Water leaks inside the car when it rains

Symptoms

• Wet carpet, seats, or floor mats after rain
• Musty smell developing over time
• Water may appear near a specific door, window, or the sunroof area
• Fogged-up windows that take longer than normal to clear

Likely causes

• CommonWorn or damaged door/window weatherstrippingRubber seals harden and crack with age, letting water past at the door or window edge.
• CommonClogged sunroof drain tubesSunroof drains can clog with debris, causing water to overflow into the headliner and cabin instead of draining outside.
• PossibleGap or failed seal around the windshieldWindshield sealant can degrade over time, especially after a replacement, letting water seep in along the edge.
• PossibleClogged cowl drain (below the windshield wipers)Leaves and debris can block this drain, causing water to back up into the cabin through the HVAC intake.

What to do

1. Note exactly where the water shows up first (front floor, rear floor, headliner) to narrow down the likely source.
2. Check the sunroof drain area (if equipped) by looking for standing water or trying to run a soft wire down the drain tubes, usually accessible from the corners of the sunroof opening.
3. Check the cowl area below the wipers for leaves and debris, and clear it out if clogged.
4. Run a hose gently over different sections of the car (doors, windshield, roof) while someone watches inside to pinpoint the exact entry point.
5. Replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows if that's identified as the source.
6. Have a shop address a windshield seal issue or a deeply clogged sunroof drain if you can't clear it yourself.

Tools and parts

• Garden hose
• Soft wire or pipe cleaner (for sunroof drains)
• Flashlight

When to call a pro

A body shop or dealer can perform a proper water test to pinpoint a hard-to-find leak, especially one related to the windshield seal or sunroof drains.

Safety