Touran Leak Query

Marakith

Marakith

Marakith

Associate
Joined
22 Nov 2004
Posts
441
Location
London
Hello

I have a 2015 Touran with a panoramic roof. We noticed condensation in it the other week and took it to a (new to me) garage for repairs. The carpets and soundproof underlay were sopping wet. Apparently the sunroof drains were blocked - so they sorted that and dried out the car (taking up the seats and drying all the way down to the metal).

Just before collection they called to say there was still a leak. They now want to take the dashboard out (6 hours labour).

In your vehicle, after passing through the drain tube, the water enters the body’s service openings in the panel between the engine bay and the dashboard (marked as number 3 in the diagram). We assume that the sealant bonding these panels has dried out or been damaged, allowing water to enter the cabin at that point. By removing the dashboard, we will be able to clearly see this area from the inside and apply new sealant if necessary. Removing the dashboard will also give us access to the upper section of the carpet, which is the area that currently gets wet first during rainfall
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They've double checked the roof drains, the wiper drains, and the windscreen for leaks.

Does this sound like a reasonable thing to be doing? I'm of course worried that it's make-work, will make the dash squeak, will not actually fix the problem and potentially waste hundreds of pounds.
 
Marakith said:
Hello


Does this sound like a reasonable thing to be doing? I'm of course worried that it's make-work, will make the dash squeak, will not actually fix the problem and potentially waste hundreds of pounds.
Click to expand...

Let me add to that pessimistic list that you won't know if they've even done that sealant work. Like ever. Unless they photograph/film doing it. I mean to say, you can't exactly check it yourself, without taking the whole dash out again, which even by my relatively good car DIY competence level, would never willingly take on if I could avoid it.

Do other people with 2015 Touran's have this issue? I would have thought it would be out in the wild now with 10 year old cars if it is a thing. I've never heard of a leak behind the dash like that. I have seen the scuttle panel area fill up with water though. You know the bit in the engine bay behind the windscreen wipers. The drain holes can get clogged with leaves and debri there. Have you had a look around there?
 
jaybee said:
Let me add to that pessimistic list that you won't know if they've even done that sealant work. Like ever. Unless they photograph/film doing it. I mean to say, you can't exactly check it yourself, without taking the whole dash out again, which even by my relatively good car DIY competence level, would never willingly take on if I could avoid it.

Do other people with 2015 Touran's have this issue? I would have thought it would be out in the wild now with 10 year old cars if it is a thing. I've never heard of a leak behind the dash like that. I have seen the scuttle panel area fill up with water though. You know the bit in the engine bay behind the windscreen wipers. The drain holes can get clogged with leaves and debri there. Have you had a look around there?
Click to expand...
I agree - if I were to go ahead I'd want photographic evidence.

I've asked about the scuttle and they say they've checked that
 
According to AI

The likely causes of a wet carpet in a VW Touran, particularly near the dashboard area, are
clogged sunroof drains, a blocked air-conditioning drain hose, or issues with the bulkhead sealant.

Potential Causes
  • Clogged Sunroof Drains: This is a very common issue in many Volkswagens. The drain tubes, located in the corners of the sunroof tray, can become blocked with dirt and leaves. When blocked, water overflows and runs down the A-pillars, potentially entering the footwells near the dashboard.
  • Blocked Air-Conditioning Drain Hose: The air conditioning system's evaporator has a drain hose to release condensation outside the vehicle. If this hose is clogged, water backs up and leaks onto the interior carpet.
  • Bulkhead/Firewall Sealant Issues: Water can enter the cabin through service openings in the panel between the engine bay and the dashboard if the sealant has dried out or been damaged. This might require removing the dashboard to access and reseal the area properly.
  • Faulty Door Seals or Window Seals: Damaged or deformed door or window seals can allow water to penetrate the cabin, especially during heavy rain or when driving through surface water.
  • Roof Rail Sealant: For water entering the rear and potentially migrating forward, the sealant under the roof rails might be split, allowing water ingress.
  • Damaged Windscreen Seal: A poorly fitted or damaged windscreen seal can be another source of a leak, sometimes occurring after a windscreen replacement.

So third one down, so might be true?
 
Yeah the blocked AC drain hose should be accessible under the car? You should be able to see if it is passing water through it if you park up after using the AC and see if you get a little puddle. That would be the cheaper fix potentially if it's blocked. Depends on access.
 
Just want to say I feel your vw water leak pain. Got 2 golf mk7s (long story) and there's 4 places these fail: door speaker seals (x4) slam vents (x2, behind rear lights) rear lights themselves and the reverse camera drain pipe. When I say the fail, it's not an if, it's a when. Joy of joys.
 
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