When a liftgate won’t stay up, slams shut unexpectedly, or loses pressure weeks after purchase, everyday errands can turn into safety hazards. Many California drivers are discovering that their SUV, crossover, or minivan’s liftgate struts fail prematurely, leading to repeated dealer visits and lingering worries. Below, ZapLemon explains how California’s Lemon Law may apply to defective liftgate struts and what practical steps you can take if your vehicle keeps returning to the shop.
California Lemon Law Firm for Liftgate Struts
Liftgate struts—sometimes called hatch struts or gas springs—support the weight of your rear door and help it open and close smoothly. In some vehicles, they work alongside a power liftgate system with motors and sensors. When struts lose pressure, leak, creak, or fail to hold the liftgate up, the result can be a liftgate that drops unexpectedly, struggles to open, or bounces halfway—problems that are inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst.
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (the “California Lemon Law”) may offer remedies when a vehicle has a substantial defect covered by warranty that the manufacturer or its authorized dealer can’t fix after a reasonable number of attempts. Persistent liftgate strut problems can affect safety and use—think of a liftgate that slams down while you load groceries, or one that refuses to stay open for childcare gear. Whether your issue involves manual struts, a power liftgate, or both, documentation of repeated repair attempts and time out of service is crucial.
ZapLemon is a California-based firm focused on helping consumers navigate vehicle defect claims. We review repair histories, warranty coverage, and manufacturer communications like technical service bulletins to help you understand your options. While we can’t guarantee outcomes and this article isn’t legal advice, a consultation can help you evaluate potential remedies the law may allow—such as repurchase, replacement, or a cash-and-keep settlement—based on the facts of your situation.
Premature Liftgate Strut Failures: Next Steps
Start with the basics: document everything. Keep copies of every repair order, warranty invoice, and dealership write-up—each should detail your complaint (e.g., “liftgate drops two inches, hissing noise, won’t stay open”), the technician’s findings, and parts replaced (e.g., both struts, power liftgate actuator, control module). If the liftgate behaves intermittently, take short videos that show the drop, resistance, or warning chimes, and note dates, mileage, and weather conditions.
Work through your warranty process. Schedule repairs with an authorized dealer and clearly describe the symptoms; ask the advisor to record them in your words. Confirm whether parts are on backorder, and keep records if delays keep your vehicle at the dealership. Check your owner’s manual and warranty booklet for coverage details, and ask about any recalls or technical service bulletins related to liftgate struts, hinges, or power liftgate systems. If the same issue persists after multiple visits—or your vehicle is out of service for an extended time—those facts may be relevant under California Lemon Law.
Consider escalation if the problem continues. Contact the manufacturer’s customer care line to open a case number. Keep communications in writing when possible, and summarize phone calls in an email to yourself. Before pursuing any claim pathway—manufacturer arbitration, warranty escalation, or a potential lemon law claim—gather a clean timeline of events: dates of failures, repair attempts, days out of service, and parts replaced. Then, speak with a California lemon law attorney to understand which remedies may be available in your circumstances. This article is for information only; a personalized consultation is necessary for legal advice.
Information only disclaimer: This post is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with ZapLemon. Laws and results vary based on specific facts. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon due to premature liftgate strut failures, contact ZapLemon for a consultation at (310) 489-3017 or visit https://zaplemon.com.