Abstract: A trim panel-water barrier subassembly for vehicle structures includes a film of water impermeable material attached to the panel and a seal (of foam or other resilient sealing material) about at least a portion of the perimeter of the outer surface of the water barrier. The seal may include a treatment on its outermost surface, and preferably a release liner is employed to facilitate shipping and assembly of the trim panel. The treatment prevents the capillary attraction of water between the seal and the adjacent vehicle structure, thus preventing water leaks and the potential for seal damage due to freeze/thaw cycles. The water barrier is adhesively attached to the trim panel to provide the subassembly. For example, openings in the water barrier are surrounded by adhesive to prevent the leakage of water into the space between the water barrier and the trim panel.