Scirocco Register

Recently in this rain we've been having I noticed that when I open the boot, water gushes down from the tailgate.

More specifically, 99% of it comes from the lock like a tap, as if it has collect there and then streams out from the centre of the lock when the tailgate is opened.

There is a fair amount of water collecting in the boot as well, presumably when the tailgate is closed.

There's a tiny bit that comes from the sides of the tailgate as well, but like I say the vast majority is from the lock itself, looks literally like a tap being turned on when the tailgate is open and up.

Was looking at it earlier with a mate, and we also noticed that in the end of the tailgate are some rectangular holes cut, and in the left hand side we can see wires (wiper motor wires or something?). Next to these wires is an old rotten piece of foam. Not sure if this is related or nothing to do with it.

I could even stretch to perhaps videoing it next time I open the boot after rain, if that helps describe it.

Any help welcome. Cheers.

Any ideas? Is it perhaps the seal around the lock, and water is collecting in the lock somehow and then pouring out when the lock is at a different angle when the tailgate is up?

Obviously, water getting into the tailgate around the lock isn't ideal, but it looks like VW thought of this possibility by providing a drain hole located near the lock designed to allow water to drip to the outside, I wonder if this drain hole has become blocked on your Scirocco?
As for where the water is coming from, the attached photo (courtesy of srotas24.co.uk) shows the most likely water entry points into the tailgate cavity.
Once there it will exit into the boot through the slots in the bottom edge of the tailgate, or possibly the drain hole near the lock. My Scirocco also has the foam pad stuck partly over one of the slots towards the left, which on closer inspection is in fact a foam sleeve around a wiring connector.

The seal around the lock does deteriorate but is relatively easy to replace and widely available. Part number 161 827 527. For example,

https://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.co ... 7%20%2001C

but also available (with cheaper postage) on places like eBay.