Rear hatch is dangerous when it fails!

[TowGMC]

This past weekend my 12 yr old daughter pressed the release on the rear hatch to open the hatch on my Denali. Got about 2/3 of the way up and just as she was about to reach in for her soccer gear the hatch went bang and slammed down. She got her arm out just in time, if her hand had been there at the bottom of the hatch when it slammed down I'm darn sure it would have broken her hand. What an absolutely horrible design! No signs of a problem until that point, I'm just very lucky my daughter could move quickly.

Now I can't keep the hatch open, using a broom stick to keep it open. press the button and it goes part way up, then slams shut. There has to be a liability issue here, can't believe GM would allow a design that could injure a child. My daughter came within inches of being hurt. And of course I'm now out of warranty so who knows what this will cost me. But I guess it doesn't matter because the way it is would be dangerous.

Sorry, had to vent. When I see something that could hurt my kids I get pissed off.

 

[08grey]

Shocks blew out. Simple fix. Sucks what happened. Check rockauto.com for a good price

 

[NathanJax]

Struts blew out. Simple fix. Sucks what happened

x2

any vehicle with struts holding the back hatch or glass up does the same thing when they go bad... I've had a ford explorer, jeep cherokee, etc. that did the same thing when they go bad. There's not much GM (or any manufacturer) could really do to stop the door from coming down if a part fails due to normal wear n tear

 

[Goodinblack]

Fix it.

Can't sue people for all your problems lol

 

[TowGMC]

I've had SUV's and wagons since the early 70's and have never had a sudden failure like this. Struts usually go gradually. This was a loud bang and then slammed shut.

I plan to try the struts but not optimistic that's the fix. But it's a quick 10 minute, $60 first shot. And I still need to fix the defroster plugs on the glass, for the third time in 2 years. Oh well, could be worse I guess.

 

[TowGMC]

2 new Stabilus struts, still won't open. Guess I know what I'll be tearing apart this weekend.

 

[livingez_123]

Can't you just disable the auto open and make it manual?

 

[Pockets]

Mine did the same thing on our 07' and the assisting struts was the problem. Idk what else could be back there to cause such a thing to happen.

 

[GM Customer Service]

Hello TowGMC,

I understand that you are working on a fix for issue you experienced with the rear hatch yourself. Were you able to resolve this issue? I do apologize that you are in your current vehicle situation and see that many of your fellow forum members are providing you information. Please keep us posted if you are able to resolve this and feel free to contact us if you have any lingering questions or concerns.

Jennifer T.
GM Customer Care