Symptoms
- Water drips from the headliner, visor, or A/B-pillar area, especially after rain or washing the car
- Sunroof itself may not be leaking directly, but water appears well after it's closed
- Musty smell developing in the car over time
- Wet spots on the seats or floor beneath the leak point
Likely causes
- CommonClogged sunroof drain tubeEach corner of the sunroof has a small drain tube running down through the pillars to release water outside; leaves and debris commonly clog these over time.
- PossibleDisconnected or cracked sunroof drain tubeEven without a clog, a tube that's come loose or cracked can let water enter the cabin instead of draining outside.
- PossibleWorn sunroof seal allowing more water in than the drains can handleA degraded seal lets in more water than normal, which can overwhelm even clear drains during heavy rain.
What to do
- Check for debris visible in the sunroof drain openings (usually at the four corners of the sunroof track) and clear what you can see with a soft brush or compressed air.
- Use a length of weed trimmer line or a specialized sunroof drain cleaning tool to gently clear each drain tube, working carefully to avoid pushing debris further in or puncturing the tube.
- Pour a small amount of water into each corner drain opening and confirm it exits from under the car (often near the base of each pillar) rather than pooling inside.
- Inspect the sunroof seal for visible wear or gaps if drains are clear but water still gets in.
- Dry out any wet interior trim, carpet, or headliner promptly to prevent mold growth.
Tools and parts
- Weed trimmer line or sunroof drain cleaning tool
- Soft brush
When to call a pro
See a mechanic or detail shop if you can't clear the drains yourself or if the leak continues after clearing them, since a torn seal or a deeper clog may need professional tools to access.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.