Water leaking into roof, 2014 Tiguan, no sunroof

[timjones5101]

Hi
First rain in months and I have water leaking into the rear of my roof. Water stains are visible towards the centre of the roof where it meets the rear window, and drivers side above the rear side quarter window. I also can see some water around the drivers side hinge of the hatch.

The only external part on the roof in that area is the roof rail, but I can't see that as the problem. I also suspect there are no drains around there that might be blocked, but may be wrong (hopefully!).

Anyone with any ideas of where it might be getting in?

Regards

Tim Jones

[Lucas_R]

Sounds like the rubber seal around your rear hatch/door might be damaged or possibly ripped and allowing water to get past. This will be the most likely reason if you do not have a sunroof and the water stains are at the rear of the car.

[timjones5101]

Thanks for that.

My first thought as well. Had a very careful look at the rubber seal, but could see no gaps or rips in it. Might be worth another look however.

[Transporter]

It could also leak around the windscreen and channeling back or probably which I’d check first around the antenna on the roof.

[Lucas_R]

It could also leak around the windscreen and channeling back or probably which I’d check first around the antenna on the roof.

Ahh yes of course - the antenna on the roof is another possible cause. If the rubber seal has perished or been damaged it could be letting water in.

[timjones5101]

Yes I did have a look at that, but will check it again more carefully. Given the position of the stains, it seems one of the obvious suspects.

[timjones5101]

Dealer has agreed to look at the leak issue. They said they are going to charge us $175 for a diagnostic test. Can't see how water getting into the roof can be tracked by such a test. Does that seem to be a bit odd to the more experienced or is this just VW standard practice?

We mentioned "acceptable quality" to them and they agreed that if there was a problem (which there obviously is) they will approach VW Australia for a "goodwill" request!

[timjones5101]

Update on the water issue.

VW has denied the "goodwill" request, citing the age of the vehicle (7 years, 49,000kms, always kept in a garage).

The dealer has examined the car and identified the cause as a leak in the boot lid grommet. They also stated that "water flooded the entire roof". At no time did I tell them that. I said there were two damp patches in the roof lining above the rear window, and that was it.

Their solution is "remove head lining and boot wiring to replace grommet. 8 hours labour". Recommendation is "Rear lining replacement $1527.00". I have tried to get a definitive statement from them about whether this entails complete replacement of the roof lining, but have not been successful.

[timjones5101]

Fixed, at least temporarily

Dealer's fix: 8 hours, $1527. My fix: 10 minutes, piece of gaffer tape!

Once I got the trim off, was able to trickle some water from the roof. Water was leaking through the base of the grommet and into the trim. From there it was going into the roof lining. The tape has sealed the leak and the water is now flowing where it should.

Will get a proper fix done, but certainly not from the dealer!

[Lucas_R]

Fixed, at least temporarily

Dealer's fix: 8 hours, $1527. My fix: 10 minutes, piece of gaffer tape!

Once I got the trim off, was able to trickle some water from the roof. Water was leaking through the base of the grommet and into the trim. From there it was going into the roof lining. The tape has sealed the leak and the water is now flowing where it should.

Will get a proper fix done, but certainly not from the dealer!

Thats the ticket, nothing a bit of DIY cant sort out - well done. Im sure some type of silicone sealant (see the Permatex range at Supercheap/Repco etc) will have something you can use as a permanent solution.

Sealants Archives - Permatex

[timjones5101]

Awesome, thanks. I was seriously considering this, as it eliminates the need to re-thread the cables. Not by the book, but effective.