1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Water in Tail-light?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by JCW3, Jun 20, 2016.

  1. JCW3

    JCW3 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2016
    11
    2
    0
    Location:
    VA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    Does anyone have issue with moisture or water in their Tail-light? My 2013 always has moisture in the passenger side rear taillight and the driver side will often have water in it after a car wash or heavy rain.

    Mainly wondering if it's a common problem or not.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,777
    48,984
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i've seen it a few times here. maybe you need a gasket?
     
  3. tk1971

    tk1971 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2012
    253
    133
    0
    Location:
    SG Valley, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    On my 2012, the passenger side tail light filled up with water after a storm.

    I've read on here that other people have the same issue. The tail light doesn't appear to come apart easily to fix whatever seal issue it obviously has.

    My solution: I drilled two small holes at the bottom of the light to let the water out. If it ever gets to the point where I can't stand it anymore, I'll probably buy a used tail light from a wrecked car.
     
    Montgomery likes this.
  4. RobAustin

    RobAustin Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2018
    104
    51
    0
    Location:
    Austin, tx
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    One
  5. RobAustin

    RobAustin Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2018
    104
    51
    0
    Location:
    Austin, tx
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    One
  6. edteach

    edteach Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2014
    37
    8
    0
    Location:
    sarasota florida
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I have a 2014 Prius C. I bought it new in 14. out of the gate I would get some fog on the lights but we were moving and I did not take it in. This past cold snap my back up light went out. I thought it was just a light so I wen to take it out and it was a block of ice in the lower BU light compartment. I waited till today to pull the light. The bulb was full of water and fell apart when I took it out. I drilled two holes in both sides to let the water out. I know it will work but it will fog up all the time. I called my local dealer and they said bring it in and we will take a look at it. I asked if there would be a charge. I was told 150 dollars. I said you want me to pay you 150 dollars so you can tell me what I already know and then have you tell me there is nothing I can do when I can buy two new lights for 250? They said yes. Landers Toyota is a garbage dealer. The last Tacoma I bought about a year ago used, the salesman told me it had a 90 day warrantee. I had an issue I wanted them to look at and I was told by service there was no warrantee. The salesman lied for a second time to my face and said he never said that.

    I then called Toyota direct and they said they made a record of this issue and they would let me know if something comes of it. I know its a very common factory defect. I have read many who said it was an issue they had to deal with. So I have a question for those who are or have dealt with this issue. Did you buy new tail light assemblies and if so did they hold up or leak also? It is better to just keep what I have and live with the fog now and then or better to replace? I can get them for 250 for two but I want to know more before I waste money on something that will leak again. Also if you have had or are having an issue, call Toyota direct and tell them about it. The guy at Toyota direct said if they get enough people telling them of this issue it can spark a recall.
    Its an obvious factory or manufacturer defect.
     
  7. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
    2,254
    2,234
    2
    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Following what tk1971 said, not only would I drill a hole, but you can pour water over it to see where the leak is. It's usually along a glued seam somewhere. Once you find the leak, you can actually use some clear acrylic filler to seal it. I have done this many times with other cars. The trick is finding where the leak is.