Rav4 Roof Rack Leak
Sooner or later, Toyota will have to address the issue with roof racks leaking water onto the headliner. We investigate the root cause of this issue and what you should to if you have problems.
At Risk Toyota Rav4 Models
- 2019 - All Trims
- 2020 - All Trims
- 2021 - Potentially At Risk. New seal types may be in use.
The Details
- Trim clips along the rails on the roof have weak & loose gaskets installed
- Rack rails undergo vibrations that allow dirt to fall between the seal and the roof
- Dirt builds up and eventually water enters the cabin
The Risk & Impact
- Headliner, A-Pillar and air bags get wet over time
- Staining of the headliner due to dirty water
- Your vehicle requiring service and replacement parts
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Toyota will not help if you install aftermarket roof rack or rails
How to Prevent it (If you DON'T have aftermarket roof rack or rail)
- Do Nothing!
- Enjoy your Rav4 until it happens, then take it to a dealership to be addressed
- If you do something to prevent the leak, you can be held responsible
What to do if you have a Rav4 Roof Leak?
- Remove all accessories and cross bars from the Rav4. Don't give Toyota a reason to blame you.
- Undo any obvious unrelated modifications that may lead to causing a roof rack leak.
- Visit your dealership as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage that can be caused and Toyota might not cover that
Youtube Video Explanation
Check out the video to learn more about the Rav4 leak
How to Prevent it (If you DO have aftermarket roof rack or rails, like the Prinsu)
- Do a thorough job applying seal around the exposed holes
- Do not cheap out on parts or seals. Replacing a headliner is very expensive.
- Periodically inspect your headliner. If you catch a leak early, you can minimize the stain
- Wash the roof of your Rav4. If it's clean and you have a leak, it can at least be clean water stains.
- If you go to a professional for installation of aftermarket parts, be sure to understand what they cover as protection.
What's behind the Headliner
Check out the video to learn more about what is behind the headliner
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