What can I do about my Skoda’s leaking sunroof?...

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Published Time: 15.05.2024 - 09:40:35 Modified Time: 15.05.2024 - 09:40:35

As The Telegraph’s motoring expert, I weigh in on your car dilemmas to save you money and make your driving life easier Å KODA AUTO Dear Alex, The panoramic sunroof of my Skoda Karoq became reluctant to demist and a local mechanic discovered four inches of water in the spare wheel well

As The Telegraph’s motoring expert, I weigh in on your car dilemmas to save you money and make your driving life easier

: Å KODA AUTO

Dear Alex,

The panoramic sunroof of my Skoda Karoq became reluctant to demist and a local mechanic discovered four inches of water in the spare wheel well. My Skoda dealer traced the source of the leak to the roof – and said, to my horror, that the entire roof needs to be replaced, at a total cost of £2,457.88. I have taped up the roof to prevent further leaking. Might silicone sealant help? Any other suggestions?

–AI

Dear Al,

I’m sure it won’t make you feel any better, but you are not alone. This is a problem which seems to be cropping up more and more across multiple Volkswagen Group (of which Skoda is a part) models fitted with a panoramic roof.

What happens is that the glass roof sits in a plastic cassette, which is bonded with water-resistant glue. Unfortunately, it seems that, with time, the glue gives up the ghost, allowing the cassette to separate and water to leak into the car.

The only remedy offered by main dealers is to replace the entire cassette, which – as you’ve discovered – is a costly enterprise.

Some owners have reported offers of goodwill discounts. That might be an avenue to follow – you’d need to complain to Skoda Customer Services, in the hope they are willing to comply. That will likely happen only if the car has been serviced on time and on mileage at a main dealer.

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