5 Common Mercedes Tailgate Problems (Explained)

Mercedes is a luxury car brand that one would expect to be reliable in both performance and functionality. However, that’s not always the case. Even in cars such as Mercedes, owners are bound to run into some issues.

Not to say that Mercedes vehicles are problematic. They are very far from that. However, if you own a Mercedes, certain tailgate problems may arise.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with these issues so that you can know what to do in case they happen to you.

We scoured the internet and found the following tailgate issues being very common across most Mercedes cars. We have also listed the solutions to the problems.

Mercedes tailgate problems
Jengtingchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1. The Tailgate Required to Be Shut or Opened Manually

The automatic opening and closing feature of the Mercedes tailgate is one of the best features ever to be added to this vehicle.

All you need is to press the tailgate button on the key fob, and the tailgate will open. Once you are done, you can press a button on the trunk, and it will close automatically.

After some time, this automatic feature may stop working, forcing you to open and close the tailgate manually.

For those of you who were already used to this impressive feature, it can be extremely difficult to live without it. After all, if it was working in the past and has stopped now, you should have it fixed.

If your Mercedes tailgate’s automatic opening and closing feature isn’t working, you should start by inspecting the connection beneath the trunk.

When you press the key fob and signal the tailgate to open, the motor receives the instruction, and through the wiring, it sends that signal to the locking mechanism. Then your trunk pops open.

If there is a fault somewhere along with the connection, this mechanism will not work.

The biggest culprit, in this case, is usually the switch found in the manual tailgate handle. That switch can remain stuck in the open position, which would interrupt the automatic opening feature.

Because when you signal it to open, it would already be. Inspect the handle and try to press on the microswitch till it frees up.

2. Trunk Remains Shut

Another common problem with the Mercedes tailgate is when the trunk remains shut as you try and open it using the key fob. It’s not just Mercedes, this is a very common problem with all cars.

A trunk that remains sealed shut can be problematic and inconvenient for anyone, especially if you regularly use the trunk to load cargo.

The main reason why your trunk may be refusing to open is usually due to a dead actuator. An actuator is a device that controls the locking mechanism of the trunk. If it’s dead, it will not have the power to open when you click on the fob.

If your actuator is dead, there isn’t much you can do except replace it. Actuators can’t be repaired, and, in most cases, there is usually no need for a repair since actuators are fairly cheap. You can buy one from an auto parts store near you.

Alternatively, you can get one on eBay. To ensure the actuator is 100% compatible, buy one that matches the code of the one that is already there. If you find it hard to reach where the actuator is installed, you can refer to your manual for guidance.

There’s one thing you have to remember. If your actuator is dead, the tailgate wouldn’t be opening from the inside of the car.

It would remain completely shut. So, if you can open the trunk from the inside, you should look into other problems such as a faulty switch.

3. Faulty Latch

A faulty latch is also a problem that has been widely reported, especially amongst the ML versions. A latch is a device that is used to fasten the tailgate. A faulty latch can manifest issues in many ways.

First, it may not fasten the tailgate to the car at all. That means you will be driving around with an open tailgate, which is risky and unsafe. Secondly, you may hear whirring noises coming from the latch when closing the tailgate.

Unfortunately, a faulty latch will also require replacement. Or otherwise, it will be a nuisance throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.

From various user experiences, repairs of the latch never really work. You may fix the whirring, but the tailgate still won’t latch.

To avoid that, drive your Mercedes to the dealer and have them replace the entire latching mechanism. This may be costly, especially if your car’s warranty has lapsed. But it would be worth avoiding the expenses.

4. Not Being Able to Open the Tailgate Using the Key Fob

At times, new technologies always come with their fair share of problems. A good example is the ability to open a Mercedes using the key fob.

When it was introduced a few years ago. Most Mercedes owners were very pleased with this feature. However, years later, there have been several complaints that the key fob doesn’t open the trunk at times.

If your key fob can’t open the trunk, before you start inspecting the tailgate, check if the key fob’s battery is dead. At times, it’s that simple. A dead key fob battery won’t be able to open the doors of your Mercedes tailgate and doors.

Double-check if the fob can open the doors. If they can’t, you should replace the key fob’s battery. If the doors can be opened and only the tailgate that is resisting, you can diagnose the condition of the tailgate.

5. Tailgate Only Opens Up to a Certain Height

This isn’t more of a problem, but it’s a setting in most Mercedes cars. After some time, tailgates can reprogram themselves from the initial settings. That is, the tailgate may only open up to a certain height.

If you find yourself a victim of such, you don’t have to look for any issues with the actuator or latches. You have to reset the tailgate, and it will open to the desired height.

Here is a quick guide on resetting the tailgate and ensuring it opens to the desired height.

First, make sure that nothing is blocking the tailgate from opening fully. Mercedes has a safety feature that will not open fully when there is an object such as a garage door or tree blocking it.

To reset the tailgate, pull the handle of the tailgate. Watch it open and wait until it reaches your desired height. Press the closing button at the height you desire. The tailgate should stop at that position.

Press and hold the closing button when the tailgate is in that position to store it. You should hear two short tone sounds. Close the tailgate, and you will have successfully reset it.

Give it a try and see if it will work. Your Mercedes tailgate should open to your desired height.

These five are the most common Mercedes tailgate issues and possible solutions. When you run into an issue with your tailgate, it is important to analyze the problem thoroughly so that you can resolve it as soon as possible.

A malfunctioning tailgate can be quite inconvenient, considering how important having access to your trunk is.

Can Leaks Lead to Mercedes Tailgate Problems?

Not many people know this, but a leakage around your car’s trunk can lead to tailgate issues.

When water gets into the latching mechanism, actuator, and even wires, the tailgate may not open or close as it usually does. It’s advisable to check for leaks in the trunk.

If your Mercedes has been around for a while, inspect the condition of the links. Also, don’t expose the trunk area to a lot of water when washing it.

Leaks are dangerous because they can lead to corrosion. It’s not just the tailgate you have to be worried about.

When Do Mercedes Tailgate Problems Occur?

There is no exact duration when these tailgate issues may occur on your Mercedes. But they are most common in vehicles that have gone for 100K+ miles. As a car gets older, the effects of wear and tear will be visible.

For instance, the actuator may start misbehaving, and the key fob battery can die out. These are problems that you can expect in the lifetime of your Mercedes.

However, some of these problems can occur with new vehicles. If your Mercedes is less than a year old, you can always take it to the dealer and have the tailgate issue fixed under warranty. You will not pay a single dollar for the repairs and replacements.

If the warranty period has lapsed, you can still take your car to the dealer for tailgate repairs and replacements. At the dealership, you will get expert assistance with your tailgate issues.

The other option is to take the car to a professional Mercedes mechanic. Alternatively, you can attempt DIY repairs. These are usually cost-effective, but they require some mechanical knowledge and experience.

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