I don't think anyone has a definitive answer on this sadly. Some Rav4s have it and some don't, country of origin seems to make no difference.

Some claim newer build Rav4s have different parts but I don't think there's been enough data to prove if it truly fixes the issue. Looks like the new Corolla Cross could potentially suffer from the same issue as they use the same style parts under the rails.

Best of luck in hoping you are one of the lucky ones that don't have the issue down the line!

 

Did I get trapped in Ground Hog Day or this topic was discussed several days ago and had many more replies?

Did I lose my mind or did the server lose data?


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I did a test. Using my 3,400 psi power washer 12 inches from were the cross bars connect to the rail I sprayed for 5 seconds. After inspecting the lining there was no moisture.

 

This is fine. The leaking spots are front and rear, not the bolted sections. Those are well sealed.

 

Lots of rain, multiple touch free car washes, no issues yet. Bump.

 

Its an inherent design flaw. If you watch the video above you'll see the paper thin gaskets are all thats standing between your airbags and headliner and a catastrophic leak. They put a lot of holes in the roof and water will always find the lowest point

 

The gaskets were changed for 2021 to a thicker design.

 

Thank you, I will try it if it is diy friendly

 

Which is preferable, using these orange washers or just plugging the holes permanently with silicone and the plugs?

 

I think the rubber plug and silicone is better. However people don't want to do it because if Toyota eventually comes up with a TSB or recall and they see you used the plugs, then they will probably refuse to do the new fix. But we are now into a 4th model year and no official roof leak fix so I think a TSB or recall will never happen.

 

Sorry typo on my part. I still have 2020. Didnt want another rav4, but wife decided on that as her car against my advice.

 

I have a 2019 rav LTE. No racks, just rails. I have not had leaks, but have taken steps to prevent them. I removed the rails, and silconed the four holes on each side where the plastic tabs that hold the rails go into. Pretty easy. Just have to be careful not to break rail. All that Toyota had placed over these holes is a paper thin rubber washer. Dirt orwhatever gets under the rail, as it is not sealed, and eventually the rubber washers dry out, break and water just goes down the holes around the holding tabs. I woukd think Ravs parked in garages will avoid this problem. But over time who knows. Just another poor design of a little part that can cost you a lot of money if it fails

 

Would you please share step by step on how you remove and apply the silicone? pics would be great 👍

 

I still think using something like a PVC pipe coupling as a tube that can be siliconed around each hole to act like a water dam. The clips would still attach to the rails but would go down into the coupling and through the roof like normal. With the dam in place, water can rise in the channel but if the coupling was taller than the channel, the water can escape before going over the top of the coupling and even make contact with the clip seals.

Another thought could be a piece of closed cell foam with e hole down the middle. The rail would compress the foam sealing the top and bottom of the foam between the inside of the rail and the bottom of the channel (roof). Kind of like how a valve spring encompasses the valve stem. The valve stem being the original clip and the valve spring being the closed cell foam.

Anyone want to experiment? So far, mine are good. I really feel like Toyota made a change to the sealing washers after the initial 2019's were made.

 

So far, mine are good. I really feel like Toyota made a change to the sealing washers after the initial 2019's were made.

I forget, did you have the newer orange ones?

 

Well, the front are orange clips with greyish black seals. The middle ones have a orange cup like seal (see images below)

 

Careful with the headliner if you have a panoramic roof. The sides are very tight and around the pano window, there is no evidence as to how the headline is held in place. I'm assuming there are unseen clips.

If you remove the assist handles, you can look through the hole and see the end of the front clip (see pic below). I don't see how you can determine the color of the actual seal from below.

I wasn't able to see the clips when I removed the rear seat assist handles.

I was going to goop up the inside with silicone until I couldn't find how to drop mine headliner; I have the panoramic roof.

 

I don't see how you can determine the color of the actual seal from below.

The pushpin was white, and I could see a hint of orange above the hole where gasket would be.