Rear Hatch Wiper Leak / Liftgate Seal
Rear hatch wiper motor seal fails and dumps water into the cargo area headliner. Replace the seal kit or upgrade to an aftermarket plug if you don't need the wiper.
The rear hatch wiper motor mounts through the liftgate sheet metal with a rubber seal. As the seal deteriorates, water enters during car washes and rain, dripping into the cargo area and rotting the headliner felt and inner liftgate trim. Diagnose by spraying the wiper area with a hose while a helper watches from inside with a flashlight. Two fixes: 1) Disassemble the wiper motor (Mopar 55154944) and replace the seal kit with a new rubber grommet and seal; or 2) if you have eliminated the rear wiper, install a rubber plug or aftermarket delete cap. Also inspect the liftgate weatherstrip - flatten foam and torn rubber here lets water past at the upper corners. Liftgate hinges sag with age, dropping the door so it no longer seats fully against the upper seal; shim or adjust the hinges (loosen four bolts at the roof, lift the gate flush, retighten).
Why it works
- Prevents headliner rot and cargo rust
Trade-offs
- Source is sometimes the gas-strut holes too
Tools required
- Phillips screwdriver
- panel pry tool
- garden hose
Parts
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Rear wiper motor seal kit | Mopar | ~$25 |
| Liftgate weatherstrip | Mopar | ~$90 |
Sources
Related
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. How we source guides. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.