Why is there a water leak in my Toyota Highlander?

Why is there a water leak in my Toyota Highlander?

Recently, somehow water started leaking on the floor inside the cabin of my wife’s 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited every time after it rained. Let’s take a look at how to find and eliminate the source of the water leak inside the car.

Why does my Toyota Highlander smell like mildew?

My wife has a 2008 Highlander Base, no sunroof, no third row. After a couple days of rain the smell of mildew was unbearable. I removed the rubber floor mats to find the entire floor was wet, front and second row. I read these posts and many others (thank you, all) to see what cause could be.

What happens if you have a water leak in your car?

A water leak can cause corrosion or some serious damage to the electric system, and in my case to the hybrid battery located on the floor under the rear passenger seat. It can also cause mold and bad smell if the water stays on the carpet for too long. Finding the source of the leak wasn’t very easy or intuitive.

Where does the water come from in a Toyota?

PUDDLE OF WATER. Several times my wife actually witnessed water flowing onto the carpet from under the rear right passenger’s seat when she parked downhill on the driveway. It literally formed a small puddle, and then the water quickly got absorbed into the carpet.

Recently, somehow water started leaking on the floor inside the cabin of my wife’s 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited every time after it rained. Let’s take a look at how to find and eliminate the source of the water leak inside the car.

Why does my Toyota Highlander have wet carpet?

Blew air through top front sunroof drains and up the tubes behind the rear wheels for the rear sunroof drains. Pulled rubber hole plugs from rocker panels behind front tires and blew air and verified that the seam weep… My wife’s 2008 Highlander Hybrid has had wet carpet on the driver’s side.

Where does the water come from on my Highlander?

Pulled rubber hole plugs from rocker panels behind front tires and blew air and verified that the seam weep… My wife’s 2008 Highlander Hybrid has had wet carpet on the driver’s side. Blew air through top front sunroof drains and up the tubes behind the rear wheels for the rear sunroof drains.

My wife has a 2008 Highlander Base, no sunroof, no third row. After a couple days of rain the smell of mildew was unbearable. I removed the rubber floor mats to find the entire floor was wet, front and second row. I read these posts and many others (thank you, all) to see what cause could be.

What kind of car has water leaking into the floor?

My car is a 2008 HL sport with 60k mileage. That’s in the body of the car, that’s not going to be caused by a AC drain or sunroof drain. There is a seal or seam leaking on the body somewhere. Which one, I have no idea.

How many recalls have there been on the Toyota Highlander?

The 2008 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 13 times by NHTSA. View Recalls Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers.

What kind of reliability does a Toyota Highlander have?

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle. Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What does it mean when your car has water leak?

WET DRIVER’S SEAT BELT. I also noticed that the driver’s seat belt would often get wet from the water leaking inside. THE SOUNDS. Occasionally we could even hear water moving around and splashing somewhere inside the frame when braking or going over the bumps.

Are there any problems with the Toyota Highlander?

CarComplaints.com Notes: 2008 is the first year of the 2nd generation Highlander, & it may be a model year to avoid as Toyota most likely worked out some production quality issues with the new model. Read more » The 2009 Highlander is the has far fewer complaints.

What was the first year of the Toyota Highlander?

CarComplaints.com Notes: 2008 is the first year of the 2nd generation Highlander, & it may be a model year to avoid as Toyota most likely worked out some production quality issues with the new model. Read more » The 2009 Highlander is the has far fewer complaints. Click on a category below for details. Help? Loading

Is there a way to donate a 2008 Toyota Highlander?

Donate your old car in minutes through the CarTalk Vehicle Donation Program. CarComplaints.com Notes: 2008 is the first year of the 2nd generation Highlander, & it may be a model year to avoid as Toyota most likely worked out some production quality issues with the new model. Read more » The 2009 Highlander is the has far fewer complaints.

Why is my air conditioning not working on my Toyota Highlander?

There are many reasons why air conditioning may not be working properly on your Toyota Highlander. When looking for the reason, you should always start with the most obvious cause, low refrigerant level in the system. In any case, it is advisable for laypersons to visit a workshop.

Loading Curious how the 2006 Highlander compares to other years? Check out our Toyota Highlander overview to see the most problematic years, worst problems and most recently reported complaints with the Highlander.

How much does it cost to fix a 2006 Toyota Highlander?

1 Engine Bolts Loose 2006 Highlander Average Cost to Fix: $2,100 Average Mileage: 100,000 mi 2 Knocking 2006 Highlander Average Cost to Fix: $4,000 Average Mileage: 52,000 mi 3 Transmission Failed 2006 Highlander

PUDDLE OF WATER. Several times my wife actually witnessed water flowing onto the carpet from under the rear right passenger’s seat when she parked downhill on the driveway. It literally formed a small puddle, and then the water quickly got absorbed into the carpet.

What to do if your Toyota Highlander battery is draining?

Most parts stores can test an alternator for you. They usually don’t charge anything for this service, they just want to sell you an alternator if you need it. If your Highlander’s battery is draining after being parked for a few days, here are two possible scenarios.

What kind of battery does a Toyota Highlander use?

Batteries from AutoZone have a robust, impact-resistant polypropylene construction that decreases damage caused by vibration. Every Duralast Toyota Highlander battery comes with a 2-Year Nationwide Free Replacement Warranty (Duralast’s Gold and Platinum models comes with a 3-Year Warranty)…

Is there a problem with the master switch on a Toyota Highlander?

As a result, the master switch may short circuit, overheat, and melt. Toyota addressed this issue by having authorized dealers either add more lubricant or replace the switch circuit board free of charge.

Why does the hatch on my minivan make noise?

Hatches on minivans, SUVs and hatchbacks can drive you crazy. They are big parts of the vehicle structure and naturally make noise as the body twists and bends. Okay, open ‘er up and take a look.

What to do when your car squeaks and rattles?

Press on panels, doors, windows, handles and trim until the sound changes. Sometimes this will require quite a push, especially if you suspect the dashboard or a door panel. Beating on the dash with your fist may also cause a change in the noise, but you’ve probably done that already as a means of venting your frustration.

Why does my car squeak when I push the button?

The pushing and pounding routine is the first step. You may find that a high-frequency rattle or buzz is coming from the interface between a piece of trim and the dash itself, or between the dash and the instrument panel. If screws hold these pieces together, try tightening them.

A water leak can cause corrosion or some serious damage to the electric system, and in my case to the hybrid battery located on the floor under the rear passenger seat. It can also cause mold and bad smell if the water stays on the carpet for too long. Finding the source of the leak wasn’t very easy or intuitive.

How to fix water leak in the cabin?

Removing the rear bumper cover was quite easy. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver or fastener clip removal tool , a ratchet, as well as 8 & 10 mm sockets. There will be two screws under the rear door, three more in the wheel wells on each side, and two screws holding each mudflap.

Why does my car leak water when it rains?

The A/C drain hose is working pretty fine because the problem started when it rained lately. I have checked all the solutions to similar problem but none address this type of issue specifically. Any ideas what can be done to resolve this please? My car is a 2008 HL sport with 60k mileage.

Toyota reacted to this issue by having its authorized dealers replace the clock spring assembly free of charge. Improperly Installed Forward Retention Clip: The forward retention clip, which is designed to secure the floor carpet cover, wasn’t installed correctly in some 2000-2006 Highlanders.

Why are my Toyota Highlander brakes not working?

Deteriorating Seal in Brake System: There’s a seal between the master cylinder and brake booster that’s prone to early deterioration. This allows fluid to leak into the brake booster, drastically affecting braking performance. Toyota quickly addressed this issue by having its dealers replace the seal with a newly designed one for free.

What are the features of a Highlander Hybrid?

Highlander Hybrid’s first-ever 20-in. wheels add more sophistication to every drive. Available on Limited and Platinum models. A standard black front grille and LED headlights add to its sleek, modern design. Available 12.3-In. Touch-Screen Display Soft-touch surfaces and modern design highlight the quality found throughout the cabin.

What to do if your Toyota Highlander has a problem?

Owners of affected Highlanders can have their nearest Toyota dealer replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free of charge. Deteriorating Seal in Brake System: There’s a seal between the master cylinder and brake booster that’s prone to early deterioration.

Is there a leak at the top of the passenger door?

I have a leak at the top of the front passenger door of my 2006 Vibe. I have an ’05 Vibe. Same problem, dripping from both sides where headliner meets the A pillar plastic. After clearing the sunroof drains (I don’t think they were clogged) I still had the problem. What I did: 1. Removed the A pillar plastic both sides 2. Removed both sun visors 3.

Why do I hear wind in my Toyota Highlander?

Trim Gap on the Passenger Side: Many 2013-2016 Highlander owners hear a whistling wind noise in the passenger area at high speeds (usually starting at around 40 mph). While the culprit hasn’t been officially pinpointed, many found that replacing the chrome trim solved the problem.