Panic - tailgate wouldn't close.

[Stovo]

I admire you for your ingenuity in coming up a temporary fix, but should you or any owner really have to instigate such ideas. Volvo are supposedly a quality brand, and yet they refuse to recognise what is a blatant design fault including sub standard struts by not announcing any recall. The XC40 is a great car, but alas Volvo are not a great company, and this , not the car, is what is putting doubt in my mind regards getting another.

[Chris John]

Range Rover velars have exactly the same problem with their powered tailgate struts

[jonathan66]

Thanks Stovo, I completely agree that Volvo should do a recall because it is such a blatant design fault. I like to fix things myself though which is my hobby. I also wish to avoid paying for new struts. Perhaps the dealer will feel embarased and offer me new struts at the next service when I show them what I have done and that I have publicised it - in my dreams I feel. The new struts still rely on a seal at the same position which I assume Volvo has made much better. However there is still and vulnerability at the same point on the new struts because a lot of water will be flowing down them. So my view is that the new struts could go the same way as well.

[Stovo]

Thanks Stovo, I completely agree that Volvo should do a recall because it is such a blatant design fault. I like to fix things myself though which is my hobby. I also wish to avoid paying for new struts. Perhaps the dealer will feel embarased and offer me new struts at the next service when I show them what I have done and that I have publicised it - in my dreams I feel. The new struts still rely on a seal at the same position which I assume Volvo has made much better. However there is still and vulnerability at the same point on the new struts because a lot of water will be flowing down them. So my view is that the new struts could go the same way as well.

I’ve been lucky so far, but if I get an issue can you apply same fix, and save me a few bob.

[Stovo]

Range Rover velars have exactly the same problem with their powered tailgate struts

My neighbour has a 2019 Evoque (new model) and they have had struts replaced FOC by dealer. Our friends have a 2017 Discovery Sport, their struts failed but they had to pay. Seems Land Rover have issues on numerous vehicles.

[Bootcamper]

I have the same issue on a 2019 model. I'd be interested to know if anyone has has the struts fail as a result of this issue and been either unable to open or close the tailgate. The noise is unpleasant but I could put up with it as I'm due to replace the car later this year.

[ChrisLF]

Does yours open and close automatically even though they make a noise?

Mine didn't make any noise but the internal rusting (mine was a 2019 with the plastic cased struts) caused the casing on one strut to be expanded causing a swelling. The door would open Ok but when closing would only go half way but then encounter resistance and would open again. Only way I could close it was by pushing it down which took some force.

I avoided using the rear door as far as I could until I got the struts replaced.

[Bootcamper]

It still opens and closes but just makes a noise when doing so. There is evidence of rust on the struts but no signs of any bulging. I'm hoping it doesn't fail before I change in a few months time.

[Felindre]

Mine started making a noise in the first year, It was replaced under warranty.

[DADDY KOOL]

Hi guys !
I may have the answer to this tailgate water ingress problem !
I have a prototype on test in the workshop ,so hope it will be the answer to put an end to this expensive failure!
Watch this space!