Leak on Headliner

54651 Views 61 Replies 39 Participants Last post by ChevyGuy, 4 mo ago

Chazzy J

Discussion Starter · Jun 7, 2013

2

Well this is my first post, and I wish it was on a more positive note. I've got about 2600 miles on my 2013 Cruze LTZ, just bought it last month (yes, I have a very long commute). I really do like the car, but it's certainly had a few quirks since I bought it. Nothing major, but a few items I wouldn't expect in a brand new car -- I won't get into those though, it's just me being picky. So anyway, I get in my car to go home tonight (we have a lot of rain bearing down on New England right now) and I sit down in the driver seat and feel a piece of water in my leg as I'm starting the car. I look up at the ceiling and good lord, there's water on my headliner. Now it's important to know, I HAVE NOT USED MY SUNROOF SINCE BUYING THE CAR. So where on earth did this leak come from? It's not like it's the first time it's rained since I bought the car. See picture below. Anyone else had this problem or something similar? Thanks in advance.

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Blasirl

· #41 · Apr 23, 2018

Just in case someone else reads this far and they need to do this themselves, here is a link to removing the headliner.

How to Remove Headliner

LulzT1

· #42 · Apr 25, 2018

akiss47 said:
Robby said:

akiss47 said:

Has no one found a solution to this. Multiple people including my self had/have the same issue in the past 5 years, what is the solution? Did everyone get rid of the car or accept the fact that they have to sit in a puddle when it rains?

Click to expand...

As I re-read this thread I see several single posts......and no one comes back with what resolved the issue. Notice the post count on those having a problem.....only one or two posts and then, nothing.

Using my own past experience, 98% of leak complaints are plugged or restricted sunroof drains and the last 2% are related to a windshield or back glass leak........on further thought, I'll modify that last 2% to include the roof mounted antenna base allowing water to track down the feed wire.

Beyond that, I don't think the forum has much to offer on this subject.

Rob

Click to expand...

Rob,

Tonight since the headliner was dry and the weather was bearable, I decided to continue on my investigation.

Prior investigations: first I started with the door seal, I dumped multiple gallons of water on the door where it seals with the car. No leak. Next I focused on the seal around the windshield even though I suspected that wasn’t the culprit. No leak. Next I focused on the black strip that runs the full length of the roof between the sunroof and the door. I wasn’t aware of how the the strip attached to the roof so I did not know if it was even possible that this could leak. No leak. Next I focused on the sunroof, I dumped multiple gallons of water on the sunroof (obviously in the closed position). After about 3 gallons of water I started to notice a water spot on the headliner. Now I knew it was something to do with the sunroof. I will post pictures of where the water spot started.

Today’s investigation: As seen in my previous post, I already tested out the drain tubes before I took it to the dealer so I figured I would not get any results by pouring water in the drain tubes. I attached a small tube to the end of a funnel so I could pour water directly down the drain tube. After about a half gallon of water, no leak. Next I directed the tube to the trough that catches the water and leads it to the drain tube. I poured the water right around where the hole is that goes to the drain tube. After half of a bottle of water I sat in the drivers seat and waited for about 10 seconds and BAM the water spot started appearing on the headliner.

Now that I’ve narrowed it down to the trough, I suspect there is a crack of sorts that the water is finding its way through. I may start taking some things apart to be able to see more of this trough.

This may not be the problem for everyone in this thread but it is definitely something to put on the checklist of things to investigate. I will update when I know more. This is a relief because I feel like I am finally getting somewhere!

Akiss47 - I've been experiencing a leak for some time at the A-Pillar / headliner seam. If I park level or nose down I get the leak, but if I face uphill there's no leak. So I narrowed it down to the front half of the sunroof. Although parking in a garage or facing up a hill "solves" the issue, I was not satisfied with that since I'm not always lucky enough to find such parking.

So tonight, after reading multiple threads and the headliner removal thread, I pulled part of the headliner down at the passenger side to investigate myself. After pouring a lot of water all over (i.e. sunroof, door seal, trim between doors and sunroof, windshield seal) and trying different things (including blocking the drain holes and letting water stand in the tray) I was able to visually confirm a leaking drain tube. Although it is connected and MOST of the water flows freely down the tube and out near the wheel, SOME is seeping at the tube / tray connection. It's a slow leak which is why it takes a while to appear. I noted while the headliner was down at the corner, the water had a tendency to travel to the map light / front edge of the headliner. This weekend I am going to seal / reconnect the drain tubes to ensure that they don't leak again. Hope this helps!

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dhpnet

· #43 · Apr 25, 2018

LulzT1 said:
Akiss47 - I've been experiencing a leak for some time at the A-Pillar / headliner seam. If I park level or nose down I get the leak, but if I face uphill there's no leak. So I narrowed it down to the front half of the sunroof. Although parking in a garage or facing up a hill "solves" the issue, I was not satisfied with that since I'm not always lucky enough to find such parking.

So tonight, after reading multiple threads and the headliner removal thread, I pulled part of the headliner down at the passenger side to investigate myself. After pouring a lot of water all over (i.e. sunroof, door seal, trim between doors and sunroof, windshield seal) and trying different things (including blocking the drain holes and letting water stand in the tray) I was able to visually confirm a leaking drain tube. Although it is connected and MOST of the water flows freely down the tube and out near the wheel, SOME is seeping at the tube / tray connection. It's a slow leak which is why it takes a while to appear. I noted while the headliner was down at the corner, the water had a tendency to travel to the map light / front edge of the headliner. This weekend I am going to seal / reconnect the drain tubes to ensure that they don't leak again. Hope this helps!

I have had mine leak a couple times as well. I only know because there was a stain on the headliner. I figured it was the drain tubes. I checked them and they look fine. I keep the sunroof very clean, so I wasn't concerned about it being plugged. I poured water in the drain pan and didn't see any leaks. It just pours out the bottom of the car. Mine must be seeping a little, but not bad. Might need to add something to make them seal better.

BTW, I have some Turtle Wax Power Out carpet and mat cleaner. I sprayed a little of the foam on the headliner and carefully wiped it off with a microfiber towel, and the stain was gone.

Let us know if you get yours fixed.

Tmiller39

· #44 · Aug 12, 2018

Has anyone had a leak that leaked towards the rear headliner and down the passenger rear floor board?It’s been over a week and I’m still trying to dry it out I cannot figure out where it’s coming from I caulked the antenna and I check the drain tubes so I have no clue where it’s leaking .the rear glass rubber looks fine.

cheetahgt

· #45 · Nov 3, 2018

I know this thread is long, but can you access the top of the drain tubes without removing the headliner?

Blasirl

· #46 · Nov 3, 2018

cheetahgt said:
I know this thread is long, but can you access the top of the drain tubes without removing the headliner?

Welcome Aboard!:welcome:

Don't forget to introduce yourself and your Cruze here.

Jersten

· #47 · Sep 28, 2019

Tmiller39 said:
Has anyone had a leak that leaked towards the rear headliner and down the passenger rear floor board?It’s been over a week and I’m still trying to dry it out I cannot figure out where it’s coming from I caulked the antenna and I check the drain tubes so I have no clue where it’s leaking .the rear glass rubber looks fine.

I have the 17' Cruze Premier with about 40,000 miles and now have a leak somewhere above the rear headliner. My local dealership said it could be the third break light or possibly the antenna. The dealership wants to replace the headliner in order to see where the leak is coming from.
After reading through the thread it seems I am not the only one experiencing this issue. Has any uncovered an answer yet?

Blasirl

· #48 · Oct 3, 2019

www.cruzetalk.com

New Bulletin for Gen 2 water leak

Date: December 14, 2016 Subject: 16147 - Customer Satisfaction Program Center High Mount Stop Lamp Water Leak Models: 2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze To: All General Motors Dealers General Motors is releasing Customer...

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www.cruzetalk.com

Turkeyslayer59

· #49 · Nov 12, 2019

Aussie said:
That looks like it has been leaking a little for a while and now is starting to saturate and drip. I have never wanted a sunroof because I am tall and headroom would be a problem for me. My Son has a Mazda Tribute V6 and his sunroof leaks as well but his car is about 10 years old.

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Turkeyslayer59

· #50 · Nov 12, 2019

Drain tubes on the corner of the sunroof have come loose common problems with the car there are four tubes two in front and two in back dealership will fix it hope it's under a warranty if not it will run about 800.00 to repair just had it happen to me good luck

Andrea G

· #51 · Sep 13, 2020

Chazzy J said:
Well this is my first post, and I wish it was on a more positive note. I've got about 2600 miles on my 2013 Cruze LTZ, just bought it last month (yes, I have a very long commute). I really do like the car, but it's certainly had a few quirks since I bought it. Nothing major, but a few items I wouldn't expect in a brand new car -- I won't get into those though, it's just me being picky. So anyway, I get in my car to go home tonight (we have a lot of rain bearing down on New England right now) and I sit down in the driver seat and feel a piece of water in my leg as I'm starting the car. I look up at the ceiling and good lord, there's water on my headliner. Now it's important to know, I HAVE NOT USED MY SUNROOF SINCE BUYING THE CAR. So where on earth did this leak come from? It's not like it's the first time it's rained since I bought the car. See picture below. Anyone else had this problem or something similar? Thanks in advance.

Same thing happen to me
I take my car in to fix it tomorrow

Dana

· #52 · Oct 16, 2020

Chazzy J said:
Well this is my first post, and I wish it was on a more positive note. I've got about 2600 miles on my 2013 Cruze LTZ, just bought it last month (yes, I have a very long commute). I really do like the car, but it's certainly had a few quirks since I bought it. Nothing major, but a few items I wouldn't expect in a brand new car -- I won't get into those though, it's just me being picky. So anyway, I get in my car to go home tonight (we have a lot of rain bearing down on New England right now) and I sit down in the driver seat and feel a piece of water in my leg as I'm starting the car. I look up at the ceiling and good lord, there's water on my headliner. Now it's important to know, I HAVE NOT USED MY SUNROOF SINCE BUYING THE CAR. So where on earth did this leak come from? It's not like it's the first time it's rained since I bought the car. See picture below. Anyone else had this problem or something similar? Thanks in advance.

what was the end solution/problem? Mine is exactly like this.

Andrea G

· #53 · Oct 16, 2020

I toke it back to carmax service department and they found a broken line ...the drain part so they changed the parts and clean the all sunroof area.
I will post if the problem was fixed in a week or so.
Picking up the car tonight.
Hope this help
Great site.

maserafi

· #54 · Mar 15, 2022

7

A friend with a 2016 Cruze LTZ has had issues with water leaking into the cabin from the sunroof since the car was new. The dealership had their hands on it at least three times but this issue continued. Recently, the owner asked my opinion from there I searched for the root cause. My findings..

The PVC drain tubes were detached from the rubber boots which connect the tubes to the sunroof gutter system. The way the drain tube connects to the boot is a poor design. It is not glued in place. Compressed air or a fish wire will definitely disconnect the tube from the boot.
The most important discovery was how the tubes were secured within the A pillars from the factory. The tie wrap tension was so tight that the tubes were pinched which obstructed water flow. Over time, debris will surely clog the tube at any one of those tie points.

The drain tubes were not pinched after the last tie wrap post in the A pillar prior to entering into the front fenders. The fix was to purchase 20ft roll of tubing with 1/2" OD and 3/8"ID, two 3/8" ID Splicer Hose Barb, and six or a bag of 3/8"-7/8" stainless steel hose clamps. I cut the existing tubing after the last pinch point, installed the splicer barb then secured with the clamps. Where the tube enters the boot, The boot can be removed from the gutter nipple by turning counter clockwise. I secured the tube inside the boot with a hose clamp. HOWEVER, the 3/8" - 7/8" clamp was not large enough for the side of the boot which attaches to the sunroof gutter nipple. I used two tie wraps secured with a tie wrap gun set to max tension. I suggest buying two clamps the next size range up. I wrapped the splicer union with rubber tape to prevent rattling or scraping of the clamps against the cables.

This fixed the issue. Pictures below.

Michael

Grille Automotive lighting Hood Automotive tire Vehicle

Hood Motor vehicle Bumper Automotive tire Automotive exterior

Vehicle Automotive lighting Hood Motor vehicle Automotive tire

Hood Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Bumper

Hood Automotive design Bumper Automotive lighting Automotive exterior

Hood Window Automotive exterior Wood Auto part

Gesture Finger Wood Thumb Nail

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Xtremebama

· #55 · 11 mo ago

The glue that they have connecting the clear hose and the black rubber boot is where it is leaking.

Blazekm805

· #56 · 6 mo ago

99_XC600 said:
More than likely the sunroof drain tubes are either kinked or clogged. Pull the car into the garage and open the roof and you will see them in the corners. Make sure there is nothing blocking them.

All sunroofs leak, but it's a matter of the tubes to drain the water away. You may even have a bad seal somewhere. Regardless, take it to the dealer to have them fix and replace the headliner.

Do you know where the rear drains are located? I cannot find them. The front drains work fine but I am concerned about the rear and am expecting a half a footof rain this week!

Blasirl

· #57 · 6 mo ago

Blazekm805 said:
Do you know where the rear drains are located? I cannot find them. The front drains work fine but I am concerned about the rear and am expecting a half a footof rain this week!

He has not been online here since 2016 so it may be awhile before he answers.

@MP81

MP81

· #58 · 6 mo ago

I never cleared out the rear ones, but I know they run down the C-Pillars and all the way out the rear of the quarter panels, so they're probably way in the back of the whole assembly:

Gesture Font Slope Tail Drawing

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Dlbuys81

· #59 · 4 mo ago

I have a 2014 Chevy Cruze and have this issue of leaking in the front as well...this should be a recall at this point as it seems to be a common issue. Nit all of us can afford the $800 to fix it.

Blasirl

· #60 · 4 mo ago

Dlbuys81 said:
I have a 2014 Chevy Cruze and have this issue of leaking in the front as well...this should be a recall at this point as it seems to be a common issue. Nit all of us can afford the $800 to fix it.

Welcome Aboard!

Don't forget to introduce yourself and your Cruze here.

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