After chasing a popping noise coming from the rear of the car when turning or going over bumps, I've figured out it's from the sunroof (2011 UL). Previously, I replaced the rear sway bar bushings and end links, which didn't help. I read there's an issue with some on the 6th gen, but it's the standard roofs. The Car Care Nut has a video on replacing the seal. The panoramic roofs, however, are different. When I put the sunroof in tilt mode or press my hand on the ceiling next to it (driver side), it goes away.

The headliner may not be too bad to drop down in the rear from what I've read, but I don't know where to install some foam type insulation. I really don't want to take it to the dealer so they can sell me a new $2000 glass roof. I called a glass shop and they said they'd look at it but don't know if they can fix it.

Has anyone had this issue with the pano roof specifically? Any ideas?

 

First clean and lubricate the sunroof rails and moving parts. Use something like spray lithium grease to lubricate. Make sure all the leaves and dirt etc are out and while there push some weed Wacker line down the drain holes at the corners. Usually on the front ones can be reached.
Spray silicone on all rubber seals etc. That may solve your problem.
Contact a car upholstery shop for help as they replace headliners and will know how to maintain and take apart a sunroof.
My cousin had the headliner replaced on his car and the shop said they always do a sunroof maintenance clean and lube when replacing the headliner since they are in there anyway and it is always needed on aging cars.

 

I would remove the headliner and drive the car over bumps so you can identify the spot where 2 pieces hit each other.

 

I watched a YouTube video on removing a Toyota headliner and it looks like it just snaps down, but I'm afraid of breaking it; so it may need to go to an upholstery shop. I hated pulling the interior D pillar trim pieces when I replaced my ML sub. I'm going to have to do that again now that my sunshade quit working. Hopefully, it won't be too expensive. I don't think I need a whole new glass roof. I did lubricate everything last night with spray silicone grease and drove the car around; no change.

 

To remove the headliner first you need to remove the pillar covers, than sun visors, then the door handles...