1" rectangular hole behind rear license plate leaks water, leaving a dirty water trail after a car wash. I covered the hole by attaching a piece of clear plastic with silicone. Dealership does not know what hole is for. The cover stopped the leak but water is collecting behind it.
elbbirp444
2021 HighlanderRectangular hole behind rear license plate
I have no idea why that hole exists behind the license plate- but I use a silicone license plate frame and I've never had an issue.
The main reason why I went with a silicone license plate frame was because I wanted to prevent the metal license plate from scratching the paint on the tailgate- which has happened on pretty much all cars that I've owned. It also seems to create a decent seal between the plate and the tailgate- which prevents vibration and might solve your water intrusion problem- or at least prevent more water from getting in.
I take it off every few months to clean behind the plate- and it seems like the frame is serving its intended purpose.
Who knows- maybe that hole is supposed to provide a vent or way for moisture to escape from the inner tailgate?
The main reason why I went with a silicone license plate frame was because I wanted to prevent the metal license plate from scratching the paint on the tailgate- which has happened on pretty much all cars that I've owned. It also seems to create a decent seal between the plate and the tailgate- which prevents vibration and might solve your water intrusion problem- or at least prevent more water from getting in.
I take it off every few months to clean behind the plate- and it seems like the frame is serving its intended purpose.
Who knows- maybe that hole is supposed to provide a vent or way for moisture to escape from the inner tailgate?
1st world problems.
The water needs to escape. Unfortunately it leaves a water trail after just washing. Take compressed air to blow out water from crevices, like the car wash places do. Very little residual water will show-up.
The tail gate, like the doors, will have drains holes at the lowest point so water trapped inside these door cavities will escape. Water that can't escape will result in bad things.
I bet thar 1" hole behind the license plate acts as a vent, so water will always be allowed to freely escape from the tailgate. The doors have a giant moving window that allows for plenty of air movement, to help trapped water escape.
The water needs to escape. Unfortunately it leaves a water trail after just washing. Take compressed air to blow out water from crevices, like the car wash places do. Very little residual water will show-up.
The tail gate, like the doors, will have drains holes at the lowest point so water trapped inside these door cavities will escape. Water that can't escape will result in bad things.
I bet thar 1" hole behind the license plate acts as a vent, so water will always be allowed to freely escape from the tailgate. The doors have a giant moving window that allows for plenty of air movement, to help trapped water escape.
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