Diagnosing/fixing Honda Airwave serious water leak issue

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AlDrag

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#3393760 14-Jul-2025 12:39

Dynamic:

Wow. That is a lot of water accumulated in that door. Your friend should be grateful that you caught it. I've seen wet cars that were closed up for a couple of weeks that were full of mould.

Coincidentally, my 9 year old Outback started leaking inside on Friday. Sunroof drain channels seem to be the culprit.

I hope he's grateful, because I'm bloody over working on this car for him haha.

AlDrag

284 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 29

#3393762 14-Jul-2025 12:43

So I took it to a shop and a lovely guy helped me diagnose the issue.

In the image you can see that white plastic lining. The water is getting through there at the bottom. It seems to be some weird design of the door where if water gets through the window seal, it just sprays everywhere and bounces into that stupid white plastic and leaks. I should have taken a picture with it off, but there's a big hole behind that plastic.

I think I remember reading somewhere about this car or the Honda Fit that it's a dumb design.

The guy recommended I call Honda for a new window seal if they still make them. The guy removed and cleaned up the seal for me and it does seem to make a difference, but water still gets through.

What do you guys think?

AlDrag

284 posts

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+1 received by user: 29

#3393763 14-Jul-2025 12:46

Just checked now, all the doors are leaking lol....

Dynamic

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#3393764 14-Jul-2025 12:55

Some water will always get into the window seals. That's why doors have drain holes at the bottom, so theoretically it drains quickly and harmlessly outside of the door seals and stays outside the car.

Changing the window seals reduce the amount of water getting into the door, but I suspect the main problem is the water is getting trapped and pooling instead of draining.

Are old window seals potentially allowing small amounts of dust and dirt to get into the door and blocking up the drain holes?

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AlDrag

284 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 29

#3393765 14-Jul-2025 12:58

Dynamic:

Some water will always get into the window seals. That's why doors have drain holes at the bottom, so theoretically it drains quickly and harmlessly outside of the door seals and stays outside the car.

Changing the window seals reduce the amount of water getting into the door, but I suspect the main problem is the water is getting trapped and pooling instead of draining.

Are old window seals potentially allowing small amounts of dust and dirt to get into the door and blocking up the drain holes?

The drains holes were working when this guy tested them. It just seemed like the water was bouncing around inside the door.

The hole in the door is recessed a bit, so I can see how it's easy for water to get passed it. The white plastic lining seems has failed a bit? Not sure...

Just testing now, when I have the car parked with nose aiming down the hill, there's no leakage.

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