Toyota Highlander sunroof care
On the Highlander a wet interior is usually one of three different things, and only one is the sunroof. Sort out which before you start.
XU40 2008-2013XU50 2014-2019 (panoramic)XU70 2020+
Toyota Highlander, XU70 generation (2020-2024).
Clogged sunroof drains
Debris plugs the drains and water runs down the A-pillars into the front footwells, with stained headliner trim. Four corner drains: the fronts run down the A-pillars (owners note they can dump short, into the door frame), the rears exit behind the rear wheels. Clear a slow drain gently from the top with a soft brush and confirm with water. On the 2014-2015 panoramic roof, Toyota documents a kinked drain hose in tech tip T-TT-0322-15.
! No compressed air or wire
The slip-fit tubes pop off their fittings or split inside the pillar. Use a soft brush and water.
When it is not the sunroof (often)
- A/C condensate drain. Wet passenger floor when the A/C runs, not when it rains. Toyota T-SB-0021-23 covers a disconnected HVAC drain hose on 2020-2022 Highlander and RAV4.
- Roof-rail clips (2020+). Water enters at the roof-rail mounting clips and soaks the headliner and footwell. Not a sunroof issue.
- Fuel-filler seam (2021). Water behind the 3rd row from an unsealed seam (campaign 22TD02).