I have a 2003 4runner that has a moon roof that leaks everytime that it rains. Because the leak is over the passenger side and it is a new vehicle it took me a long time to notice. The first time I felt it I thought that I did not close the roof correctly - you get the technique of closing it properly after a few tries. Then I noticed that the passeger seat was soaked after a good rain. I brought it to Toyota and they claim to have adjusted the roof. I looked at it after the first bit of rain and it is still leaking. I see now that the water is leaking up under the headliner. Toyota says that they will replace the moon roof next.

This is after a faulty engine sensor sent the vehicle into a very poor performance mode (octane/timing adjustment was nuetralized) and the dealer took two chunks out of the front bumber while making the repairs - three weeks out of service so far.

Is anyone else seeing a leaking moon roof, failing engine sensors and just crappy quality in this new model year vehicle - I am starting to think lemon law.

I've not seen a leak from my sun roof, and it's been in some pretty good rains lately. It closes and seals properly, so it sounds like you got a defective one. Be sure they replace the headliner if there is any sign of damage from the leaks.

As far as the lemon law goes, the provisions vary from state to state, but they usually relate to safety or drivability, not things like sun roofs. YMMV.

Sorry to hear about your leaky moonroof...luckily for me, I haven't had that problem, even when I left my rig out during hurricane Isabel's visit...man, did it pour! the only probs have been minor so far, like the rattling moonroof and squeaky driver seat, both of which have been addressed (so far so good/fingers crossed).

I am planning to bring the vehicle to Toyota again. I am concerned about the headliner, but I am also concerned about the passenger seat - it has gotten wet every time that it has rained (pretty frequent in CT). Will the foam in the seats be affected?

Also, Toyota has provided a rental car in the past. The last time they offered a car, it was from a rental company next door to the dealer. The car choices were horrible. Not just as models go but in worse condition thatn some rent a wrecks that I rented in the mid 80's. Pretty unsafe looking too. Is there any level of service/rental quality that might be implied after spending 30K plus for a vehicle that is now in the shop more than I own it?

Thanks for the replies!

Not really -- just what you're able to work out with the service manager. Classic case of YMMV. Be nice, use your best tone of voice, smile, and ask the service manager to make sure the rental is the same quality they would want their family riding in.

make sure you dry that seat real good. would be a great place to start a Mold factory if it stays damp for a while.

Just found out from Toyota that the parts to "fix" the leaky moon roof are backordered at Toyota to the tune of 300 units. I am not sure if this is a large number of units - it seems like it to me, but I don't know how many they have sold. I am also not sure if they are replacing the entire moon roof assembly or just some components - stay tuned.

Anyway, I will be without the vehicle for the foreseeable future - using a rental car instead. Now I know why I never purchased a new model year vehicle before. The problem is that I really like this one and hopefully, the bugs will be drawn out under the warranty period.

PS - got a better rental car this time - maybe the dealer is starting to feel sorry for me - a corolla was better than the last dodge death box with the rotted dash board and ripped seats.

I am going on week 2 without my 4-runner. The dealer has grumbled something about re-engineering. Does anyone know the extent of the leaky moon-roof issue?

that seriously sucks.

Not the full extent, but there is apparently some fix coming to take care of the gasket coming loose on the outside of the truck. Apparently, you can't replace just the gasket. My service manager had no additional information the last time I talked to him.

Since I have lost the vehicle for about a month in total right now, does Toyota extend the warranty to make up for the loss of use? Any help on this would be appreciated. BTW when I call Toyota they have no date estimate for the return of the vehicle nor can they tell me when a fix will be available. This is getting pretty bad. Is there a number or an address that I can use to get to a higher up at Toyota?

Not that I am aware of.


The owner's manual or warranty papers tell you how to escalate beyond the dealership. They also have a toll-free customer service number, but I can't find it right now. They keep it well-hidden, but the service manager should have it.

Suggestion -- talk to the service manager and ask for the number. Tell him/her that you want to call to escalate because you don't think he's getting the support he needs, and that as the customer you want to get involved. I've done it before, and the service manager is OK with the escalation so long as he knows you're not complaining about the dealership, but instead about how Toyota is not helping them help you.

Just remember -- although it's hard not to get emotional about it -- stay calm and be very nice to whoever you talk to. And get their names and write it down so you have a record of who you talked to and when. Yo unever know when it may be handy to recall.

Got vehicle back on Friday (11/14/2003) - someone picked it up for me. Waiting for good rain to test moon-roof - one is coming tonight.

Little explanation was given about what was done, so I am unable to share any information about the "operation". However, I will say that the roof's rubber gasket looks like it was replaced. I am going back to the dealer on another matter so I will find out exactly what was done to the roof and report back.

Being that I am too a CT resident, I am really curious, which dealership in which town?

Sorry for the long absense and tardy reply. The dealership to which I brought my vehicle for service is Lorenson of Old Saybrook, CT (if you would like more information get me your email address and I will let you know more).

As far as the fix goes no more leakage of the roof window - and I am very happy with the truck so far (knock on wood). The gas mileage has been getting a little worse as I put miles on it, but I also had it in 4wd for a short time this past snowy weekend. Maybe that is is the reason for the drop in average. Handled very well in the snow - just had to avoid others who beleive that SUVs give them super powers.