Mystery water intrusion

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jackson044444, May 23, 2026 at 4:49 PM.

  1. Jackson044444

    Jackson044444 New Member

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    Hello all. I’ve been battling a leak issue in the rear right side passenger floor well. It rained recently and when I checked under the carpet, the rag I had laid down under the carpet was soaked enough I had to wring it out. All the obvious places have been gone over and sealed up. The weather stripping looks ok as well. The only thing I can think of is that water is getting in from underside? I haven’t been to car wash recently or anything. I’m really getting to the end of my rope, I love my Prius so I’m really desperate to fix this. I’ve even soaked the car with a hose and checked for leaks and the area that was previously wet was still dry. Any help would be really appreciated. My next course of action is to take to my mechanic but I have doubts they will be able to figure it out. Thank you!
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    So you're talking about in the back seat on the right where the passenger sitting in the seat feet would be ?? ??? If you look underneath the car you'll see a big round hole where a rubber plug should be installed with the carpet pulled back from up top . If you don't see that rubber plug then you're looking at the back side of your carpet not goidchor puddles
     
  3. Jackson044444

    Jackson044444 New Member

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    Yes that the area I’m talking about. The plug is there.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you've siliconed the rain gutters under the trim?
     
  5. Jackson044444

    Jackson044444 New Member

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    Yessir even went over it again. All the common leak points have been sealed
     
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  6. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    Check that the drains on the passenger side rear door are not blocked. (Probably not the problem, but slight chance it could be.)

    Does the car have a sunroof? If so, start with that. There was no OEM, if there is one, a dealer or a previous owner put it in. Verify that the drain hoses in all 4 corners are attached and that they are clear to where the water leaves the car in the wheel wells. Check that the glass fits to the rubber seal tightly all the way around, and that there is no damage to the seal.

    Finding the source of a generic leak is a PITA. In this case I would start by pulling up the carpet as much as possible on the passenger side. Tape bits of paper towel down all the way around. You might not see a few drips go by, but if they pass over a paper towel it will stay wet. Then with all doors shut, and an observer in the car, go around the lower part of the car on that side with a hose and spray it gently. (Like rain, don't blast water in through the seals with pressure). Work your way up SLOWLY, doing one section at a time, until water appears. It may be necessary to remove the ceiling liner and the A,B, and C pillar moldings if the leak doesn't happen until the water is sprayed high.