2017 RRS intermittent tailgate release problem

[c10vet]

Hi all,

Hoping you may be able to help please? We have a 2017 RRS HSE 3.0TD bought from main dealer (Reading Land Rover - Jardine Motors) at only 6 months old. Fully warranted, high spec etc. We have had many small problems, requiring many visits back to the dealer. The worst problem we’ve had is the tailgate has opened by itself whilst in motion. This has happened 3 or 4 times now. One time the spoiler was damaged as it hit an overhead bar in a car park. Whilst we’ve been waiting for the dealer to fix it, the whole spoiler unit flew off whilst driving last week. Pretty dangerous.

Long story short, we have escalated this with the dealer to resolve ASAP. The quote from their body shop is 4.3k. They told us to claim on insurance. We pushed back as this is a car issue (but they cannot replicate - it’s intermittent so not surprised!). Told them they need to pay for it or at least work with us as this is dangerous, we have a young kid in the back, and we deem the dealer is being negligent if they do not resolve this reasonably and quickly.

My main question is has anyone else suffered a similar experience with tailgates opening on their own? I did see a YouTube video once of a guy whose Discovery kept doing it.

We are totally exasperated with this dealer as we have been trying to get it resolved since February, but the COVID situation has got in the way. We have to constantly chase them.

Many thanks!

[IAINSMITH]

Not very helpful I know but my BMW X5 (it was new but I’m going back to 2000 on this one...) used to do the same, I think it got fixed with a recall, presume a small wiring loom / earthing type issue. It was a brand new car, it happened 3 or 4 times and it would “pop” open on the motorway, it didn’t open fully though
I’ve got a 2016 RRS and it’s never done it

[Nick_MSM]

I had a Disco Sport which suffered the same issue, particularly in the rain. Turned out the rear fog light was leaking and damaged the tailgate loom. Could be worth asking LR if that's a possibility?

[c10vet]

Nick_MSM said:

I had a Disco Sport which suffered the same issue, particularly in the rain. Turned out the rear fog light was leaking and damaged the tailgate loom. Could be worth asking LR if that's a possibility?

Thanks Nick. Will try that....

[simontdo]

My 2016 RRS does the same thing.

I am 99% sure it is the tailgate gesture sensor. Mine is under warranty, but I havent got round to taking it in yet.

[c10vet]

Thanks Simon. That got switched off and along with the switch inside. Not happened since so keeping an eye on it.

Does yours open whilst in motion? Has it happened very often?

[simontdo]

It's never happend whilst moving, but if someone walks past the nearside rear of the car, whilst I'm in or near the car, it will open or close.

[Piersman2]

Our neighbours had an RRS which would randomly open it's boot, fixed when the local specialist changed out the boot gas struts. One was corroded preventing the boot closing properly/fully. Worth checking.

[c10vet]

Thanks Piersman!