the bottom of your vehicle and is vulnerable to being damaged by objects on the road.

Watch out: You use the steering and shifting systems to control your vehicle. If these systems are compromised, driving becomes dangerous. Any leaks in these systems create red puddles under the car and result in trouble turning or shifting gears.

Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

Is your vehicle hard to steer?

You might also hear your vehicle growl when you turn the steering wheel or a high-pitched noise while the engine is running.

The power steering system has a pump that runs hydraulic fluid to the power steering rack or gearbox through high-pressure hoses. When operating correctly, this system helps you steer. However, when a leak occurs and the fluid level gets low enough, these hoses will cave in, and the system will provide less steering assistance. Eventually, the fluid gets so low that there won't be enough power steering support.

Is there a puddle of red transmission fluid under the vehicle's floorboard?

You may also notice that the vehicle hesitates before going into gear and that the RPMs flare when shifting gears.

The transmission pan is attached to the bottom of the transmission body by a series of bolts and a rubber gasket. The transmission pan holds the transmission fluid so the sump can disperse it throughout the transmission. As the transmission pan is at the lowest point of the vehicle, it is vulnerable to hitting debris on the road. Also, leaks may be caused by a dented pan, even if the rubber gasket is still supple. Red transmission fluid may puddle up under your car if the pan leaks.

Is there red oil leaking from the front of the vehicle?

You may also notice the "transmission light" is on or hear a whining noise coming from the transmission.

Depending on the car model, the transmission cooler may be inside or in front of the radiator; the latter are commonly external. External transmission coolers can pick up road debris and develop leaks. Leaks can also occur due to road vibrations. Leaking transmission fluid typically appears on the ground before the vehicle.

Does your vehicle shift erratically and have the "check engine light" on?

You may smell burning oil or see a blackish-red fluid leaking from under the vehicle.

The wiring harness from the transmission's electrical system has to pass through the transmission body; a rubber O-ring seals these components. If it gets brittle or cracked due to age, fluid will leak out of the transmission and into the wiring harness connector, causing a short. This electrical disruption can cause erratic shifting and trigger the "check engine light."

Is your transmission dripping from the drive shaft?

You may also see red fluid under the vehicle or smell burning oil.

The transmission ultimately drives the output shaft, which is attached to the drive shaft. This is where the power in the gearbox connects with the vehicle's wheels. A rubber seal on the drive shaft prevents dirt from entering the transmission and transmission fluid from leaking out. However, the seal can rigidify and crack over time, allowing red fluid to leak on the drive shaft.

Do you smell burning oil?

You may also see a blackish-red fluid leaking from under the vehicle or notice that the car shifts up or down at the wrong time.

The transmission cooler lines carry transmission fluid from the transmission to the transmission oil cooler to prevent overheating. The lines are made of rubber and are connected with rubber fittings and seals. All of these components can degrade and become brittle over time. If these hoses or seals start to leak, they spray oil out because these lines are under pressure. In addition, since these oil cooler lines are close to the exhaust system, this oil may spray onto the exhaust, creating a burning smell.

The most common causes for a vehicle leaking red fluid

The most common causes for the car leaking red fluid:

Transmission pan leaking: Transmission fluid is vital for the transmission system to work, ensuring every internal component that moves inside the system does so without extra friction. However, the transmission fluid can leak out of the vehicle's system due to problems with hoses, seals, and chambers. The transmission fluid can have a red color.
Transmission cooler leak: The transmission cooler is a part of the radiator that stores and sends coolant specifically to the transmission system. However, this cooler can fail due to cracks, damage, and wear, leading to transmission fluid leaks, which can look red.
Transmission wire connector seal leak: Transmission wires connect to the transmission modules using sealed connectors. These wires send electrical signals and use solenoids and sensors that require lubrication. Therefore, these wires also work with transmission fluid in their connector seals. However, if these seals fail, transmission fluid, which looks red, leaks out.
Transmission cooler line leak: The transmission cooler uses lines to transfer transmission fluid to where it is needed. The transmission cooler is a part of the radiator that stores and sends coolant specifically to the transmission system. However, if these lines go faulty, they'll allow leaks, and sometimes transmission fluid looks red.
Power steering fluid leak: The power steering pump uses electrical power to activate a motor that pushes the power steering fluid. Then, the power steering fluid travels through power steering hoses and reaches all the places it needs. However, if the power steering pump is faulty, the fluid might not travel long, or even at all, becoming accumulated and eventually leaking from the system. This fluid can look red.
Transmission output shaft seal leak: The transmission output shaft transfers power from the transmission to the wheels. Since this output shaft relies on many internal movements, it requires transmission fluid for lubrication. The shaft also needs seals to prevent this fluid from leaking out. However, if these seals are faulty, transmission fluid, which often looks red, leaks out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is your vehicle hard to steer?

You might also hear your vehicle growl when you turn the steering wheel or a high-pitched noise while the engine is running.

The power steering system has a pump that runs hydraulic fluid to the power steering rack or gearbox through high-pressure hoses. When operating correctly, this system helps you steer. However, when a leak occurs and the fluid level gets low enough, these hoses will cave in, and the system will provide less steering assistance. Eventually, the fluid gets so low that there won't be enough power steering support.
Is there a puddle of red transmission fluid under the vehicle's floorboard?

You may also notice that the vehicle hesitates before going into gear and that the RPMs flare when shifting gears.

The transmission pan is attached to the bottom of the transmission body by a series of bolts and a rubber gasket. The transmission pan holds the transmission fluid so the sump can disperse it throughout the transmission. As the transmission pan is at the lowest point of the vehicle, it is vulnerable to hitting debris on the road. Also, leaks may be caused by a dented pan, even if the rubber gasket is still supple. Red transmission fluid may puddle up under your car if the pan leaks.
Is there red oil leaking from the front of the vehicle?

You may also notice the "transmission light" is on or hear a whining noise coming from the transmission.

Depending on the car model, the transmission cooler may be inside or in front of the radiator; the latter are commonly external. External transmission coolers can pick up road debris and develop leaks. Leaks can also occur due to road vibrations. Leaking transmission fluid typically appears on the ground before the vehicle.
Does your vehicle shift erratically and have the "check engine light" on?

You may smell burning oil or see a blackish-red fluid leaking from under the vehicle.

The wiring harness from the transmission's electrical system has to pass through the transmission body; a rubber O-ring seals these components. If it gets brittle or cracked due to age, fluid will leak out of the transmission and into the wiring harness connector, causing a short. This electrical disruption can cause erratic shifting and trigger the "check engine light."
Is your transmission dripping from the drive shaft?

You may also see red fluid under the vehicle or smell burning oil.

The transmission ultimately drives the output shaft, which is attached to the drive shaft. This is where the power in the gearbox connects with the vehicle's wheels. A rubber seal on the drive shaft prevents dirt from entering the transmission and transmission fluid from leaking out. However, the seal can rigidify and crack over time, allowing red fluid to leak on the drive shaft.
Do you smell burning oil?

You may also see a blackish-red fluid leaking from under the vehicle or notice that the car shifts up or down at the wrong time.

The transmission cooler lines carry transmission fluid from the transmission to the transmission oil cooler to prevent overheating. The lines are made of rubber and are connected with rubber fittings and seals. All of these components can degrade and become brittle over time. If these hoses or seals start to leak, they spray oil out because these lines are under pressure. In addition, since these oil cooler lines are close to the exhaust system, this oil may spray onto the exhaust, creating a burning smell.

Typical fixes to address the cause(s)

These are typical processes and repair services that fix a check engine light issue

The most common cause: Transmission fluid leak

The most common reason for red fluid coming out of the car is because transmission fluid is leaking from somewhere. The transmission fluid is the lubricant that ensures all transmission components like valves, gears, and pistons can move without suffering too much friction and overheating. The fluid can’t get too low or contaminated, otherwise it’ll stop lubricating effectively, resulting in excessive wear and tear. However, the transmission fluid relies on many seals, valves, chambers, and tubes to stay inside the system. Sadly, those components can fail and allow the fluid, which is sometimes pink, to leak out.

Symptoms it causes: Apart from the red fluid leak you might notice stuck transmission, rough idling, grinding noises, lawnmower noises, etc.
High risk of priority: Low transmission fluid quickly leads to further damage to the transmission’s internal components, eventually resulting in major breakdowns. The vehicle might suddenly stop working or responding.

How exactly does the power steering hose leak?

The power steering hose is made to last many years or even decades. The hose is a resilient metallic tube that by itself won't necessarily bend or rust unless the vehicle gets into an accident or is very old. However, the power steering hose relies on seals and connections that can wear out faster, allowing gaps and joint crevices where power steering fluid might leak out. It's advisable to keep your seals in check on every routine maintenance.

Go safe: Ask for a mechanic to inspect your vehicle's steering system to investigate if the power steering hose is leaking due to surrounding components and if there’s further damage to check out. Many shops do transparent vehicle inspections and lay out your options after investigating your vehicle’s conditions.

What’s a vehicle inspection? It’s “detective work” on your vehicle, checking its systems to see if anything prevents the car from working as expected. In this case, mechanics examine different parts of your vehicle to track if anything is causing the power steering hose to leak. They’ll also check the condition of components during their inspection, noting which are causing the problem and which got affected by it, recommending to replace them in order of priority.

Transparency example in a leaking power steering hose service

A steering system inspection is the most transparent process to understand why your vehicle’s power steering hose is leaking. This is because many components surrounding the power steering hose, pump, and reservoir can have a say in the issue, indicating the real culprits that caused it all.

Let’s read an example of how this kind of inspection helps to service a leaking power steering hose.

A customer dropped off their vehicle after seeing a puddle of red oil underneath it. The car was otherwise driving okay; they weren't sure what the red fluid was. They recalled hitting an object on the road recently. Additionally, they had heard a clunk under their feet when they collided with it.

The technician did not notice anything about the customer's concerns on the test drive.

During the vehicle health inspection, the mechanic saw low transmission fluid. So they raised the vehicle on a hoist and found a dent in the transmission pan and leak signs around the transmission.

The shop topped off the transmission fluid and cleaned off the oil residue around the transmission and pan. Then, they started the car on the hoist to verify where the leak would come from.

The technician determined the leak was coming between the transmission pan and gasket. The transmission pan would need to be replaced as the road collision had deformed it.

Transmission pan leaking

In this case, the mechanic put the “Immediate Action” tag on the transmission pan.

Similar Symptoms

Below are just a few examples of typical Symptoms and Fixes your car might be experiencing

Four common causes for a vehicle Leaking Oil and their related parts.

Is Your Car Leaking Red Fluid?

Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

The most common causes for a vehicle leaking red fluid

Find Professional Help

Frequently Asked Questions

Is your vehicle hard to steer?

Is there a puddle of red transmission fluid under the vehicle's floorboard?

Is there red oil leaking from the front of the vehicle?

Does your vehicle shift erratically and have the "check engine light" on?

Is your transmission dripping from the drive shaft?

Do you smell burning oil?

Typical fixes to address the cause(s)

The most common cause: Transmission fluid leak

How exactly does the power steering hose leak?

Transparency example in a leaking power steering hose service

Similar Symptoms

Why is My Car Leaking Oil?

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Why Is My Evap System Leaking?

Why Is The Radiator in My Car Leaking?

Why Is My Car Leaking Power Steering Fluid?

Why Is There Pink Fluid Leaking From My Car?