What Causes the Noise from the Sunroof of a New Car?

[AsherFitz]

If there is noise when the sunroof is stationary, it may be due to loose components near the sunroof or substandard quality of the sealing parts. If the noise occurs when opening the sunroof, it could be an issue with the lifting mechanism. For new cars under warranty, it is recommended to have the issue addressed at a 4S dealership. Below are some maintenance tips for car sunroofs: 1. During car washing, avoid directing high-pressure water jets straight at the sealing ring. This can not only cause the sealing ring to deform under the pressure, leading to water leakage into the car, but also significantly damage the sealing ring. 2. On extremely bumpy roads, it is best not to fully open the sunroof, as excessive vibration between the sunroof and the sliding rails may cause deformation of related components or even damage the motor. Additionally, do not open the sunroof during rain or when washing the car. 3. The biggest concern with using a sunroof is water leakage. Proper use and maintenance of the sunroof can effectively prevent leaks. Before the rainy season, in addition to cleaning dust and sand from the sliding rails and gaps in the sealing strips, it is advisable to spray a small amount of plastic protectant or talcum powder on the sealing strips and other components.

[LeMia]

I bought a new car just a month ago, and every day when I drive to and from work, I hear noises from the sunroof, especially when going over speed bumps or at high speeds—it squeaks loudly. I looked it up online and found many car owners have encountered the same issue. There could be several reasons: small dust or leaves stuck in the tracks that weren’t cleaned properly during transport; the rubber seals are still new and stiff, causing friction noises; or loose screws causing the sunroof frame to rattle. I tried fixing it myself by cleaning the edges of the tracks with a soft brush and spraying some silicone lubricant, which reduced the noise significantly. But since the car is still in the break-in period, these noises might fade over time. Still, I recommend getting it checked at the dealership early—after spending so much money, you don’t want it to develop into a leaking issue. Also, don’t forget to clean the sunroof tracks during car washes—prevention is better than cure.

[DeAddyson]

I've been repairing cars for over 20 years, and new car sunroof noises are a common occurrence. Common issues include sand or small stones getting into the sliding rails causing scraping sounds; improperly installed rubber seals leading to wind noise; or loose bolt connections creating rattling sounds. You can roughly identify the problem by listening to the location of the noise: if it occurs when opening or closing the sunroof, it might be due to lack of lubrication in mechanical parts; if it happens while driving over bumps, it's likely structural looseness or foreign objects. I recommend car owners first try closing the sunroof to identify the direction of the noise, and use a dry cloth to clean the rails—avoid wet cloths to prevent rust. If the noise persists after cleaning, don't force DIY repairs. Many electrical modules in new cars are delicate, and tampering can easily cause damage. Take it to an authorized shop to check system voltage or adjust sunroof tension. New cars often have free warranty service, so safety first—don't ignore it.

[DiColton]

As an ordinary mom, the constant buzzing noise from the sunroof when driving my new car to pick up the kids really makes me uneasy, worrying about driving safety. I think most of these abnormal noises are due to new parts not being broken in yet, like the sealing rubber being too stiff or the roof interface being too tight causing friction sounds. It might also be slight water sounds from water getting in during car washing; or small insects stuck in the gaps. I tried gently wiping the edges of the sunroof without using chemicals to avoid damaging the paint, and sometimes that solved the problem. The new car maintenance reminder tells us: regularly check the sunroof drainage holes to prevent clogging and water leakage. However, if the noise is frequent, it's recommended to visit the 4S shop when you have time, after all, comfort is important and you shouldn't endure it affecting your mood.