What can a leaking heater core potentially cause in a vehicle?

A leaking heater core can indeed lead to water pooling inside the vehicle. The heater core is a component of the vehicle's heating system that uses engine coolant to produce warm air for the cabin. If the heater core is leaking, coolant can escape into the cabin area, resulting in visible puddles of fluid on the floor or carpets. This leak not only creates a mess but can also cause damage to the vehicle's interior, leading to issues such as mildew growth, corrosion of internal components, and electrical problems if the liquid comes into contact with wiring.

While leaking coolant can contribute to other issues in the vehicle, such as a loss of cabin heat—since the HVAC system relies on the heater core to provide warmth—and potentially lead to overheating if the coolant levels drop significantly, the most immediate and direct consequence of a heater core leak is indeed water pooling inside the vehicle's interior.