Mk7 sunroof leak

uberdiesel · Dec 12, 2017

I’m very impressed with the mk7 Golf sunroofs... I can’t find any threads about leaks on a Golf. (I did find a few threads about the GSW sunroof.)
Has any one had to correct a leak in their Golf sunroof? Any fixes known?
My ‘15 Golf was leaking into the cabin from the cabin light controls at the front of the sunroof during a recent rain.
If you know of a thread about this subject, please share.
Thanks.

RIP TDI · Dec 12, 2017

No knowledge of any hatchback threads, but my GSW had a partially detached sunroof weather strip (between the glass and sunroof frame) at the front edge of the sunroof frame that looked as though it might have caused at least a wind leak if not a water leak.

This is probably not relevant to your issue, but at least its easy to check and fix and its in a relevant area.

adjat84th · Dec 13, 2017

67k miles and leak free so far.

sootchucker · Jan 28, 2019

bumping this old thread. my sunroof is leaking pretty bad, and cant get to the bottom of it. any ideas??

JM Popaleetus · Jan 28, 2019

This thread is a joke right? The MK7 sunroofs are plagued with problems: https://reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/6vdjs8/mk7_gti_panoramic_sunroof_frame_update_60c7/

And a DIY: https://reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/7xnk8v/how_to_fix_a_leaking_mk7_gti_sunroof/

There 100% should be a recall for this and not just a mandatory service bulletin. For those unaware, the frame around the sunroof will develop fractures from weather-related expansion and contraction. There is a “must be performed” service bulletin to apply adhesive stickers and silicone around the frame to hopefully prevent leaking when the inevitable fractures occur.

Picaroon · Jan 28, 2019

My frame is being replaced right now and thats after the BS patches and clogged tube repairs.

sootchucker · Jan 30, 2019

Picaroon said:
My frame is being replaced right now and thats after the BS patches and clogged tube repairs.

are you under any type of warranty?

Picaroon · Jan 30, 2019

sootchucker said:
are you under any type of warranty?

Under extended warranty.. The first time they said they fixed it they charged the warranty company over $1500 to "make repairs" and replace the head liner. This go around they are replacing the frame assembly and headliner again to the tune of $3500

They just called a little wile ago and said it was done... It took 8 days.

Ol'Rattler · Feb 2, 2019

JM Popaleetus said:
This thread is a joke right? The MK7 sunroofs are plagued with problems: https://reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/6vdjs8/mk7_gti_panoramic_sunroof_frame_update_60c7/
And a DIY: https://reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/7xnk8v/how_to_fix_a_leaking_mk7_gti_sunroof/
There 100% should be a recall for this and not just a mandatory service bulletin. For those unaware, the frame around the sunroof will develop fractures from weather-related expansion and contraction. There is a “must be performed” service bulletin to apply adhesive stickers and silicone around the frame to hopefully prevent leaking when the inevitable fractures occur.

A word of caution. Do not apply Silicone sealant to the cracks prior to applying the repair stickers as was recommended in the DIY. Silicone will cause any sort of sticker or tape to not adhere properly. More likely, the sealant specified or supplied in the repair kit was some sort of paintable Butyl sealant like what is used to seal body seams during manufacturer.

Silicone should never be used on body work because it supports microbiological growth, is not paintable and contaminates any surface it comes in contact with so that adhesive or paint will not stick in the future. If you need the correct automotive sealant for body work, go to an auto body supply. They will sell you the right stuff.

sootchucker · Feb 4, 2019

so.. it seems my car has had the "repair stickers" previously applied. i found no other cracks in the frame.

also, checked both front drains and they are clear.

any other ideas as to why i get rained on?

RIP TDI · Feb 4, 2019

Where specifically are the stains? Have the tube end valves been removed?

sootchucker · Feb 4, 2019

Chris Bell said:
Where specifically are the stains? Have the tube end valves been removed?

in the corner of the headliner (left and right) of where the overhead console is.

not sure about tube end valves, this is the first (and last) sunroof i have and will ever own.

hillmatic · Feb 4, 2019

One of the primary reasons I stuck with an S

Ol'Rattler · Feb 5, 2019

sootchucker said:
in the corner of the headliner (left and right) of where the overhead console is.
not sure about tube end valves, this is the first (and last) sunroof i have and will ever own.

Sounds like a good plan. I do not understand how anyone could find an option that may add $thousands to a car's maintenance an awesome thing.

Matt927 · Feb 5, 2019

Will never own anything with a pano roof again. My wife drives a Mk7 GTI with a pano roof. Entire sunroof frame was replaced under warranty, cost would have been over $4000.

GreenLantern_TDI · Feb 5, 2019

Im sure some for of sealer to just seal the sun roof to the roof would be a good option instead of $4000. Im thinking Permatex.

CGR · Feb 5, 2019

I absolutely hate sunroofs. If I could have bought an S with a lighting package and heated seats, I would have instead of buying my SEL.

If I start having sunroof problems out of warranty, I'm going to look in to having a body shop eliminate the sunroof all together.

sootchucker · Feb 5, 2019

CGR said:
I absolutely hate sunroofs. If I could have bought an S with a lighting package and heated seats, I would have instead of buying my SEL.

If I start having sunroof problems out of warranty, I'm going to look in to having a body shop eliminate the sunroof all together.

THIS. lighting package got me.

sootchucker · Feb 5, 2019

im considering wrapping the roof in black vinyl, which will solve 2 problems for me hopefully..

1- no more sunroof leaks since one sheet of vinyl can cover the whole roof
2- no more light in through the stupid perforated shade

guess i just need to disable the sunroof and i am good to go

GreenLantern_TDI · Feb 6, 2019

sootchucker said:
im considering wrapping the roof in black vinyl, which will solve 2 problems for me hopefully..

1- no more sunroof leaks since one sheet of vinyl can cover the whole roof
2- no more light in through the stupid perforated shade

guess i just need to disable the sunroof and i am good to go

Thats probably the best idea to permanently resolve the issue.

BMAN · Feb 6, 2019

sootchucker said:
im considering wrapping the roof in black vinyl, which will solve 2 problems for me hopefully..
1- no more sunroof leaks since one sheet of vinyl can cover the whole roof
2- no more light in through the stupid perforated shade
guess i just need to disable the sunroof and i am good to go

Great idea

heck half of the roof is black anyway. Mine doesn't leak yet but I've only owned it about two months but its just been sitting in the garage but doesn't have any stains on the headliner. After reading all these post I'm a little bit concerned. My old 98 Jeep started to leak and I cleaned all the drains with not luck. I ended up running a bead of silicone around the sunroof and never had an issue after that. I don't want to do that on this car but would consider a wrap if I start to run into any issues with leaks.

CGR · Feb 6, 2019

sootchucker said:
im considering wrapping the roof in black vinyl, which will solve 2 problems for me hopefully..

1- no more sunroof leaks since one sheet of vinyl can cover the whole roof
2- no more light in through the stupid perforated shade

guess i just need to disable the sunroof and i am good to go

Great idea. How durable is the vinyl, would it require a rewrap every so often?

sootchucker · Feb 6, 2019

i would assume durable enough to last a few years at minimum. beats an out of warranty sunroof repair.

CGR · Feb 11, 2019

I was planning on doing the limo tint on the suroof to eliminate the sun coming in so the vinyl will kill two birds with one stone. I got my CPO car in September so I probably have about a year on warranty. I may forgo the window tint and just have the vinyl done this spring and be done with it regardless if it is still under warranty.

GreenLantern_TDI · Feb 11, 2019

Do they have clear vinyl?

sootchucker · Feb 12, 2019

you may as well wrap it in 70% window tint if the roll was wide enough..

GreenLantern_TDI · Feb 13, 2019

I like the sun coming thru. Brightens up the car.

Lightflyer1 · Feb 13, 2019

GreenLantern_TDI said:
I like the sun coming thru. Brightens up the car.

Depends where you live. In Texas you want to cut all the sun you can most of the year. I use the Hüper Optik C70 on all sides and IIRC the KLAR85 is permissible on the whole windshield. Still lets in enough light to see along with the factory tint and meet the rules here. This stuff works very, very good!

BrentRN · Feb 13, 2019

I did a limo tint on my MKVII sunroof. It was too bright in the cabin even with the shade drawn. It also seems to help keep the car much cooler in the summer.

Lightflyer1 · Feb 13, 2019

With all the trouble possible with them I just chose not to have one this time. Don't miss it at all really. Also didn't like the howl noise it made when open unless you cracked a window slightly. I enjoyed it the most on nice nights to open and see the night sky above. My 1999 328ic BMW convertible was great for this. But replacing the convertible top was a huge labor intensive chore.

Mk7 sunroof leak

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