Water In The Floor! The What, Why, & How Behind This Phenomenon In Your Subaru!

[@Tin_bAnger]

Thank you for your continued and education videos. As a first time Subaru owner (2016' Crosstrek, Premium) your efforts have been golden and valued in making sure I learn and maintain my vehicle. Again, Thank you for the videos. I learned from this video, checked my cab filter and replaced it as it was very crusty with plant seeds.

[@toddjacobsen9184]

Great solution. Worked like a charm. Thank you for taking the time to publish this.

[@Darthvolvo]

Can't wait for that video regarding the evap core. Mine has had a funky odor that I can't get rid off.

[@michaelhanna2104]

Did he come out with it?

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

Under your driver seat, is a small vent designed to blow on the rear passenger's feet. I literally just came back inside from modding mine: I had an old vaccum cleaner hose, maybe 1.5inch diameter. I threaded the hose through the 40/60 fold of the front seat (lowest, furthest rearward point of the bench of the seat), and curved the hose under the seat and taped it around the vent. Now, when I turn the AC on, my back will be blasted with nice cold air, making the AC more effective at cooling me down. 👍 Cleveland's BS 90deg/90% humidity is less of an issue now. Helps to have a seat cover like I do, where no one will see it. Or, you could care more about function than fashion. 🤓

[@billwilliams2769]

Yes! Keen for the next video! My SG has that funky AC smell

[@nigozeroichi2501]

Awesome! Bought my 2011 forester used and the cabin filter was nearly plugged and had a huge pile of pine needles on it, mine drains fine for now but it will be nice to make sure, it's nice that subaru put the drain hose where you can get at it unlike my nieces Honda accord, center console has to come out not to mention the computer is right under the evaporator box it overflowed and destroyed the computer. It's great Subaru has a procedure that doesn't require pulling it apart🥳

[@michaelmeyer5048]

The accessibility is great and I've needed it on my wife's Outback as it's clogged 3 times now. The Accord location hasn't been a problem for me however because my 2009 Accord has never had this problem.

[@cigarsgunsanddiesel8032]

I use the Toyota A/C service kit once a year after summer... goes in through the drain... works great & keeps the drain clear!

[@TheKomobi]

Great video! This was the exact problem with mine but I was now prepared for the Niagara Falls! Saved me a trip to the mechanic and God knows much $$

[@hernanandresprovostevenega3865]

thank you for you men, you saved me the day with my Forester 2014

[@RandyHoke]

Thank you! Fixed my issue with a long zip tie in 30 seconds thanks to you!

[@ralphtheisen6174]

This is a great video. Thank you. You are definitely a plus to Subaru.

[@andrewzhang5457]

My 2020 STI had the same issue this summer, and the vehicle is only 18 months old. Hell yeah!

[@beintheflowful1]

Subscribed and Hit the like ❤ Bro you just saved me an 89.00 diagnostic fee and whatever they would have charged me to fix the clog!!! This video was tremendous!! Team Subaru to the rescue!! 💪

[@nowiecoche]

Oh I’m excited for the upcoming video!

[@bbodan5393]

Looking forward to how to clean the box out. It was very neglected and I think this will be a huge improvement over the current weak airflow. I liked the do-it-yourself tool. Gotta think out of the box sometimes.

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thank you Sir. I'll be waiting.

[@dennisjanwolterding384]

Great report! Iook forward to your next video on this.

[@555AWD]

If this doesn't fix your issue, the second place you would want to check is under the windshield wiper cover. From my SH Forester I literally collected a bag of dirt that was blocking the drains and I had water in the same spot that was dripping through the filter after a wash or heavy rain because water could not be drained fast enough. Great video btw! Learned a ton of new stuff during all these years about Subarus.

[@jaeabel9186]

Yes!! On both fronts, video and your addition…That can definitely put water through the ventilation pathway. The plastic cowl cover is asymmetrical with grill on one side and solid on the other-solid part covering the great big vent port thru the cowl to the passenger compartment-shields that port from most (vertical) rainfall, snow, etc. However, the right (wrong) angle on the car wash or hose can put water into that opening, too. The tell-tale symptom I experienced is the drips were coming from the entire carpet line instead of just the corner by the AC drain corner where that overflow concentrates. The plastic cover under the fan acts as a bit of a sump but with no drain and a limited capacity. With the sloshing momentum, it will overflow along most of its forward edge during stops. Same drill to clean it out and dry things out. While you’re at it, the cabin air filter has likely been fouled by that much water and funk- time to replace it. And if you break the plastic clips removing the cowl cover for the clean out, plenty of online sources. I also repaired the fabric insulation layer on the forward side of the cowl cover by spritzing the tears with rubberized undercoat spray…which works on the hood insulation, too.

[@MsGundbear]

I still remembered the spider which built a web in the AC drain and then one day I realized the floor is wet whenever i turned on AC (it never happens in wintertime). Not related but dah dah, it literally clogged and only allowed a small drop of water every like half hour... When i cleaned it up, it has about 8 eggs in it...then this repeated again two years after the initial clean up.

[@kidwelldavid6136]

I’ll be waiting on that video. Thanks

[@maddietodd2277]

Dude you’re my hero. Thanks so saving me money.

[@richardcutshaw4801]

Had this problem the second summer after buying a new crosstrek. Turns out it was a drain somewhere that subaru knew would clog, they replaced the drain and it has never happened again. It was recalled when I got it fixed.

[@saenthepsouvanh8096]

Thank you for the vedio, I fixed my 2016 legacy with this problem by watching your vedio. Ty

[@michaelbrennan7148]

Thank you. Working up the courage to roll my Carolina squwat on the New York State Thruway.!! (Low/high county combo) Stay cool. Maybe snow in Dec for Carolina

[@ikariku]

I don't know why my 2000 Legacy has the evap pipes routed by the air filter compartment of the Cabin. I can't install the filters in his place. Luckily the HVAC box isn't clogged yet...

[@jamesgossens6853]

I JUST had this exact issue in my 2019 Outback. Like a few weeks ago. They held onto the car for almost a week until everything dried out. Could you please show a picture of where the exact location of that drain hole is? If I can take care of it myself, Life gets easier.

[@marshallsayre58]

Hi Mr. SUBARU. I bought a forrestor Jan2024, I noticed the pasngrs side carpet appeard wet but wasn't unsure till wife noticed..I haven't replaced cabin filter yet. Wife noticed dripng underneath this am..will take a look at that tubing & see how accessible it is.

[@brucecooley4170]

Nice video! For drying carpet if you have more than a little bit, a pet/ dog heated blower dryer works really well. They are canister design with a generous hose you can point at the wet area, glorified hair dryer, but way more effective. Cost is under $100. I have several BMWs that have had water leaks, I stumbled on this idea recently.

[@chris1le]

A shop vac works even better. It can suck up most of the water rather quickly.

[@eggyernestopavia4349]

I am actually having the same problem, but on the driver side. Any helpful information will be appreciated. thank you 🙂

[@joelgaspard6704]

Did you get this issue sorted. I'm having water on driver side as well, now that it's raining

[@jackiedecoma4637]

I am also having the same problem as you two. Let me know if you find the problem.

[@egorshetik6601]

​@@jackiedecoma4637Hi,Have you solved this problem?

[@johnwhite3218]

I have the same issue, Any insight @MrSubaru1387

[@kilakuz90]

I also have the same issue

[@idris09]

You are the man! Thanks. Saved me a bunch of $$$!!

[@Christosan88]

I just pulled both evap cores on a 97 outback and 02 wrx. Both had organics in the evap core. If you clean everything in your car and have a musty smell its the shit trapped on the evap core.

[@SweatLaserXP]

I had that issue a few years ago- passenger side floor was soaking wet. Happened several times randomly. Then it went away. Water was coming out of that same spot, below left side of glove box.

[@isaac3055]

PLEASE upload that video soon! samde issue here on my 05 impreza.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Filmed it this afternoon. 👍🏻

[@timbrown9731]

How funny I just actually cleaned my legacy last week, the Evap core, least on the fifth GEN legacies you can stick your hand up there and pull the drain tube off the unit and then I bought some stuff off Amazon called nextzett Kilmer cleaner pro it’s made in Germany so some of the translations to English are a little off but man this stuff works awesome and it comes with a super super long white adjustable nozzle that you can jam up there to get the core clean. Wasn’t much on Amazon I can’t remember I’ll have to look Robert I’ll send a picture of it to you on your Instagram.

[@Christosan88]

The subi flush kit is a bandaid for 20+ year old subaru. The real solution is to remove and clean the evap core and box. Maybe once a year on a new car using the evap cleaner foam as a preventative mx

[@jasonpursley3206]

Link to the fore mentioned evaporator core clean out video? Thanks for the information!!

[@billmolash6589]

Can’t wait.

[@micheljalbert6106]

Tks for this video, have you done the following video on how to clean the evap? Tks

[@kevin_s_03_]

I have a 14 forester so little different area but where the hose is, is the same in the corner just my box connection is on left side pulled off the hose and shoved a old jump rope cord through it and low and behold a gallon of water spilling quickly put the hose back on and Niagara Falls under my car

[@markbrausch346]

I have a 2015 outback that drips water like the ac is on but does it with ac off floor is dry does not overheat but antifreeze just barely below full appreciate your videos

[@lisahummel7795]

Awesome video! You saved me $400 Thank you

[@coreycrouse3007]

Same issue for me then the fan motor stopped working , fuses and relay are good . Did that water short something out

[@ChengSAE]

My problem on my 09wrx is that the vents don’t feel as strong. Replaced blower and filter. Same feel.

[@julianlackna9953]

Good day I have 2010 impreza and water coming from the evaporator pipe where there is a sponge. trying to find out how to solve it

[@gregriutzel7834]

Ugh, Subaru's fresh air inlet, at least on the2018/2019 Outback, is not the best idea. The Vee shape, for hiding the wipers, constantly fills up with "vegetation" debris. In winter even with a clean inlet grille, freezing rain/snow will also buildup into an ice block that encapsulates the wipers. Took almost an hour to safely melt the ice. Thank you for the video!

[@firemarshaldil]

That's exactly what's happening with my car ATM, and I located the hose, but I'm afraid to take it off, I can't tell exactly what's holding it in place. I was hoping you'd show how you took the hose off?

[@charlesminehart]

Would this also explain the same issue on the driver side? I have a wet floor in a 2014 forester

[@JamesRichards0n]

This happened to me after my mechnic replaced my evaporator for big bucks!. Maybe I should have just cleaned the evaporator myself and then replaced the cabin air filter!

[@davidpowell3347]

Wet pickup vacuum cleaners work wonders.

[@allenclark338]

If enough condensation builds up due to the drain being plugged. Can the water get to the blower motor and cause it to fail?

[@afshar6861]

Hello sir I did tried so many times to change my subaru legacy outback 1999 to change the air cabin air filter. Seem like there is no cabin air filter on Subaru legacy outback 1999

[@chris1le]

In the rainy season wet floors can happen due to plugged sunroof drains.

[@jaeabel9186]

Yep. Often see that in the headliner first then progressing.

[@Chris05STi1982]

Can you do a video how to get a 2002 WRX or the procedure to get the emissions readiness monitors ready?? Tried driving 55mph for 3-5 mins,decel, even cold start up with AC and rear defroster turned on for 3 mins. O2 sensor, evap, and cat still won’t show ready all others are good to go. No CEL either

[@BryanW0765]

Unrelated to the a/c….2016 Outback Premium. Popped off the windshield cowl to troubleshoot a weak washer nozzle issue and noticed that the fluid draining out of/off of the cowl just drains into the engine compartment and down inside the engine compartment. Is this normal, or is there a dedicated channel or something that is supposed to take this out through the wheel well or something? Thanks for all of your EXTREMELY helpful content!

[@Genetk44]

Any tip on how to get the hose off the evap box? Mine seems to be super stuck on the evap box nipple and I'm afraid I might tear the hose or break the box nipple.

[@platodimitriadis7808]

My god, for my 2018 Subaru Impreza hatchback base model a hubcap goes for 90 bucks at dealership EACH. Not for a set of 4. I remember the days where you can buy hubcaps for 5-10 bucks at Hubcap Annies. People used to find hubcaps and sell them to Annies and she would resell them near her hot dog stand. Where are the good old days. Come on 90 bucks for a hubcap. Can you offer me suggestion on an alternative that would be cheaper? Or direct me to something less expensive

[@jp2246]

Good stuff!

[@tyranosurasmax]

How wet can someone reasonably expect the floor to get from this issue? I am trying to figure out why my passenger front seat floor beacome soaked like a sponge and a whole roll of papertowels sitting on top of it managed to also soak up a ton. In other words, theres a ton of liquid getting in somewhere. I have also noticed what i can only describe as what sounds like "digital water hitting something hot" in my glovebox sometimes. It sounds like splashes of water hitting something hot but, like it is 8-bit if that makes sense. I've checked the roof drains and they're fine. This happened durring a few days of light rain and it was incredibly humid. I also tend to keep my ac set to auto and on the lowest setting all the time. it's a 2019 wrx

[@tyranosurasmax]

in other words, could this possibly produce a gallon or so?

[@bigdaddy2012gt]

Hey,do you know how to change the transmission speed sensor on the 05 outback 3.0r

[@DavidCollins7901]

Thank you for the video. This reminded me to change my cabin air filter. I went to change my engine air filter as well and I noticed a big wire mesh that but it up against my air filter it almost looks like a built-in filter is it supposed to be serviced? If so how often and how it looks like it’s attached to the plastic housing

[@DavidCollins7901]

Also I’m curious does it need to be there what to do?

[@vanhoyyy]

Does the tube come off the evap box in any specific way? Or is it just a slide on and off?

[@leonorawidd7887]

Thank you❤

[@leka_the_prophet]

Love learning from your video's. Question for you. Is there any way to improve the Subaru's AC performance? I've had 3 EJ based wrx/sti's and every single one of them have weaker AC systems vs other makes. They blow cold and cycle on and off enough to where you notice the air isn't as cold for 5 seconds at a time (when it cycles off). Just curious if we can insulate the lines or do something to help the system perform better? Not sure why Subaru's AC is always much less impressive than say our Ford SUVs.

[@niuhuskieguy]

My 2007 Legacy definitely struggled during the heat of the day and the 2011 I had was better, but didn't produce super cool air. My 2016 and 2019 worked very well, just took a few minutes longer than I'd like for it to get really cool.

[@TheCharacter97]

My A/C performs better when driving. If I sit in traffic, the A/C gets so weak is barely blows cold air. My mechanic just said Subaru A/C compressors are usually weak and mine even weaker so either I replace the compressor or deal with it.

[@leka_the_prophet]

@@TheCharacter97 Can we replace the compressor with a 'better' one? I really wish we could do something besides 'go buy a different car'.

[@TheCharacter97]

@@leka_the_prophet Yes, I believe you can change the compressor for a better one. Subaru AC compressor have for the most part, always been weak. The newer versions like the 2021 OB has a very good compressor, however, its not my car so besides seeing it practically brand new, I cannot say if the compressor has already slowed down or if its still pushing out cold air. Time will tell. To answer your question though, I believe you can just change the compressor for a better one. I havent looked into it too much because I live up north and dont use my cars AC enough for it to bother me. You could have failed orings too.. Subaru AC compressor generally dont fail, they just are lazy. My wifes AC in her Hyundai, I sometimes put it off because its so cold on speed 1.. my Subaru needs speed 3 and to run the whole time if I want to have a decent amount of cold air...

[@leka_the_prophet]

@@TheCharacter97 Yeah that last bit is my experience with Subaru's AC system as a whole. I even reached out to Mr Subaru and his answer was basically questioning if someone was wrong with my cars. Obviously my 20 sti AC is better than my 13 sti or my 03 wrx. But from my point of view the design never really changed over the years and comparing our 20+ year old Ford AC to my new Subaru AC its no contest. The Ford blow colder, faster, longer, to the point I have to turn it down because I'm too cold. LoL. I just give up.

[@bassackwards0193847]

Does a 2002 Outback have a cabin air filter ? i dont know .

[@robertwessel6409]

The 2001 does have.

[@ZzWeAreVenomzZ]

Omg this exact thing is happening with my 09 Legacy GT was told most the Time possible Heater core 😒😩 hopefully not wishful thinking

[@kentoliver265]

Very informative. What about water on drivers side? Same issue?

[@joelgaspard6704]

Did you get this sorted. I have water driver side

[@jaeabel9186]

Check to make sure your cowl cover/cowl is clear of debris and draining properly. If not, water can enter via the ventilation portal if it backs up enough. From there, lots of pathways to distribute the seeps under the dash.

[@namarupa5425]

Does this apply to the heater in the winter as well?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Meaning coolant in the floor? Your heater core has burst or is leaking in that case.

[@namarupa5425]

@@MrSubaru1387 floorboard is soaking in water. It’s winter and I live in nor cal. Seemed to have began with the change in temperature.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@namarupa5425 could be the same. Plugged drain. Could be sunroof drain if equipped

[@namarupa5425]

@@MrSubaru1387 thank you. I appreciate that.

[@TheCharacter97]

I have a 2010 OB 6spd with 175 000 miles. Is it worth investing in my OB considering I need : -rear shock absorbers -front rotors and calipers -complete new brake line -timing belt -new clutch (and pilots bearings etc.) I love my OB but i have over 4000$ CAD worth in investment in order for me to be able to enjoy my OB more. I wonder what I should do and what somebody else would do in my situation. Should I let my beloved OB go or invest? It does burn oil but I just change it every 3000 miles and add ~1 pint to 1.5 pints of oil during that time. Thanks to anyone who helps. Edit. I may sound extreme with 4000$ CAD but with all the rust, I dont even want to bother doing any of those repairs. I also have a very trustworthy mechanic so I will gladly give him my money since he is so good and honest. I tried 2 other mechanics to compare and non of the two have ever gotten a call back from me or anybody else I know. My first, the best around here.

[@trentofdestiny]

The reason for a wet floor is, in a word, spiders. Also cars that park under trees get clogged evap drains and sunroof drains a lot more often.

[@ballayconteh7548]

Thank you so much

[@thomas735]

Hey a bit off topic, I need new tires on my crosstrek. Was thinking about getting some Falken Wildpeak A/T tires. Are there any downsides besides a little worse mpg?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Honestly couldn't tell ya. All I run are Michelins.

[@thomas735]

@@MrSubaru1387 thanks, those seem to be good? I got uniroyal now, thought Yokohama that they came with were pretty good

[@thomas735]

@@openphoto thanks I’ll keep it in mind!

[@TommiHonkonen]

my forester has water on the floor sometimes after rainy weather and i figure the problem is somewhere else.

[@jaeabel9186]

Check cowl/cowl cover to make sure it is draining properly, or water VHP could be backing up into ventilation. See my detailed reply to another who noted that, above for more. Also check sun/moon roof “tray” drains. My Legacy seems to have 3; many have 4.

[@theitchyoutube]

next video about car air conditioner cleaner?😁

[@BestoneKnoxville]

Thank y

[@NordicSnowhammer]

Just bought a 24 Forester. Less than 3000 miles on it. My passenger side is literally flooded.

[@abec5241]

Hi MrSubaru1387. My girl recently bought a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek from the Subaru dealership. She noticed there was a leak on the driver's side, close to where her left foot rests on a rubber or plastic platform. The leak happened when it was raining kinda hard. She informed the Subaru dealership and they took a look at the problem. The Subaru folks told her to take the car to the windshield people. The windshield people examined / assessed the windshield and told her the windshield was fully sealed / fine. What do you think might be the problem. Any guidance you can provide will be greatly appreciated because my girl and I are worried that this leak could lead to electrical damage. Thanks brother.

[@joelgaspard6704]

Did you get this problem sorted? I'm having a similar issue now that it's raining

[@abec5241]

@@joelgaspard6704Hi. In short, I think what happened is that the windshield was not sealed properly which caused the leak. Fortunately, the leak has stopped. I hope you find the solution.

[@jaeabel9186]

Other potentials to check…is the cowl area draining properly? If it has sun/moon roof, are the drains for the “tray” draining well? I made a detailed reply on the cowl situation early on in this comment line to another who shared that.

[@marcel6773]

Thank you a lot! Likeeee

[@jeromegaces6184]

Please dont spray perfume or cologne or scented oils into the air conditioning intake ducts as these could accumulate and form a gel-like sludge into your evaporator and could clog your drain. Although we encountered this issue in Window-type air conditioners but both home and automotive air conditioners work in the same principle

[@Ķųțťþ]

Mine happens when it is very rainy outside

[@Lucas-nz8em]

Good thing these aren’t German cars. A little water in the floorboard is a quick way to a salvage title in the euro world.

[@mikeoxlong91111]

Go figure I'd see this video right after my cooler leaked all over the back of my gfs forester

[@christopherdalley411]

Never had a vehicle clog like this in 45 years. Weird

[@robertshunter]

Imagine being one of the pedants worried about the pants he's wearing... 🙄

[@dannyplanck6498]

I'm glad he's wearing pants

[@CharlesSnyder]

I get water on my driver's floor when it rains...

[@cigarsgunsanddiesel8032]

Probably a sun roof drain clogged if you have a sun roof...

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

😂LOL, is it from your shoes?

[@AndrewJohnson-dn2gt]

My 2014 Outback had a similar leak but it wasn’t the A/C. It appeared to be leaking through the lower windshield cover. I did the solution in this video… kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJjLgneabruFnKs