Our beloved 2011 4Runner which we had since new has a water leak problem.
Somehow water is getting in. It’s coming in thru the driver side seatbelt hole in front and rear somehow. We noticed it because the seatbelts are wet when it rains. It now has a musty smell to it that we cannot get rid of.

Any ideas of where it’s coming in from, and is this a common issue?
Please help, I don’t want to bring it to dealer for them to only charge me to try finding the issue

Could be getting through one of the roof rack holes, to the headliner and down that pillar....if im thinking of the right seat belt hole. A pic might help.

I'd investigate the roof rack holes first. That's where my 2007 FJ Cruiser was leaking from.

If that's the case, get new hardware and grease/seal the hell out of everything.

Do you have a sunroof? If so your drains may be clogged.

I do.
Where are the drains located? Wasn’t aware

There are 2 drain holes at the front right and left of the sunroof. Open your roof all the way the you will be able to see them.


Make sure there is no debris blocking the holes. Thwn get a cup of water and pour it down the drain to see if the drains. If not you will need to blow the lines out but be carful not to over pressure it or the drain tubes could pop off under the headliner. You should see water flowing out around the bottom back of the front fenders.

Thank you!

Any luck on finding the leak?

It’s leaking thru the sunroof gasket. Looks like I need to order a entire new sunroof. This is going to be an expensive fix

the universal rule of sunroofs is that eventually they all leak

I've never had a sunroof leak in my 20 years of car ownership, guess I'm lucky

Did you have someone else diagnose this, or did you try running wire through the drain lines first?

Actually diagnosed it myself. The two drain holes in front of the sunroof are clear, I ran water down them and water came out from underneath the front wheels. I then ran water around the sunroof with sunroof closed and noticed water coming in from that area from the sides of the sunroof. I’m bringing it into Toyota next Saturday for them to look at it and see how much it would cost to get a new weather seal installed around sunroof. Hoping I don’t have to replace entire sunroof or sunroof track, because that will be EXPENSIVE!

I also took apart the railing system and cleaned underneath it, lots of debris there. I ordered 8 new weather gaskets for the 8 bolts that hold it on. They looked worn. They are only $1.50 a piece, so why not. I’m planning on adding a dab of silicone on top of them once I replace them.

I know it's been a while, but any idea what the part number is? Is it 63437A?

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Lots of threads on reasons not to use silicone as certain kinds shrink months or years later and/or create a chemical reaction with paint resulting in rust. Butyl rubber is best. Roof rack mounting bolt leaks will also result in wet seat belts. Sometimes not so noticeable- pull those babies out to the stops and check for wet/damp after a big rain or run the hose on it.

Also thick weed wacker cord works great to thread thru clogged sun roof drains. But sounds like you got that sorted to diff sorta problem.

Good luck