Why is the car trunk leaking water?

[DelCameron]

The most common reasons for trunk water leakage are: 1. Aging rubber components: The sealing strips around the sunroof and trunk play a crucial role in isolating rainwater. When these rubber strips age, water leakage becomes likely; 2. Damaged seals: Vehicle waterproofing relies on rubber seals throughout the body. These seals have certain strength and hardness, maintaining shape under pressure. However, prolonged exposure to air causes natural aging, and frequent use leads to wear. Damaged seals allow water infiltration.

[ManuelLee]

A leaking trunk is really annoying. I think it’s mostly due to the aging of the sealing strip—after prolonged exposure to wind and sun, the rubber cracks and loses its seal. The drainage holes are also crucial; if they’re clogged with dirt or leaves, rainwater can seep in. Another possibility is that frequent opening and closing of the trunk lid may have misaligned it, creating gaps that let water in. To fix it, first check if the sealing strip is intact—feel for any damage. Then, inspect the drainage holes at the bottom of the trunk to see if they’re clear; it’s better if you can clean them yourself. If the problem is severe and left unrepaired, the trunk will stay damp, leading to mold and a musty smell. The seats may even absorb moisture, and driving in summer with that lingering odor is just unbearable. Act quickly—either inspect it yourself or get someone who knows cars to help. Don’t delay until it becomes a bigger issue.

[Malcolm]

My car also had a water leak issue before, and after some troubleshooting, I found it was a minor problem: the sealant around the rear window had come loose, allowing rainwater to seep in. Another common spot is the loose or aged gasket at the rear light assembly mounting point, where water can also enter. Fixing it yourself is quite simple—just buy some new sealing tape and reapply it. Also, remember to regularly clean the drainage holes; a thin wire can be used to poke through them. Neglecting these can lead to water pooling in the trunk, damaging tools or spare parts, and even causing electrical short circuits that blow fuses, which can significantly increase repair costs. Pay extra attention to these seams during regular car washes, as diligent maintenance can save you a lot of trouble.

[VonElliot]

It's really scary when the car trunk suddenly leaks. Last time I found the carpet was all wet and there was a musty smell, which freaked me out and made me quickly ask around for the reason. They said it might be due to the aging of the rear seal causing gaps, or the roof rack mounting points not being sealed properly, allowing water to seep in during heavy rain. Blocked drainage systems, such as the holes at the bottom of the trunk, can also cause water to backflow. If not handled carefully, water can spread to the cabin, causing the audio system or control panel to get damp and malfunction, making driving a worry due to potential short circuits and accidents. It's recommended to immediately dry any accumulated water and have a professional shop check the source to ensure safety, so it doesn't turn into a bigger problem.