what causes wet floor in a car?

Asked by pamelajana Oct 17, 2015 at 08:10 PM about the 2012 Nissan Versa 1.8 S Hatchback

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hello !
I have a 3 year old Nissan Versa with only 35.000 miles on it, just recently
after the rain the floor getting wet .My dealer could not found anything , even
water leak specialist check it and nothing. Is anyone can help to figure out this
mystery?

43 Answers

30,465

Get some ultra-violet dye (lots of places to get it ... google your are for suppliers) Then mix with water and spray the windshields bottom .. if no results the spray the doors moldings ... do not over use or you won't know if you spilled it of it;s the leak ... you gan get an led ultra-violet lihjt for about ten bucks on ebay

6 people found this helpful.
157,335

Do a Google search for "versa water leaks" and do some reading to see if one of the posts in the forums is similar to the problem you have. Looks like there are several points of entry for water in these vehicles.

9 people found this helpful.
285

take news paper place it on the floor and dash board, use a water hose and wet 1 section of the car until you find the leak. easy way to locate leaks in door seals and windshield leaks.

5 people found this helpful.
220

My 2016 leaking on passage side when it rain today we. Unplug hose why water coming in any advice help please

22 people found this helpful.
340

Remove windshield wipers, then remove the whole piece grill to access the trough that extends end to end ,right and left. Drain holes on sides most likely clogged up, like mine. When it rain it fills up and drain into the big square opening under the dash.

34 people found this helpful.
40

https://www.nissanversaforums.com/threads/wet- carpet-passenger-side.42416/post-290558

4 people found this helpful.
800

We bought a 2018 Nissan Versa Sedan that recently flooded with water inside on the passenger's side. We discovered it when my wife got in and put her feet into a puddle on the floor of the passenger's side. She had noticed a sloshing water sound while driving in the months prior, but couldn't tell where it was coming from. We took it in to the Nissan dealer, and they told us it was all our fault and charged us almost 600 USD to clean it up. They put on some good theater about how they'd never heard of such a thing and we were to blame for water leaking into the inside of the car. Turns out that there are some serious design flaws on the Versa which allow water to collect below the windshield and, when the collected water doesn't drain, it flows into the car on the front passenger side floor. There is a water trough under the windshield wipers that runs from one side of the car to the other. Much like a gutter, it collects water and has two very small drains on each side. When the drains get plugged, like drains inevitably do, water collects in the trough/gutter and will slosh back and forth. There is an entry hole--for cables- -about the size of a large book above the trough that then lets the built up water flow right into the passenger side floor. Especially when you are driving and take a turn, the water will slosh up through the hole and into the front of the car. There's a thick pad under the floor carpet that will soak up some water, but after awhile it becomes noticeable. The health danger is that the water has nowhere to go inside the car and will get musty and moldy. I asked the Nissan dealer--Power Nissan of Salem--how water could possibly end up getting inside the car, and how that could possibly be our fault. Why was there a place where water could collect in the engine area, a drain that could clog, and a hole where water could easily get inside? The manager was very evasive, unwilling to admit anything, and adamant it was our fault. We apparently let leaves fall on the car, which turned into debris that clogged the two drains, which led to the flooding. The manager and others in the shop were all frowning at us for allowing this to happen--they insisted it was clearly our fault for parking the car outside, in the rain, near a tree where leaves could blow on top of the car. We paid almost $600 just to get our car back and left terribly frustrated. The problem looks like it will recur considering that the drains are bound to get plugged up again. It's probably just a matter of time, since it rains a lot in Salem, Oregon. Long story short: Nissan allowed a serious design flaw in the 2018 Versa Sedan that leads to flooding and wet floorboards. There should not be a place for water to collect, nor a drain that is prone to clogging, nor a hole for water to flow inside the car. One guy captured this whole story well on Youtube (see Nissan Versa Passenger Water Leak by Tony Sinatra, Jan 26, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEfQgjJwaww). Part of the problem is you have to remove the windshield wipers and plastic covering in order to see where the water collects, otherwise you will see nothing and be left wondering where the water is sloshing around and getting in. Had I known of this design flaw and the problems it would lead to, I would never have bought the car. It's time for a recall, an engineering design change at Nissan so future cars don't suffer the same leaks, and for dealerships to be honest about the problem. Buyers are not responsible for water leaks inside new cars.

78 people found this helpful.
610

I have a 2014 Nissan versa and the same problem on the driver side filled with water in the front and the back. my answer is we all got to come together and file a complaint . it is not our fault we should never have to pay for that. let’s get a recall on Nissan versa and everything else

61 people found this helpful.
430

I'd like to see a class action lawsuit against Nissan of American -- we have two versas and both had the same problem and one has it again... after I brought it in just three months ago. Nissan does not admit to the design flaw -- but what other car have you ever had that has had a similar issue. I've parked in the same place with a honda civic, Mazda minivan, a Nissan Quest and a Toyota RAV -- none have the same issue.

43 people found this helpful.
360

Well add another Versa owner to the flood list. We were just informed (not by the dealer) that the entire electrical system is probably fried due to water. I was confused about that until I googled. The shop said they put the car on the lift and when they raised it up water just poured from it. Has anyone gotten anywhere with Nissan?

25 people found this helpful.
190

Amazed there are so many others with the same issue. I have heard water sloshing around and recently water has poured out over the interior. I agree with others that this is a bad thing to happen and wonder if this is a design issue.

19 people found this helpful.
560

Same problem I have recently discovered in my 2015 Nissan Versa with only 23,000. I am not happy at all. Clearly a design flaw and if anyone does a class action I'm in.. hopefully I can get it fixed with little to no money. For I have none, I just paid it off.

25 people found this helpful.
190

Hey I also have the same problem with my Nissan Sentra 2015 20,000 miles on it and more problems than that, to say the least. I'll never buy another Nissan that's for sure

19 people found this helpful.
140

2013 Versa, bought used from a reputable dealer. We have a pool in front and back passenger side after the last downpour. The carpet is actually floating. This is awful.

14 people found this helpful.
560

I had someone take the windshield wipers off and remove the panel they said i wasn't hard , although I could not have done it and they cleaned out the drainage holes with an air compressor, the were clogged with debri, It has worked so far no water in the car, looks as if this may have to be done about every 2 to 3 years.

20 people found this helpful.
130

Just went through this myself with my 2014 versa sedan . After some searching seems like my drain that is located under my front passenger side carpet was clogged with debri. Cleaned the vent under my windshield wipers and blew air with a compressor in to the hose and seems to have done the trick . Anyone have any suggestions on replacing the carpet ?

13 people found this helpful.
560

I did not know there was acdrain under the carpet. I can't afford to take it out and replace it. I shopped vac the water, what I could get because there is a gap between the carpet and floor and I couldn't get the hose under there as well as I would have liked. I let it air dry , it took a long time. But I have had no water since. I am not happy about this flaw at all. I cannot afford to trade it in and buy another car.

11 people found this helpful.
80

I also have the same problem for the 2014 Nissan Versa it leaves really bad when the drain hole clog up. Bad design

8 people found this helpful.
70

I too am having the same problem on a 2014 Nissan Versa Note. Where exactly r these drains located we need to clean out?

7 people found this helpful.
360

Lisa, under the wipers there is a black plastic grate. Underneath that are drains in the corners that get plugged up. Its practically a trough for water and snow. I have since gotten rid of the car. Hopefully this helps.

11 people found this helpful.
120

A quick fix is to use a metal cloth hanger and straighten it into a metal stick, insert it through one of the holes, use a flash light or your phone's flash light, lift up the black plastic grate with the stick, and just poke it, water will go through that way. To prevent debris, put a plastic bag above the holes that let the water go down, blow the debris out once in a while, so it doesn't get clogged inside. These are makeshift solutions. I am yet to take apart the entire cover to clean it, maybe need to change the cabin air filter as well, if it's been wet.

12 people found this helpful.
60

I have the same problem with my 2017 it’s happened twice now

6 people found this helpful.
140

Bought brand new 2014 Nissan versa note. Had the same problem with the water leaking into the front floorboard passenger side . Took it to the dealership Nissan and they said it was a pipe clogged up so they supposedly clean the pipe they charge me $400 to have this done , well a month later it did it again I took it back and this time talk to the manager which my car was flooded . He said he would make it right so they did the same thing again and they told me it shouldn’t leak anymore . I say about four months later It did again I called the manager and he told me that the pipe is clogging up because I am parking under leaves and that I would have to pay to have it done again so we argued and I just left it!. So ever since then I cover mine with a shower curtain seems to stop the rain from getting in there but the only problem is if you work away from home or you have to be away from home you have to worry about rain ! You don’t go out and buy a brand new car expecting to get water in the floorboard ! I will never purchase another Nissan ! This is a manufacturing defect for Nissans and it’s the customers fault ! None of us should have to worry about water being inside our car because of a stopped up pipe ! No other cars get water inside! It also molds my car on the inside! And that’s a safety hazard ! Also another safety hazard is unless you have took your carpet up onyour side passenger where the water is holding there is all kinds of wires that are getting wet also which can cause a fire! That is my main concern for all you Nissan ones that are having water settling your front passenger footboard ! I think it should be a lawsuit against Nissan for their neglect on recalling this manufacture defect! Hope you all get your problem solved mine still has not solved! Never purchase a Nissan that’s the good news !

14 people found this helpful.
80

Having the same problem with my versa as mentioned time and time again on here. Nissan in Dallas off of I20 said they needed to replace the heater box at the cost of around $3,000. BULLSHIT

8 people found this helpful.
60

Same problem with my 2017 Nissan Versa. It's raining right now. I don't have the tools to take off the windshield wipers at the moment, but I put a tarp over the car for now. I have very little experience with cars and will probably have to ask someone to help me with this.

6 people found this helpful.
110

I had a 2014 Nissan Versa that I bought in 2016. First noticed the water issue where the rubber meets the fabric top driver side near the roof / windshield. Started to hear the same sloshing sound that other people describe either in the floorboards or the door I could never tell. Just in the last 10 months or so after a pouring rain I started to notice it on the floor of the back and now into the seats and the fabric causing it to have a foul odor. I literally traded my car in today for a new SUV was happy to get rid of it never addressed it dealership didn't know the problem back in 2017 surmised it would take several hundred dollars to fix so I never bothered. Would love to join any class action lawsuit that's one of the reasons I got rid of the car ridiculous luckily I didn't have back seat passengers very often.

11 people found this helpful.
60

I had the same problem with my 2014 Versa Note SV passenger side. And yes the drain area was clogged with debris. They unclogged it and no problems since. Now I have a leak in the back where the jack and tools go under the mat. I though it was the seal around the back window and they said no and that it maybe coming in behind the tail light.

6 people found this helpful.
90

I have a 2016 Nissan Versa. Have heard sloshing for awhile. Just discovered passenger side front and back soaking wet. Soaked through 4 towels, then 2 gallons of water with shop vac. Pulled carpet up in front and water was underneath. Single woman. Do not know how to take off windshield wipers. Nissan will RIP me off! I think class action lawsuit is in order.

9 people found this helpful.
30

I have the same problem with my 2012 Versa. Un plugged the passenger side under carriage rubber plug and about a gallon of water came out.

3 people found this helpful.
50

I have the sam3 problem, 2017 versa, 25,000km and carpet was folded on passenger side, front and back. Dried it, took it to the dealer, next day they said they poured water on it, it was ok, just the batter6 was low… Rained again, after I drove car the whole electrical system shot down and after vacuuming the water about, it started smoking inside the car, probably short circuit, fuses blown, etc… will take it to dealer, but warranty is expired 6 mo. ago…. There should be a class action…. anybody knows how to do it?

5 people found this helpful.
40

same problem here, water was pouring down , how can we all contact nissan to check this out

4 people found this helpful.

In my case, the foam seal used between the A/C housing and the "funnel" in the floor turned out to be defective. The seal squeezed out, soaked up water from the A/C, and then the carpet touched the seal, spreading the water further... all over the car floor. I pressed the gasket inside and secured it against coming out again with a band.

We had a 2010 Nissan Versa that turned out to have a badly rotted floorboard on the driver's side (we live in a wintry area). Now, we've just purchased a 2018 Nissan Kicks, which had had custom Weathertech floor floor mats/coverings installed. Will this hopefully prevent such a problem in the future?

90

Same problem with my 2014 Nissan Versa. I had the 'sloshing' sound for years but the dealer never identified the trouble. After a recent week of rains my car became basically undrivable, and I've had to sponge out at least a gallon of water from the backseat. Fixing the clogged drains under the windshield trough was a long, painful job, and I dread having to do it again. I'm in contact with Nissan and if it looks as though there's hope for compensation, I will let you all know.

9 people found this helpful.
10

Nissan Versa ..... lift the hood up, see your water gutter ...make sure its always clean especially if you part your car under trees. If its not clean vacuum out, blow air using a compressor or leaf blower in the area of the end drain holes on both sides. If you have a steep street or driveway park the car facing down slope which helps prevent water coming into the car in heavy rains. Also make sure your gutters around the trunk area are clean.

1 people found this helpful.
40

The same issue with my 2013 Nissan Versa. 2013 bought with 61,000 mileages. Since last year Dec 2021 started, flooded in the front of the passenger side and the trunk carpet (left side). Now Dec 2022, it was flooded in the same places after rain. Does anyone have the YouTube link on how to drain water out? I would appreciate it. Also, I will call contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 for a complaint.

4 people found this helpful.
20

Likely the windshield gutter drains are blocked. Follow this to remove cowl, then push debris through the drain holes, clean things up, and put it all back. Problem solved and not too difficult. The hassle is drying out the floor after it already overflowed into the car! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTxAKalZUeI Remove passenger seat, lower seatbelt mount bolt, and trim pieces along the bottom of the door openings. Pop open the cable holders to free the carpet, remove the styrofoam floor pieces, and get all the water out. Prop up the carpet so it can air dry for a few days, then put it all back together.

2 people found this helpful.

the same is happening to my versa note. I'm wondering if this is something I can fix myself or if I need to take it in.

10

Get a busy signal when I call NHTSA abt this problem. Apparently this is a flaw in the Nissan design and calls for a technical bulletin. Local dealer denies that there is one. Who's looking out for the consumer?

1 people found this helpful.
800

Ugggh. It flooded again. We bought a 2018 Nissan Versa Sedan that flooded three years ago with water inside on the passenger's side. So it took three years, but it flooded again. Water all over the inside. Class action lawsuit, let's all sue the hell out of Nissan!!

Finally figured out where the water was coming from!! If you've read this thread, you know about the water trough beneath the windshield that has two drain holes, one on each side. To reveal the trough, you remove the windshield wipers, pop the 5 grommets out, and slide the shield/cover out of the way. I did this and going the drain holes were NOT plugged. What I didn't notice the first time was... that there was a very thin vertical crack in the corner of the trough! Very easy to miss! In fact, it's not even a crack but rather a gap that Nissan filled with a glue of some sort. You will see it in BOTH corners of the trough. Very, very poor design! Well, in my case, the driver's side gap "cracked" (the glue separated), which was allowing water to flow down into the driver's side footwell and on back to the rear footwell, soaking everything. See pic. If you want to re-seal that gap/crack, you'll notice that the windshield wiper assembly is in the way. Easy peasy. Remove the 3 bolts and move it out of the way. Use some silicone sealant (generously) on the gap/crack (I applied two coats). Do both corners of the trough so you don't suffer the same problem again! Oh, one other thing - I did add a 3"×7.5" piece of plastic over the air intake vent in that trough area (per one of the earlier posters in this thread) using the same silicone sealant. I left about 1.5" open at the top to allow air to flow. This vent, too, is a very poor design as heavy water flow could easily splash over the 0.75" lip and flow into the cabin. I bought a $7 Tupperware container and cut up the lid for the fix. I really hope this helps someone out!

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