Why is my sunroof leaking?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
A sunroof leaks when the drain tubes that carry water away from the drain tray are clogged. Sunroofs are designed to let some water past the seal into a drain tray, so a clogged drain, not the glass, is the usual cause. Skyview replaces the glass, not the drains or tracks, so tell us when you call if the problem is not the glass.
Signs your sunroof is leaking
- Water dripping from the headliner near the sunroof
- A drain tube is clogged, so water in the drain tray is overflowing into the cabin instead of draining out.
- A damp spot on the headliner after rain
- Water is pooling in the drain tray and seeping through the seal or a blocked drain.
- Water on the seat or the floor after a car wash
- The drains cannot clear the volume of water, so it backs up and finds its way in.
How to fix a leaking sunroof
A sunroof is designed to let some water past the seal. The glass does not form a watertight seal on its own; instead, water that gets past the seal runs into a drain tray around the opening and flows out through drain tubes that run down the roof pillars. When those tubes clog with leaves, dirt, or debris, the tray overflows and water drips into the cabin from the headliner.
The usual fix is clearing the drains, not replacing the glass. The drain tubes can be cleared gently with a soft wire or compressed air, working from the tray down through the pillars, and keeping the tray clear of leaves prevents the clog from returning. This is general owner guidance for the drain system, which is separate from the glass.
Skyview replaces sunroof and panoramic roof glass. If the glass is cracked or shattered, that is a glass replacement. If the problem is the sunroof motor, track, or drain rather than the glass, tell us when you call, because those are not services Skyview offers. See our guide on what a panoramic sunroof is.
Skyview replaces the glass, not the drains
A leaking sunroof is usually a clogged drain, not a glass problem. Skyview replaces sunroof and panoramic roof glass, so if the glass is cracked, that is a replacement. If the leak is from the drains, motor, or track, tell us when you call, since those are not services we offer.
More questions about a leaking sunroof
How do I unclog sunroof drains?
Locate the drain openings in the tray around the sunroof and clear the tubes gently with a soft wire or compressed air, working down through the pillars. This is general owner guidance for the drain system, which is separate from the glass Skyview replaces.
Why is water dripping from my headliner?
A clogged sunroof drain is the usual cause. Water that gets past the seal runs into a drain tray and out through tubes in the pillars; when a tube clogs, the tray overflows and drips into the cabin.
Does a leaking sunroof mean the glass is bad?
Not usually. The glass is designed to let some water past the seal into a drain tray, so a leak is most often a clogged drain, not a glass problem. Skyview replaces the glass when it is cracked or shattered.
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