Water Leaking Into Rear Hatch / Spare Tire Well - Tail Light Gasket Replacement

Water leaking into the rear hatch area of an MKIII Supra, pooling in the spare tire well. Owner initially suspected the hatch seal/rubber gasket and water deflectors near the hatch shocks were the source of the leak.

Deteriorated or worn tail light gaskets allowing water to enter the rear hatch. Water runs down the sides of the rear hatch past the tail lights, and the MKIII Supra lacks drain holes along the rear hatch (unlike some other cars). The tail light gaskets are the primary barrier preventing water from entering the hatch and reaching the spare tire well. Secondary causes can include rust/rot under the hatch gasket pinch weld and leaking hatch glass support mounts that pierce through the metal.

Moderate confidence — Multiple community members agreed on this solution