Symptoms
- Standing water or dampness in the trunk after rain
- Wet trunk carpet or spare tire well
- Possible musty smell developing over time
- Water may appear near the trunk edges, taillights, or antenna base
Likely causes
- CommonWorn trunk lid weatherstrippingThe rubber seal around the trunk opening can crack, flatten, or come loose with age.
- CommonFailed taillight housing gasketTaillight assemblies are sealed to the body with gaskets or sealant that can degrade over time.
- PossibleAntenna base seal failureOn cars with a trunk-mounted or rear antenna, the base seal can wear and let water track down inside.
- Less commonClogged trunk drain (on some models)A few vehicles have specific trunk drainage points that can clog with debris.
What to do
- Check the trunk weatherstripping for visible gaps, flattening, or tears by running your finger along it.
- Inspect around the taillights from inside the trunk for water staining or a loose gasket.
- Check the antenna base (if applicable) for a cracked or missing seal.
- Run a hose gently over each suspect area while someone watches inside the trunk to find the exact source.
- Replace or reseal the specific failed weatherstrip, gasket, or seal you find.
- Dry out the trunk fully and check for rust developing in the spare tire well if water has been sitting for a while.
Tools and parts
- Garden hose
- Flashlight
Trunk weatherstrippingSearch: “trunk seal weatherstripping for [year make model]”
Taillight gasketSearch: “taillight gasket for [year make model]”
When to call a pro
A body shop can do a controlled water test to find a stubborn trunk leak if you can't isolate it yourself.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.