Where Does the Water Leak from a Car Sunroof Go?
3 Answers
When a car sunroof leaks, water may seep through the holes in the sunroof into the A-pillar trim panel and then onto the floor. Below are the common causes of sunroof leakage: 1. Clogged sunroof drainage outlets: Blocked drainage outlets prevent rainwater from flowing smoothly, causing it to gradually seep into the car interior. This issue mainly occurs when owners neglect regular cleaning of the roof, allowing debris to wash into the drainage outlets with rainwater and clog them. 2. Damaged sunroof seal: The sunroof seal is made of rubber, which can age over time. Repeated friction from the sunroof glass can cause the seal to wear out, leading to poor sealing and water leakage during rain. To prevent this, regularly inspect the seal for signs of aging and replace it promptly if damaged. Choose high-quality seals with good performance and resistance to aging and corrosion.
Last year, I discovered my car’s sunroof was leaking—water would first flow along the headliner to the sun visor, soaking the entire headliner lining until it looked like a map. Then, the water would seep down along the A-pillar or C-pillar, leaving the door trim strips damp to the touch. If the leak was severe, the passenger footwell could accumulate water up to ankle level. During repairs, I found the most troublesome part was the sound insulation foam beneath the carpet, which, once soaked, took forever to dry and eventually developed a musty odor. If the drainage tubes were clogged, water could also pool in the corners of the trunk. So, if you notice dripping from the headliner, don’t delay—clear the drainage holes ASAP.
My old car's sunroof once leaked, and it was an absolute disaster. The water first seeped into the sponge layer of the headliner, feeling cold and damp to the touch. Then, it trickled down the inside of the windshield like a small stream, leaving moisture in the fuse box under the steering wheel. The most annoying part was the water pooling on the passenger side floor—when I lifted the rubber floor mat, I found the carpet completely soaked, and the wire harness connectors under the seat had even developed green rust. Now, I inspect the sunroof drainage channels every quarter because water reaching the electronic components could fry the control module, and repairs for that are expensive.
