Cascada rear drain(s) clogged (water sloshing sound)

[spydox]

I noticed after the last carwash- water was running out of the rear wheelwell area for like 2 minutes!

 

[spydox]

Good stuff, it only took me 30 minutes to take off both tires, remove the plugs permanently and clean out the tube and put every thing back on. Thanks!!!

can you add photos of this procedure or where the plugs are?

 

[spydox]

I don't know if you have read my earlier post, but the way to resolve this problem for good, is to remove the flap that covers the holes. It can be done with a pen knife as the flaps are pliable rubber like material. Otherwise they will fill with debris and the flap acts like a barrier to create a clog.
I don't know what the idea of the flaps purpose is, but if I had to venture a guess, it might be to prevent insects or air into the tubes.

Needless to say clogs of drain tubes can occur in any car, especially ones with sun/moon roofs where you typically have 4 drains. Another thing you can do to help is not park under trees with a lot of leaves, berries or small twigs that will work their way into the drain-lines in a heavy rain.

my Mustang had the same issue. Poor design, and the fix was the same.

 

[G-242848]

Fabulous! A million thank you's Vector! I am going to tell my dealer and GM about this. Sounds like an easy fix but will have the Dealer do it to be on the safe side. Thanks again!!!

I am at the dealership now and I explained the fix but he wants to do a water test and find the source of the leak. It is frustrating that he wants to bring a water leak experts to find the source of the leak. I understand the car is not a well known but GM needs to make sure the dealership knows how to fix this

 

[Cascada2018]

What was the TSB you showed them? I got hit with a $14,000 repair bill for this problem despite still being under warranty...they didn't even know the car had drainage system at all...needless to say I need help with getting something in writing to prove GM knowledge but also to clarify that this damage is covered under the original factory bumper-to-bumper warranty please. Files, Names, Phone Number, PLEASE!

 

[ImperialPint]

I can report back that over 1 year later, the problem has not returned. However the car is now parked under cover (to keep leaves & crap from potentialy clogging the drains). Also I have cleaned the drains and removed the rubber flap as advised. And this "drain weasel" tool from Home Depot was handy: FlexiSnake Drain Weasel 3-Pack Refill for Drain Cleaning DWPRL3

 

[ImperialPint]

What was the TSB you showed them? I got hit with a $14,000 repair bill for this problem despite still being under warranty...they didn't even know the car had drainage system at all...needless to say I need help with getting something in writing to prove GM knowledge but also to clarify that this damage is covered under the original factory bumper-to-bumper warranty please. Files, Names, Phone Number, PLEASE!

See GM Service Bulletin # 17-NA-149, issued October 2020. "Subject: Water Sloshing in quarter panel area when accelerating or stopping and/or long period of water draining from rear wheel well after vehicle is parked". https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10137647-9999.pdf

 

[VIVIENNE]

What was the TSB you showed them? I got hit with a $14,000 repair bill for this problem despite still being under warranty...they didn't even know the car had drainage system at all...needless to say I need help with getting something in writing to prove GM knowledge but also to clarify that this damage is covered under the original factory bumper-to-bumper warranty please. Files, Names, Phone Number, PLEASE!

I had the same problem with my 2016, water poured out like a water fall from both doors! You see every time after it rained the back seat would be saturated with water. We were clueless and took it to the dealer 2 times and they were just as clueless?! I did my own research and found an article/temporary fix. They drained both doors, and so far so good. We owned the car for about 6 months and didn't have to pay anything, we have the extended bumper to bumper warranty. Not sure about the file (?) but my name is Samuel Davis 6096700962

 

[julinoe930]

I can report back that over 1 year later, the problem has not returned. However the car is now parked under cover (to keep leaves & crap from potentialy clogging the drains). Also I have cleaned the drains and removed the rubber flap as advised. And this "drain weasel" tool from Home Depot was handy: FlexiSnake Drain Weasel 3-Pack Refill for Drain Cleaning DWPRL3

Can you tell me where The drain holes start or if I can do this from the seat belt well in the back seat where I think the water overflows from? Thanks

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

See post #1

 

[Michelle Waterhouse]

Thank you sooo much! Definitely going to try this, had a lot of rain and it leaked 😪

Can I ask if there is a quick fix. My 2017 is drenched live in south Florida. About to have a hurricane.

 

[Baylady269]

I found out about the Cascada having drains after Hurricane Ian, 5 days straight of rain, when my car flooded on the inside with about 2 inches of water across the back floor. It cost $1500 out of pocket to have the dealership completely room the carpet and middle console to dry everything out. This should be included as a recall or whatever to make sure the dealership does it for free to us consumers. I love my convertible and always get people asking what kind of car is it and that they really like it. Going to have hubby try removing the wheels to clean It this weekend to clean the drains as I'm starting to have inside condensation, which is a sign they are clogged.

 

[TeriG]

My 2019 has had the problem for a while with water sloshing. 2 days ago we had 4 inches of rain in a couple of hours. My back floorboards had a couple of inches of water instead of the usual dampness. About 10 minutes into my drive home the car became demon possessed and began changing the radio, blowing the horn, flashing lights, and just basically acting crazy. Even with that it drove fine. Yesterday was going to drive up to the dealership, but the car was still acting crazy and would no longer let me take it out of park. Also wouldn't release the key. Drove up to the dealership in my husbands car and they said it would be much cheaper if we were able to take the seats out ourselves and let the carpet dry. We did get the seats out, carpet is still drying, but still won't come out of park. Does anyone know where the release is for the gear shift?
Also was told if there is electrical damage it would not be covered on our warrantee if it was due to water.

 

[Harold47]

Hello,

I am looking at a 2018 Cascada and am wondering if there are any other common concerns to look out for?


Thank you !

 

[Joel B]

Subject: Water Sloshing in Quarter Panel Area When Accelerating or Stopping and/or Long Period of Water Draining from Rear Wheel Well After Vehicle is Parked
GM Service Bulletin No.: 17-NA-149 Date: May-2017

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10137647-9999.pdf

Four pages, in color.

Note that this is a government site; nhtsa.gov

Print a copy & keep it handy. It might save you sizeable expenses & frustration.

 

[hgoodwiniii]

Hi everyone, I am having the same problem with a 2016 Cascada. Does anyone know if a permanent solution has been discovered? Also, I'm assuming since there is only a technical bulletin issued, the dealerships are not required to unclog the drain holes. Can anyone confirm that? Thanks.

 

[Lauralberk]

This happened to my 2016 Cascada. At first, we didn’t know about the drain clog issues, just assumed the seals failed and let water in the car. It kept flooding after rains. My husband finally got on a form and found out about the drain issue. He unclogged the drain on the drivers side and cleared the passenger’s side. After everything finally dried out, the drivers seat will not adjust. It moves back and forth if you tilt the seat forward. Sometimes you have to lift the back forward and back though. And curiously, the right blinker is not working. The left works fine and the hazards work. Please help!

 

[G-962600]

My 2019 has had the problem for a while with water sloshing. 2 days ago we had 4 inches of rain in a couple of hours. My back floorboards had a couple of inches of water instead of the usual dampness. About 10 minutes into my drive home the car became demon possessed and began changing the radio, blowing the horn, flashing lights, and just basically acting crazy. Even with that it drove fine. Yesterday was going to drive up to the dealership, but the car was still acting crazy and would no longer let me take it out of park. Also wouldn't release the key. Drove up to the dealership in my husbands car and they said it would be much cheaper if we were able to take the seats out ourselves and let the carpet dry. We did get the seats out, carpet is still drying, but still won't come out of park. Does anyone know where the release is for the gear shift?
Also was told if there is electrical damage it would not be covered on our warrantee if it was due to water.

Its under the shift flap. My car was also possessed. At least that's where it can be put into neutral...providing electronic parking brake isn't engaged.

 

[cascadajim]

Same problem as everyone else. Good information. You don't have to take the rear wheel off to get to the drain hole. Got the nut off with a 10mm extended socket and was able to peal the liner back to get to the drain hole and clear it out with a long cable tie and pulled out a lot of crud. Flushed water thru the top gutter trough until it ran clear.
Question: Why not caulk the front of the gutter at the gasket so that all the water is forced to run out the back? What would be wrong with this solution? I've had the car since 2016 and this just started to happen so I can't get too crazy about it.