@mark2002
I am about to attempt to repair my 2014 with the same issue. I thought about removing the rubber from the top of the cowl, then changed my mind. It's not the rain or water that concerns me, it is the wind getting under the windshield (I know, it shouldn't) at speed and loosening up the dash leather. I only say this because I can see a slight deformation of the leather on the very front passenger corner of my WK2. (wrt the dash leather issue: I believe this repair is no longer an authorized warranty repair).
So I think I will temporarily tape the rubber to the windshield until I decide to replace the cowl. The glue will come off the windshield easy enough with solvent or a glue removal product.

 

Tape worked for me ok

But I’m curious how do you imagine wind can get under your windscreen and effect the leather dash IN your car,

 

@emacca
That's a Million $$ question....perhaps poor factory or aftermarket window install?

 

Not a chance you would know immediately it rained or you washed your car

 

I don't think wind would make the leather loosen up. You would feel the air coming inside if that was the case.
Probably poor glue when they made it and the heat and cold makes it peel like an orange. The old headliners from the 70-80s would drop because of the poor glue they used.

The cowl has slots in it so water can get though, and the windshield is sealed on the bottom from water.
Have you had to re apply the tape after it come loose?

 

Tape works well, I used black electrical tape, unless it’s pointed out you wouldn’t know

Yes it sticks well, as long as the surface is cleaned with a degreaser.

Also as you apply the tape try not to stretch it.

I live in a warm climate so that may have a bearing on how long it lasts, but

Generally I replace every six months

The tape doesn’t come loose or weathered, it just lifts a little at the ends

Hope that helps