Slight Problem with Tailgate Not Closing Completely

[willied]

My mom's new Explorer has a finicky tailgate. It sometimes doesn't close all the way even with a decent amount of force. It looks like it's closed, but the message center says it isn't. Is anyone else having any problems with the tailgate not completely closing?

 

[Loganfilm]

You have to make sure both arms on the dead hooker are all the way inside before you push the button to close the tailgate.

(sorry)

 

[willied]

You have to make sure both arms on the dead hooker are all the way inside before you push the button to close the tailgate.

(sorry)

I forgot to mention this, but it's the manual tailgate.

But yes, I will make sure to put the seats down to make more room.

 

[new to ford]

we have same issue since day one, manual tailgate, sometime you have to try closig it 2-3 times. I took it once to the dealership to check out and the damn thing was working perfect that day

 

[Vic]

It could require an adjustment or it needs time for the rubber seals to break in. Have you tried leaving one of the side doors open and then try close the tailgate? If it closes easier, then its the door fighting the air pressure from an "air tight" vehicle, in which case the hatch could be adjusted slightly. Just a thought.

 

[dco43054]

make sure there is nothing caught on the perimeter. I have a towell on the back floor and even though it doesn't overhang the tailgate, some times I think it gets caught in the side and doesn't allow the door to close correctly. Moving it out of the way fixes it.

 

[rootfan]

Same problem here.. just love repeatedly trying to slam close the tailgate. Awesome to have a new vehicle sitting in the driveway and show it off by fighting with it. Sometimes I just give up and take off with dome light on and message on the display.

 

[willied]

I'm glad to see it's not only my mom's car. Maybe with enough complaints we can get Ford to issue a TSB. My mom's car was built in April as well, so it's a newer one.

 

[FordService]

Hi guys,

A concern like this would be frustrating for me as well, and I’d like help with getting this resolved. Please send me your VIN, dealer name, and approximate mileage so I can assist with looking into this issue.

Cory

 

[1995E]

I would say it needs to break in a bit. I've had trouble closing the liftgate AND the hood but after slamming it a few times, everything began to close better.

 

[JAZNY]

This happened to me within the first week of ownership, and then again after 2 months. Not sure why I got the message, since it looked closed. Same issue as the OP.

 

[willied]

I reported it to Cory. We'll see what comes out of this.

 

[dco43054]

Hi guys,

A concern like this would be frustrating for me as well, and I’d like help with getting this resolved. Please send me your VIN, dealer name, and approximate mileage so I can assist with looking into this issue.

Cory

And screw up a perfectly good internet rantfest? Why would we want to do that?

On mine, slamming seemed to be the wrong answer. After I made sure there was nothing in the way, I just gave it a gentle but firm "thud". Haven't had any problems since.

 

[FordService]

I reported it to Cory. We'll see what comes out of this.

Thank you for sending your information. I’ll do everything I can to help get this resolved. Please expect a reply from me soon.

dco43054, I’m glad to hear that you’re not having tailgate troubles anymore but feel free to drop me a line for any other issue.

Cory