2018 Ford Water Sloshing Sound from rear

[Ugaman72]

Hello all, I have a 2018 Explorer XLT. I’m hearing a water sloshing sound when I go around corners that seems to be coming from the rear. It has no sunroof and I’ve move the doors and liftgate with no water to be found. The tire well in the back is dry as well. Does anyone have any ideas on where this water could be trapped? Thanks in advance!

 

[fosterzcj]

How long have you had this vehicle? All the newer ford's I own have a sloshing noise from the fuel tank between just under full ti three quarters full thay is heard at stops and turns.

 

[Ugaman72]

I’ve had it a long time. The only time I hear it is after a long rain. It’s been raining here all week.

 

[peterk9]

Hello all, I have a 2018 Explorer XLT. I’m hearing a water sloshing sound when I go around corners that seems to be coming from the rear. It has no sunroof and I’ve move the doors and liftgate with no water to be found. The tire well in the back is dry as well. Does anyone have any ideas on where this water could be trapped? Thanks in advance!

Your profile shows a 2008 XLT.
Have you had someone sitting in the back to see if they can identify where the sound is coming from?

Peter

 

[fosterzcj]

Well in that case you sure do have water pooling somewhere. As Peter said I'd have someone sit in the back after a rain and see if they can pinpoint the area. My bet is either the trunk door itself or inside the right rear quarter panel area.

 

[Ugaman72]

Is there a drain plug underneath these rear quarter panels?

 

[Barry Trobaugh]

Have you checked the area for the spare-tire?

 

[peterk9]

Have you checked the area for the spare-tire?

Yes, it was checked and mentioned in the OP's initial post.

Peter

 

[Ugaman72]

Yes. No water in wheel well. It’s definitely coming from the back and not from the lift gate. It’s really weird.

 

[peterk9]

Yes. No water in wheel well. It’s definitely coming from the back and not from the lift gate. It’s really weird.

On the 2018 Explorer, I believe the fuel tank is still in the back. I don't know what else is back there, not already mentioned, that would retain water.
Could it possibly be the high-mounted brake light or the taillights?

Peter

 

[fosterzcj]

Is it a heavy sloshing like when the tank is mostly full or does it sound like a trickle of water in small volumes?

 

[kennyrkun]

I have a very similar issue. After long rains I always have to open the lift gate and remove the plugs at the bottom, then raise and lower it to drain the water out. I have no idea how it gets in there. Like everyone else has said, there should be nowhere else that water can accumulate with enough volume to hear sloshing in the rear of the vehicle.

Have you checked the spare tire compartment underneath the 3rd row? You might be able to pinpoint the location more easily if you open the liftgate and the push up and down on the rear bumper while the vehicle is parked.

 

[Odrapnew]

As @kennyrkun mentioned, check the tailgate.

Not sure if it's the case with the Explorer, but possibly an issue with condensation draining from rear A/C.
Check to see that you are getting water/condensation drips when you have the rear ac running. Best to check it after driving a while.

I know my wife's old CX9 had a drain for the rear A/C right under the middle of the car. The drain hose got clogged and you could hear sloshing. I bet a gallon of water drained out after I blew out the clog.

 

[peterk9]

I have a very similar issue. After long rains I always have to open the lift gate and remove the plugs at the bottom, then raise and lower it to drain the water out. I have no idea how it gets in there. Like everyone else has said, there should be nowhere else that water can accumulate with enough volume to hear sloshing in the rear of the vehicle.

Have you checked the spare tire compartment underneath the 3rd row? You might be able to pinpoint the location more easily if you open the liftgate and the push up and down on the rear bumper while the vehicle is parked.

That question has been asked before and the member mentioned in his initial post that the spare tire well was dry. No water found in the lifegate either.

Peter