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2016 impala lt water in trunk

12236 Views 15 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  1999 White C5 Coupe
I bought a 2016 Impala Lt 2 weeks ago. 3 days later I noticed water in the spare tire compartment. So I googled it & found this site. I called the dealer asked them about this. They said there was a bulletin from GM on the 2014 only. But they would look at the car & see if they could find anything. Just got it back Friday & they said they ran water over car for 45 minutes & could not duplicate the problem. It rained again this weekend. Lo & behold, I have water in the trunk again. Now they want me to take it to a body shop & see if they can find the problem. Any suggestions on how I should handle this. Thanks.
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Same problem With our 2016 Impala. Noticed musty smell, 2 inches if stagnant water In trunk wheel well.
Same problem With our 2016 Impala. Noticed musty smell, 2 inches if stagnant water In trunk wheel well.

This repair applies to your model: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2014/SB-10092869-0335.pdf

Please note that it is not a recall, but rather instructions on how to fix the leaking gaskets.
same issue. Dealer charged $120 to tell me that the trunk gasket and taillight gaskets were defective. Also mentioned that gm made an upgrade tail light gasket. I changed both of tail light gaskets and problem was fixed.
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Have a 2016 Impala LS, right rear tail lamp assembly is leaking, have water in the spare wheel compt. I have removed the 2 plastic cargo net holders, removed the clip on the trunk trim and pulled out of the way, Removed the 4 5/16" nuts holding assembly in place, disconnected lamp wiring. But cannot get the lamp assembly to come out. Almost as if the bumper is preventing it from coming out. Really don't want to take it to a dealer since $$ is tight. Am I missing something? Need to get this fixed with all the rain we are getting here in Western WA!!! Thanks
Have a 2016 Impala LS, right rear tail lamp assembly is leaking, have water in the spare wheel compt. I have removed the 2 plastic cargo net holders, removed the clip on the trunk trim and pulled out of the way, Removed the 4 5/16" nuts holding assembly in place, disconnected lamp wiring. But cannot get the lamp assembly to come out. Almost as if the bumper is preventing it from coming out. Really don't want to take it to a dealer since $$ is tight. Am I missing something? Need to get this fixed with all the rain we are getting here in Western WA!!! Thanks


The left and right side of the rear bumper fascia must be loosened and partially removed, to remove the tail lamps.

Since you’re only doing the right side, only the right side of the fascia must be loosened.

There is one metal screw inside the rear wheel well (8 mm?) that must be removed, then several plastic fasteners. The fascia can then be pulled away from the body (there are plastic tabs on the fascia).

Once the side of the fascia is unsnapped, starting to go around to the back - the tail lamp assembly can be removed and the new gasket installed.

There are several YouTube videos on how to partially remove the rear fascia. It is very easy, with basic skills and tools.

Also review the TSB above (for the 2014 - which applies to your model also) for gasket replacement.

While you’re doing the right side, I’d recommend doing the left. If the right is leaking, the left can’t be far behind.
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Have a 2016 Impala LS, right rear tail lamp assembly is leaking, have water in the spare wheel compt. I have removed the 2 plastic cargo net holders, removed the clip on the trunk trim and pulled out of the way, Removed the 4 5/16" nuts holding assembly in place, disconnected lamp wiring. But cannot get the lamp assembly to come out. Almost as if the bumper is preventing it from coming out. Really don't want to take it to a dealer since $$ is tight. Am I missing something? Need to get this fixed with all the rain we are getting here in Western WA!!! Thanks

Was post #9 helpful?
Was post #9 helpful?
Yes it does help as I finally have a dry day to replace it. Appreciate it!
Yes it does help as I finally have a dry day to replace it. Appreciate it!


Good luck - the removal of the sides of the bumper fascia are not hard - but sometimes seem like they are stuck when you begin to pull them away from the rear quarter panels.
Good luck - the removal of the sides of the bumper fascia are not hard - but sometimes seem like they are stuck when you begin to pull them away from the rear quarter panels.
Also found 3 torx screws holding the bottom of tail light assy to the bumper fascia, what a pain! But got it done now to get some damp rid and try to get any moisture out of the liner and the musty smell. Again Thanks Oh and it was 6mm bolt but no problem!
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Just for the record, our 2016 Impala also has this problem. I will try to replace the taillight gaskets as recommended. Thank you.
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Greetings - I was so excited to purchase my 2019 Chevy Impala two months ago, only to learn that today I have all this water in the spare tire compartment. I was actually in the trunk area trying to locate the antenna for the keyless entry exterior door handle that stop working last week. I can only unlock door using the key fob. Now, I learned about the standing water.

I removed the water and dried the area. If my car is certified pre-owned will this be covered by GM? Should I consider taking to the dealer or independent mechanic?

Multiple issues in play....
Greetings - I was so excited to purchase my 2019 Chevy Impala two months ago, only to learn that today I have all this water in the spare tire compartment. I was actually in the trunk area trying to locate the antenna for the keyless entry exterior door handle that stop working last week. I can only unlock door using the key fob. Now, I learned about the standing water.

I removed the water and dried the area. If my car is certified pre-owned will this be covered by GM? Should I consider taking to the dealer or independent mechanic?

Multiple issues in play....


Did you receive a warranty when you purchased the vehicle? If so, read the warranty details on how to have it fixed.
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