What are the common causes of trunk leakage?
4 Answers
Worn or aged sealing strips or trunk deformation can cause trunk leakage, which must be addressed promptly to avoid damage to components inside the trunk. Below is additional information: Solutions: During spring and autumn, the sealing rings should be cleaned multiple times, using damp cotton for gentle wiping. If the car will be left unused for an extended period, ensure a thorough cleaning before storage to prevent natural aging during inactivity. Hazards of leakage: It can easily lead to rust in the trunk, and in severe cases, perforation may occur. The spare tire compartment in the trunk is positioned low, making it prone to water accumulation if leakage occurs. Trapped moisture can cause interior components to become damp, moldy, or rusted.
As an experienced car owner who has seen many similar cases, I believe the trunk leakage is 80% likely due to deteriorated sealing strips. These strips, especially the one around the door, often suffer from aging cracks, deformation, or adhesive failure after prolonged exposure to wind and sun. Another possibility is that the door wasn't closed properly and compressed foreign objects, compromising the seal. Additionally, clogged trunk drainage holes—like in water channels or drain pipes where leaves and dust tend to accumulate—can cause water backflow during heavy rain if it can't drain. Some car designs also have flawed water drainage paths, which may contribute to seepage. Don't ignore leaks; get them checked and fixed promptly to prevent prolonged water accumulation that could rust the floor pan.
I've noticed that many car trunks leak, and the issue often lies with the seals. Particularly, the seals around the taillights—if the taillights have been removed and reinstalled or the gaskets have aged, water can easily seep in through screw holes or gaps, running down the car wall into the trunk. Various wiring holes and service holes on the car body can also become sources of leaks if their plugs age, loosen, or even fall off. The trunk latch area is another spot where poor sealing can lead to dripping. If the car has been in a rear-end collision and the rear quarter panel repair wasn't done properly, or if the rear window seal is cracked, water can also find its way inside. During repairs, it's essential to have the mechanic thoroughly check if the sealing adhesive has deteriorated.
Veteran drivers all know that trunk leakage is the most troublesome issue. Aside from common causes like damaged seals or clogged drain pipes, leaks from the sunroof drain pipes at the rear of the car or blockages in the air conditioning evaporator drain pipes can also cause water to mysteriously flow into the trunk—especially in sedans, which require extra attention. Poor sealing at body welding seams or sheet metal joints can also lead to water seepage over time. The spare tire well, being at a lower position, shows water accumulation particularly clearly. In such cases, first check if the drain holes are clogged, then inspect whether the floor mat adhesive is damaged. Remember to address any leakage promptly once discovered; the musty odor from accumulated water is hard to eliminate and can damage the storage space for onboard tools.
