I started noticing that after a rainstorm, I see water / condensation inside the taillight attached to the trunk lid. This only starting happening in the last two months or so. I didn't have any bodywork done there (none in the past several months but the back bumper cover was replaced in March) and as far as I know, the lights were never replaced (but I did buy the car used 5 years ago so maybe it was before I got it). It's a 2103 Camry LE. I don't see any cracks or damage to the light.

Any thoughts on where to look? Is this a known trouble spot for these cars? I can remove the taillight to look further but I'd rather have an idea of what the likely problem is before I start messing with it.

Any help / advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

These units should be sealed when manufactured.

The lamp assy is two parts with clear lens and body parts sealed together. There could be a break in this seal.

There are also gaskets to seal the light bulb sockets that manually install into the body.

Note sure how to inspect. Could put it into an oven at a LOW temp to drive out the moisture then seal every joint with silicone seal.

If you are going to remove the unit might just replace as the units are low cost.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...p+assembly,807

 

As a workaround, as I have done with another of my vehicles, is you could drill a few tiny holes at the bottom angling down and the moisture will leak out. This also provides more ventilation.