Tailgate won't stay closed

[Dave Rome]

The tail gate on my R1T won't stay closed. While it seems to hold in place, it is clearly not tight and the sensors indicate it is open. This of course disables the park-assist sensors on the sides and back. Is there any way to adjust the latches to hold tighter? It is not the latching loops on the tail gate itself, as these are not adjustable. I have tried rinsing out the area as well as silicon spray, all to no avail. Of course Rivian will fix it, but service appointments are now 2 months away (clearly Rivian has a big service-support issue or an even bigger product-quality issue). This is my solution for now:

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[Dark-Fx]

I typically have to give an extra shove on one side or the other to get mine fully latched. Careful where you push though.

 

[Dave Rome]

I wish that worked, believe me, I have tried everything from a good slam, to a careful push, and everything in-between.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Common especially in extreme cold/hot, which tells me it’s tolerances and materials of the latch/switch. Spray with cleaner/dry lube. Then close it with authority (with your palms at sturdy parts of gate, so you don’t dent it in the process). This usually clears the alert for me. If it does not clear, 100% service ticket.

In older days, cars generally have metal parts in these latches. More and more I see plastics being used. And the mix of plastics isn't always right. Some are too sticky and unstable with contraction/expansion. Have too much give or too brittle.

 

[R.I.P.]

Common issue. The latches are plastic and fragile. After my last replacement the function is greatly improved. It leads me to hope they are actually re-designed & better.

 

[Dave Rome]

Fingers crossed. Unfortunately, service is woefully understaffed. The last advisor I spoke with accused me of lying about an emergency appointment that was schedule over the weekend. These folks must be massively overworked or underpaid or both.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

These folks must be massively overworked or underpaid or both.

Tech start-up company mindset, probably both when you aren't an engineer.

 

[R1Tom]

My early vin hasn't ever had this issue. I wonder if they Munro'd the part to a low bidder....

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

My early vin hasn't ever had this issue. I wonder if they Munro'd the part to a low bidder....

Or supplier cheapening the part to hit a lower priced agreement, whilst still protecting profit.

 

[Funhiker2022]

Try holding the tailgate shut and push the unlatch button while continuing to hold. Pushing the button seems to open and close the latch for me. That making a secure tailgate. I also have service scheduled to fix the same problem.

it’s also possible your spare tire compartment is not fully closed. I think there’s some sort of restriction on closing the tailgate if the spare tire compartment is sensed to be opened.

 

[Dave Rome]

Try holding the tailgate shut and push the unlatch button while continuing to hold. Pushing the button seems to open and close the latch for me. That making a secure tailgate. I also have service scheduled to fix the same problem.

it’s also possible your spare tire compartment is not fully closed. I think there’s some sort of restriction on closing the tailgate if the spare tire compartment is sensed to be opened.

This may have worked (at least temporally). The tail gate is indicating shut, but I need to drive a bit on some bumps to see if it stays so. That said, the alignment is now poor as the tail gate is about 1/8+ inch in too far on the left. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[DanielOBenson]

I had the same problem. Service fixed it by replacing something. Now works flawlessly.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I had the same problem. Service fixed it by replacing something. Now works flawlessly.

Share the work order if you've got it.

 

[Dark-Fx]

This may have worked (at least temporally). The tail gate is indicating shut, but I need to drive a bit on some bumps to see if it stays so. That said, the alignment is now poor as the tail gate is about 1/8+ inch in too far on the left. Thanks for the suggestion!

Sounds like your latches just need to get adjusted.

 

[Dave Rome]

I had the same problem. Service fixed it by replacing something. Now works flawlessly.

Yes, but service is two months out and refuses to send mobile technician for what should be a simple fix.

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