Verify with official recall databases, service records, a mechanic inspection, and local market data before relying on this summary.
At a glance
Symptom triage summary
The tailgate, boot lid or bonnet drifts down or drops rather than holding in the open position. The gas struts that hold it have lost pressure or their mountings have corroded.
UrgencyUrgency not yet verifiedSeverityModerateEvidenceSource notes available
What it may indicate
The tailgate, boot lid or bonnet drifts down or drops rather than holding in the open position. The gas struts that hold it have lost pressure or their mountings have corroded.
Possible system
Body & Interior
Urgency
Urgency not yet verified
Can I drive?
Usually OK to drive short-term
Evidence/confidence
Source notes available
See source & evidence notes below
Short answer
The tailgate, boot lid or bonnet drifts down or drops rather than holding in the open position. The gas struts that hold it have lost pressure or their mountings have corroded.
SeverityModerateDrive?Usually OK to drive short-term
Can I still drive with this?
Usually OK to drive short-term
Book an inspection soon.
SeverityModerate
Moderate
Explore vehicle evidence related to this system
Choose your vehicle to see how often owner complaints and official records for it concern Doors, latches & locks, and in which model years.
This shows records about a system, not whether a particular car has this problem.
Troubleshooting at a glance
UrgencyModerate
Check firstSupport the tailgate manually whenever opening or closing it until repaired
Can you drive?Usually OK to drive short-term
Stop driving ifNot a driving hazard, but a tailgate that drops without warning is…
The tailgate or boot will not stay open
The tailgate, boot lid or bonnet drifts down or drops rather than holding in the open position. The gas struts that hold it have lost pressure or their mountings have corroded.
What can cause it
Gas struts that have lost their charge with age — normal wear, and usually affects both sides together
A corroded or broken strut mounting ball or bracket
A strut detached at one end
What to check first
Support the tailgate manually whenever opening or closing it until repaired
Inspect both struts and their mounting points for corrosion or detachment
Replace gas struts in pairs, since the second is usually close behind the first
Do not stand or work beneath an unsupported tailgate
What this symptom does not tell you
An observation narrows the search; it does not identify which of the possible causes applies to your vehicle. Confirm the cause before any part is replaced — several of the causes above produce an identical symptom.
Possible causes
Gas struts that have lost their charge with age — normal wear, and usually affects both sides together
A corroded or broken strut mounting ball or bracket
A strut detached at one end
What to check first
Support the tailgate manually whenever opening or closing it until repaired
Inspect both struts and their mounting points for corrosion or detachment
Replace gas struts in pairs, since the second is usually close behind the first
Do not stand or work beneath an unsupported tailgate
When to stop driving / seek help
Not a driving hazard, but a tailgate that drops without warning is a genuine injury risk to whoever is loading beneath it.