Last year about this time the heat quit working so we replaced the water pump and thermostat, now this year same time to the day, the heat quit working, so we replaced the thermostat, drove the car about 5 hours away and there is a small leak of fluid,(assuming its the gasket?) but now the heat doesn't work again and the car isn't overheating

the mechanic that did the repair said it was a wierd car because it has a 06 motor in it (but he is 5 hours away and unavailable)

What is your thought on this, is it a common problem or is there some other problem over looked?

Thank you