2025 Highlander Owner’s Roof Is Leaking First Time In the Rain, She Adds, “I’ve Heard Toyota’s Known About This Issue Since 2020, You’d Think They’d Have Fixed It By Now”

Imagine the excitement of driving your brand-new, 25th-anniversary edition 2025 Toyota Highlander through its first rainstorm, only to feel water dripping onto your shoulder. This is the reality for one frustrated owner who discovered that even a 2025 model isn't immune to a structural flaw that has plagued the lineup for half a decade.

Penny Munson Conklin on the Toyota Highlander Owners Club Facebook page says,

“It’s the first time we've really driven in the rain, and this is happening on our 2025 Toyota Highlander 25th anniversary model. The roof is leaking! I’ve read that Toyota has known about this issue since at least 2020. You'd think Toyota would have fixed this problem by now.”

Why Is This Still Happening?

I have seen brands rise and fall based on how they handle "legacy" defects. When I hear about a 2025 Toyota Highlander roof leaking during the first rain, it strikes a chord. Toyota has built its massive empire on the foundation of bulletproof reliability, but this recurring water intrusion issue is starting to poke holes in that reputation; literally.

I’ve spent three decades under hoods and in dealer showrooms, and I can tell you that a leaking roof is more than just an annoyance; it is a ticking time bomb for mold, electrical shorts, and diminished resale value. When an owner like Penny mentions that Toyota has known about this since 2020, she is hitting on a painful truth. My experience covering this brand suggests that while they are masters of powertrain longevity, they occasionally struggle with body sealing and drainage engineering on their larger crossovers.

The Source of the Soak

In my years of reporting, I’ve found that water inside a Highlander usually comes from two specific areas: the panoramic sunroof drains or the roof rail attachment points. Many owners are shocked to learn that sunroofs are actually "designed to leak." They rely on a perimeter tray and four drain tubes to channel water away. If those tubes are pinched at the factory or clogged by debris, the tray overflows directly onto your headliner.

However, the more insidious issue often involves the Toyota Highlander roof rail mounting clips. If these clips aren't seated with the proper weather-tight gaskets, water seeps through the bolt holes in the roof. This is a problem I’ve seen mentioned in various owner circles, and it’s disappointing to see it surfacing on the 2025 25th Anniversary models.

If you are concerned about the longevity of your SUV beyond just a few drips, you should read my report on how some owners handle long-term frustrations, such as after 2 failed transmissions, I said goodbye to my Toyota Highlander and got a nice Ford Explorer. It shows that even the most loyal fans have a breaking point when recurring issues aren't addressed.

Why Hasn't Toyota Fixed It?

You’d think five years would be enough time to update a seal or a clip design. In the manufacturing world, mid-cycle refreshes are supposed to iron out these "bugs." Yet, the 2025 model year is still showing symptoms. This suggests that the assembly process or the component supplier hasn't fully corrected the tolerances required to keep the cabin dry.

It’s a stark contrast to the safety and durability we usually associate with the nameplate. I recently covered a story where the Highlander’s structural integrity was the hero, noting that this 2018 Toyota Highlander saved my life today. It is frustrating to see a vehicle that can survive a 55-mph T-bone collision struggle to survive a car wash or a summer downpour.

Key Takeaways for Highlander Owners

• Inspect Early: Don't wait for a storm. Run a hose over your roof rails and sunroof to check for dampness on the A-pillars or headliner.
• Drain Maintenance: If you park under trees, your sunroof drains can clog. Use a flexible "weed whacker" line to gently clear the tubes.
• Dealer Leverage: If your 2025 model leaks, do not let the dealer tell you "it's normal." A drip tray is normal; a wet headliner is a manufacturing defect.
• Document Everything: Take photos of the water entering the cabin. This is essential for potential Lemon Law claims if the dealer fails to fix it after multiple attempts.

Dealing With the Dealership

When you take your leaking 2025 Highlander in for service, be prepared for a fight. Service advisors often try to downplay water intrusion as "environmental" or "maintenance-related." With my 30 years in the business, I’ve seen every excuse in the book. You need to insist that they check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to roof leaks that have been active since 2020.

Sometimes, the "free" fix isn't as free as it seems. I’ve written about the hidden costs of Toyota ownership before, such as when a customer took her 2020 Highlander in for its free 5K oil change, and Toyota came back with $2,584 in recommended services. Stay vigilant. If your car is under warranty, the leak repair and any resulting damage to the headliner or carpets should be covered 100%.

What Highlander Owners Are Saying

The community feedback on this issue is widespread and growing. Here is what other owners are reporting on platforms like Reddit:

From r/ToyotaHighlander: "2020 here with same issues. I’m shocked it’s still going on the 2025. You may have better luck trying to get them to cover it since yours is newer, but I had no luck with mine."

From r/Toyota: "I bought a new 2025 Highlander with a sunroof that leaks... The dealer claims it is normal. This is not normal."

From r/ToyotaHighlander: "Mine isn't clogged drains. There's a gasket between the two sheets of glass that shrinks, and you can't buy just that gasket; you have to buy the whole rear glass."

Conclusion

The 2025 Toyota Highlander remains a top-tier choice for families seeking safety and resale value, but the persistence of these roof leaks is a stain on the brand's legacy. As a buyer, you deserve a vehicle that stays dry. If Toyota wants to maintain its "legendary" status, it needs to stop managing the symptoms and start fixing the source of these leaks on the assembly line.

Tell Us About Your Highlander

Have you experienced a roof leak in your 2020–2025 Toyota Highlander, and did the dealer fix it to your satisfaction? Leave a comment below and let’s get the conversation started!

Next Up: Is Your Highlander Hybrid Secretly Clogging? Many owners are unaware of a hidden filter under the rear seats that can lead to expensive battery failures if ignored. I dive into how to find it and save your hybrid system. Check out my guide on the Highlander Hybrid's hidden filter here.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.

Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Penny Munson Conklin