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'I Haven't Checked In 7 Years': Woman Gets Into Subaru Crosstrek. Then She Realizes It's Flooded

"Me and my Honda w a sunroof knowing I haven’t..."

Woman’s Subaru Crosstrek Floods

Photo by: Unsplash.com

Steve Ecker

By: Steve Ecker

Nov 1, 2025 at 6:00am ET

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A Subaru Crosstrek driver is going viral for recently discovering a feature of her sunroof that could’ve saved her interior from damage.

Sunroofs are an excellent feature to gain more sunlight and airflow inside your vehicle. However, it may not be common knowledge that there is routine maintenance needed to ensure everything is working properly.

In a video that generated over 1.8 million views as of this writing, Isa (@bbell1017) reveals how her sunroof caused interior damage after a storm.

Subaru Crosstrek Sunroof Damage: Distraught Is an Understatement

In the TikTok, Isa reveals that she had no idea that sunroofs have a drain and need to be checked regularly.

"So, was someone going to tell me that if you have a sunroof, there is a sunroof drain?" Isa begins.

This feature took her by surprise, and she wasn’t aware that sunroof drains required maintenance.

"And if you don’t regularly check it, you could potentially flood the interior of your car. ‘Cause nobody told me," she shares.

She reveals the water damage the interior of her Subaru sustained. Right above the driver’s window and behind the visor, there are visible brown marks seeping through the interior. The color is similar to mold, but Isa believes it’s red Georgia clay.

After discovering the leaks, she went to Reddit and discovered that this can happen with Subaru models.

“This is the first time I’ve ever had a sunroof in a car of mine,” she concludes, distraught.

Other Subaru drivers have shared their issues with sunroof drain issues on Reddit, Facebook Groups, and Subaru forums.

Isa told Motor1, "I was not expecting my car to flood and I think the sun roof having a drain was the last thing I’d ever expect. I woke up for work one day, got dressed and ready as usual. I got into my car and it was leaking onto my lap. At that moment, I had no time to think, so I went to work. While working my mother texted me and said it could be my sun roof and I remember laughing and thinking what does she know about cars. But my mother was 100,000% right. My drain tube was clogged with wooded debris. Long story short, always trust your mom and maybe buy a car cover for the sun roof having besties out there."

She’s Not the Only One Who Wasn’t Aware of Sunroof Drains

Viewers flooded the comments section to reassure her that sunroof drains aren’t common knowledge.

"Bestie this is new information to me," one TikTok commenter said.

"There’s a drain???," a second commented.

"Uhhh I've had a sunroof for the last 10 years and never heard of this nor had this issue," a third replied.

Meanwhile, other viewers offered solutions and explanations for why drainage issues would happen.

"Sunroof drain tubes. Actually super easy to clean/fix! If your dad has an air compressor, ask him to blow the drain tubes out with one, or if you have one, idk just girly things? Just a mechanic talking!" one added.

"If you open the sunroof you can see the holes on the corner, check if they're clogged? That looks pretty dirty. If you drive on loose dirt or in rural areas at all check it twice a year," another shared.

Gallery: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Review

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Review

What Are Signs and Causes of Sunroof Leaks?

Dealing with a sunroof water leak isn’t ideal. However, the good news is that this can be a simple fix that can be done at home.

Typical signs of sunroof leaks are wet headliners, damp carpets, or water stains on the interior, Competition Subaru of Smithstown reports. It’s best to inspect the ceiling, seats, floor, and sunroof area for any water leaks.

Sunroof drain issues can be caused by a few different factors.

The first reason is clogged drain tubes. Each sunroof will have small tubes that drain water away from the car. Water can easily get blocked up in these tubes, which will lead to leaking in the interior.

The second reason is damaged seals. Just like any car part, wear and tear will occur. If these rubber tubes wear down, water will leak into the car.

The third reason water can enter your vehicle is if the sunroof is improperly closed. If something is in the way, water can make its way into the car.

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How to Fix a Sunroof Leak

The following things can be done to fix a sunroof leak, according to Autozone.

Confirm the Leak: First, identify where the source of the leak is coming from.
Clean and Unclog Drain Tubes: Use a soft-bristle brush to remove and soften any debris in the tube tracks. Then, run a flexible thin wire and place it down the drain tubes to clear out debris. Typically, it’s best to look around the front corners of the sunroof track assembly.
Lubricate Weatherstrip: Use soapy water and a microfiber washcloth to clean the sunroof weatherstrip. After cleaning, apply a silicone lubricant or sealant to the weatherstrip to ensure a good seal.
Adjust the Sunroof Glass: This is a delicate process and should be done with two people. Each model will have different criteria to fix, so it’s best to consult the owner's manual.
Replace Sunroof Weatherstrip: If the sunroof seal is split, cracked, crushed, or torn, it needs to be replaced. To do this, remove the weatherstrip from the frame and then reinstall the new weatherstrip in its place.

After completing each repair step, it’s best to test for leaks. If the leaks remain present, professional help may be needed.

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