In my experience, the aperture seal is almost always the culprit, even when it doesn’t look to have failed - the water tracks down the inside of the seal and then appears in the two wells each side and/or the spare wheel well. A new one correctly fitted more often than not cures leaks into the boot, albeit a little pricey @ £120 for a genuine one from Duckworth LR when I last bought one.

If a towbar is fitted, leaks can develop where the mounting bolts pass through the rear bumper bar and through the holes in the body, these can be sealed up with black sealant (EBT or similar) and I’ve also sealed the two top hinges before (using clear sealant) although I think it’s rarer for leaks here.

The roof aerial is another spot to check, by pulling the seal back & lowering the roof lining slightly, you can shine a light in and check for any signs of water ingress. Jonathan

2007 Defender 90 XS Hardtop

@ archie.

this used to happen to a lot of the older L322s, especially with a tow bar. The water builds up inside the bumper area and flows into the well through the holes that are part of the rear inner plate. Could be that or the tail gate seal. (sorry JCW, just seen your post ! )

Boot seal on mine did it 7 years ago and again last week both times water in wheel well and both times boot seal and problem gone