Back hatch taking on water when it rains

Does anybody have any idea how to resolve a problem with the back hatch taking on a lot of water when it rains. When you open the hatch up after it rained water comes out of the latch. Significant amount of water. Is the car designed to do that after it rains if the seals around the rear window become tired? The car is 20 years old and hasn't had those seals replaced. Maybe that's the solution anybody have any ideas?

 

2 things to do, 1st replace the bottom outside glass weather stripping, it very easy to replace, that piece is not suppose to keep all water out or the window wouldn't be able to move correctly if it was any tighter, it at best keeps most water out when in good condition and also bugs, leaves, etc.
2nd thing to do is remove the inside cover/trim on the lift gate, behind it is a piece of plastic/vapor barrier that's glued to the lift gate, peel it back so you can get inside and clean/vacuum out all and any debris inside the lift gate, then clean the drain plugs at the bottom of the lift gate, they are the little plastic inserts in the bottom of the lift gate, you will see them when you open the gate, these are your biggest issue, they have become clogged with debris and not allowing what water does get passed the weather stripping to drain out which is why you have water splashing around when you open the hatch, they need to be cleaned until water will drain out through them, they have small holes in them so they help keep bugs out otherwise you could just not reinstall when you remove them to clean them.

Once you get that done restick the plastic/vapor barrier and reinstall the trim.

 

Yep I had same issue during monsoon season in Az. Replaced bottom rear window seal and drain plugs in bottom of tailgate. Problem solved. Super easy