25th Jun 2010, 08:00

Finally after putting up with a wet / smelly car - VW has sent me a RECALL notice to fix the sunroof drain problem --- I only hope that it is the root cause, because I am too stressed-out to go hunting again to fix a stupid DESIGN FLAW that has ruined a relatively expensive car (2002 JETTA GLX-TDI).

31st Jul 2010, 23:06

I lowered the head liner on my 2004 Golf, and found the tubes that connect to the sunroof were defective. The ends of the tubes have connectors that are not sealed properly, which allows water to seep past. I replaced these tubes using one half inch inner diameter tubing and clamps. I thought it was fixed, but sadly it still leaks. I suspect the leak originates from where the plastic hose connection connects to the metal sunroof, but haven't had time to check. I didn't check the front hoses; perhaps they are defective too?

25th Sep 2010, 21:16

Jettas are nothing but a lemon, I will never buy one again.

6th Nov 2010, 21:06

So, last week, I got my 2002 Jetta to the dealer for the sunroof drain recall. The very next day, the car was still leaking. I called VW back and they said that they "performed the necessary tasks" needed and they fulfilled their responsibility. How is it possible that a car accumulates water from the inside, when its parked? I didn't purchase a car with a wet-smelling, damp carpet option. Can somebody help me figure out a way to fix it?

19th Nov 2010, 21:03

I have a 2002 New Beetle. It's been leaking into the cabin for a year or two now. I've had all the drains cleaned out. I've had the sunroof recall work done (including replacing the carpet and padding -- which you CAN request as part of the recall if your car smells moldy or poses a health risk!!), which actually seemed to make it worse. There is a lake on the passenger side now.

Thanks to all the posts here, I plan to go back to the dealership and have them check 1) the pollen filter to see if it is cracked, 2) all the hoses and seals, especially the seals above the pillars at the drain and those around the outside air intakes at the firewall.

I've had the car since it was new, and this problem only started a couple years ago, so I imagine that either a part has broken or that the hoses are disintegrating. I'll let you know what I find out.

6th Feb 2011, 19:15

I have a 2002 Jetta TDI and I spent this afternoon vacuuming out the water from my car and letting it sun and air out. The water is coming in the drivers side door and dripping down into the car and also I have seen water pour into the passenger floorboard beside the glovebox. I am sick of this problem... w

What should I do? This problem just started in 2010. I haven't had water problems in the previous few years, but this is one is getting worse.

Benjamin in Cartersville, Ga.

16th May 2011, 15:46

I'm too now having this problem. Did you find out what the problem was?

8th Jun 2011, 11:54

I had a 1981 Volvo that had the same problem. I went for months upon months without an answer. Finally a sharp Volvo rep took a hose, a flashlight and had someone sit in the car with the flashlight while he doused it with water from the outside. Seem the plugs were missing from underneath the hood near the windshield on both sides, allowing the water to trickle down onto the floor.

19th Nov 2011, 00:27

I also am a VW owner. I own a 2001 VW Jetta Wagon. I have had the water problem for years, and I thought it was like that due to me being parked on an incline, but recently I woke up with a swamp of water in my rear driver's side floor that pours over to each side if it's not taken care of in a timely manner, but doing research, I found that there are many people who have this problem, and I believe this is a word from god... read this if you haven't already: http://www.volkswagen-classaction.com/

Reply to me at anthony.haimsmotors@gmail.com

26th Dec 2012, 22:07

This sounds like either the trunk seal, or the seal for the tail light, believe it or not.

28th Apr 2013, 18:07

I have a 2004 VW Jetta. I have had many problems with a car I love, but recently I have had water in the passenger floor board every time it rains. I have had the sunroof drains cleaned out two or three times now, but continue to have a problem. It seems that every time it rains, more water gets inside my car.

I've already had the headliner replaced about two years ago (due to an unrelated reason), but now this water is beginning to ruin my head liner again.

I live in New Orleans, so the heat and humidity doesn't help.

What could be the possible problem? How can it be resolved? Should I take my car to a collision or body shop instead of a mechanic?

Any information would be helpful!

29th Aug 2014, 18:44

Yes, I have 2002 VW Jetta wagon and there was a recall on the weather strip seals on the front doors. I had the same problem of water leaking, and after they replaced the seals, everything went just fine. Now the problem came back and I checked on weather strip seals, and the one on the front door driver's side is worn out (I have the water puddle just right there). I did some work on it, hoping this will solve the problem, but I really think the weatherstrip seal should be replaced. The price for it? I do not know yet.

23rd Aug 2017, 18:56

2002 VW Jetta. Water coming in the passenger side after a rain. The air filter in the firewall is wet. Water seems to go down where the fan is and then to the floor.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

24th Aug 2017, 08:04

Clear the leaves in the plenum that may be blocking the drain at the base of the windscreen. A fairly common problem in many modern cars. Water then gets into the pollen filter area and can run down the wires and fry computers.