[r_seewald]

I have a 2003 Jetta 1.8T and there seems to be a musty almost moldy kind of smell. I did the water over the car test and even went to a few car washes. No water is getting into the car from anywhere. The driver's side mat though almost seems to be damp. The carpet itself is bone dry, but the is always damp. Any suggestions as to why this is happening? Could it just be old mats?

Thanks a bunch

 

[NeverFast]

If it seems like the mat then get rid of it. Another smell you can take a look at is the pollen filter. If this is clogged then it can grow mold and bacteria and caus a really nasty old moldy throw up smell so you might try changing that as well if there is dampness in the car you have to get it fixed so if the mat is truly getting wet you need to look further into it.

 

[EvolGLI0281]

Yeah i had a problem like that on my 2k3 1.8T, but it was leaking down by the front passenger footwell, right in front of the door.

 

[blake]

I've heard this kind of problem being caused by gross cabin filters (I assume the same as a pollen filter?)

Maybe just take the mat out and see if the smell goes away... if it does you found the issue, time to wash the hell out of it, or just replace it.