Water in the trunk of your Honda? These are the 3 most common causes

Are you bothered by moisture or even a puddle of water in the trunk of your Honda? You're not the only one. Many Honda drivers will have to deal with it sooner or later. It's annoying and harmful: water causes rust, mold and a musty smell. Fortunately, you can often easily track down and solve the problem yourself. In this blog, we'll discuss the three most common causes in a row - including practical solutions that you can use to tackle the problem immediately.

1. Poorly mounted or leaking taillights

One of the biggest culprits when it comes to water in the trunk is a poorly sealed taillight. The gaskets behind and around your tail lights can dry out, crack or simply not fit properly (anymore) over time. This is a common cause of leakage, especially in older Honda models or after damage repair.

How do you solve this?

Dismantle the tail light and check the sealing rubbers for cracks or deformation. Clean the surface thoroughly and replace the gasket if necessary. 
Make sure you tighten the bolts of the tail light evenly so that everything fits neatly.

2. Damaged or worn Honda trunk seals 

The trunk seals prevent water from entering your car. As soon as these seals harden, tear or lose their shape, they create spaces where moisture can easily enter - especially during a heavy rain shower or when washing your Honda.

How do you check the trunk seals of your Honda?

Check the seals around the edge of your trunk. Feel whether the rubber is still flexible and look for cracks or discoloration. Do you see that the rubber does not fit properly everywhere? Then it is time to replace it. Fortunately, trunk seals are relatively easy to replace yourself and are often available specifically for each Honda model.
Tip: grease your new seals with silicone spray to keep them supple and extend their life.

3. Clogged or cracked drainage channels

Many Honda models, including the Civic, Accord, CRX and many others, have drainage channels around the tailgate or rear window, intended to allow rainwater to drain away properly. When these channels become clogged with dirt or leaves, or if the hoses become loose or torn, the water will find another way – often straight into your trunk.

Here’s how to check for yourself whether your Honda’s drainage channels are still draining properly:

Open your trunk and see if you can find the drainage holes – often in the corners near the lid or under the trim panels. Blow through them with compressed air or use a flexible cable to remove any blockages. Do you see moisture traces around the hose or in places where there shouldn’t be? Then there may be a crack – you can easily replace it or seal it with waterproof tape.

Time to fix the moisture problem in your Honda

Moisture in your trunk is not a problem to ignore. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of damage to your interior or electronics. With the above tips, you can often solve the problem yourself - or at least identify the cause.
Do you need parts such as new trunk rubbers, sealing tape or tail light gaskets?
At AKR Performance we have a wide range specifically for Honda models. Simply order online and start keeping your trunk dry today.

Can't figure it out yourself, or do you simply not have the time? Then contact our workshop as soon as possible. With over 30 years of Honda experience, we know every Honda inside and out.