V70 XC70 2003 Puddling under right rear psngr seat

[xacerb8]

Hello to all:
Last July, I started noticing a strong smell of mold in my car. I tried to ignore it. But while trying to fix an unrelated problem (jamming seat belt buckle), my Uncle showed me how to lift up the rear seat, section by section, revealing five years worth of accumulated goldfish and gummy bears. And, a forest of white fuzzy mold and a puddle under the right, rear passenger seat.

At first, I chalked the water up to my daughter spilling her water bottle. I dried up the puddle and let the seat air out. But a few weeks later, the smell came back. I lifted up the seat to find over an inch of standing water.

I googled. Of course. And found a bunch of posts about clogged sunroof drains.

Back story: Newly divorced, I can't afford the dealership price for repairs and maintenance, so I've been "shopping" for a new mechanic. Found a local shop that got good reviews on "yelp," and brought the car in for its inspection and asked, "Hey, can you blow out my sunroof drains?"

They did. But, after the next rain, the puddle reappeared.

This time, a friend of mine helped me feel around the interior and he said it felt like the roof/ceiling material was wet, too. It appeared to be wet right under where our Thule rack had been installed back in 2004.

I brought the car back into the shop and told them about the leak. They took a look and said it needed new rubber gaskets. Had those replaced last Friday. Downpours on Saturday. Result: *More* water under the seat -- way more!

Brought it in again today...six hours ago. Called them to see what was up. They say they've got it in the garage with a hose running over the car and can't figure out where the leak is.

My questions:
1) Have you ever heard of anything like this?
2) I've already paid them $290 to fix this. If they don't fix the leak, is it appropriate to ask to be reimbursed?
3) Should I just suck it up and go to the dealer and pay the exorbitant labor fees?

Thanks in advance.
Dana

[Japedo]

welcome Dana
I have the same car as your's 01V70 XC but haven't had such problems.
However I don't have a thule roof rack either.
I wish I had some advice to give you but I really don't, if the garden hose in the garage won't identify the problem I don't know what I would do.
Hopefully someone with some insight will help out, although i would say your issue is uncommon.
Good Luck

Curtis