I have a 1996 Honda Accord LX I've been trying to fix up and noticed when I took the trunk apart water was pooling on the left and right side under the lights. I installed aftermarket tail lights and thought that might be the cause. I resealed them and added thicker rubber around where the light meets the body. I also sprayed undercoating on the bottom of the trunk to try and stop any rust from forming. I checked today while it was raining and noticed the water is still getting in. I checked the seals and everything seems to be ok. I do not have a sunroof and the car has been sitting in my driveway for a while. Any ideas on what it could be?

I tried to post photos but it's not letting me for some reason.

 

 

Check the inner wheel wells, a lot of times there can be small rust spots in the inner wheel wells that are open to the trunk and allow water to get in.

 

1. It looks like there are no foam seals around the inside/backside of your tail lights? (Between body and light housing)

2. Kind of looks like there is some rust/rusty stains on the seam sealer on the passenger side picture. Look real close there for a leak.

3. I have a 96 Accord ex and was fighting water intrusion in the trunk area and found the little white clip on the side that helps hold the rear bumper tight to the car was allowing water in.

4. Worst case scenario if you can't pinpoint the leak. Fold the back seat down and lay in there with a flashlight and have someone hold a hose over the trunk section. Then move the hose around till it starts to leak.

Good luck! Hope it helps.

 

There's a thin rubber foam pad that came with the aftermarket tail lights. All 4 lights have the foam behind them up against the body. I'll check inside again and look for anything inside the trunk still leaking. I removed the back seats and all the trunk side panels so it should be easy.

​​​​​​​I added thicker weather stripping around the lights and it seems to be helping with very little water getting in. I'm still trying to narrow it down. Soon as it not 20 degrees outside I'll run water around it lol