How to fix a tailgate that won't open on a 2003-2009 Kia Sorento

I show you how to fix a tailgate that won't open on a 2003-2009 Kia Sorento.

[@kathrynlangdon6766]

OMG you just changed my life. My back hatch hasn't opened for the last 5 years. I don't know how I am just now finding this video but I am so happy that I did!!!

[@nycgent50]

The tailgate on my 2009 Kia Sorento would not open for a while, but now I had to in order to change a break light. My posts in Kia forums asking for help was unsuccessful. Then I found your video, I followed your instructions and 5 minutes later the tailgate was open. - GREAT Instructions! Your video saved me a trip to the Kia dealer and a few hundred Dollars. Thank you!

[@JeremieWeldin]

Karl Sch glad to hear it helped you!

[@douglascrouse8793]

I have just the opposite problem with our '09 Sportage. The hatch WON'T lock! But your video has most likely narrowed down the problem. Thanks!

[@fatimas8766]

Thank you so much!! You saved me so much trouble today at lowes with this.

[@claressaware867]

Thank you sir! This ia very, very helpful to me!

[@krishnadyehouse931]

Thank you! Mine went out today. Went to grocery, came out and it wouldn't open. 98 degrees outside. Lol. I hear it trying so it must be doing what yours is.

[@ralphmoxon7251]

Nice short clear vid...Thanks

[@toiletgaming2005]

had to replace a rear light bulb on a customers sportage and the tailgate or glass wouldnt open, so heres quite vaguely described what i did, so i crawled around in the car which was full of doghair, pried of the plastic piece for the glass latch and wiper motor, then unbolted the 2x10mm bolts holding the shackle to the tailgate, then just pushed the glass open with the shackle still on it then i was able to get the big plsstic cover of the tailgate by peeling back the rear window seal and pulled on the cover, then lift it up and off over the little plug thingy (might be different, on US models) then you can kinda pull it open (there are 2 screw type clips on the underside which you cant remove at this point yet) stick your hand down there and fiddle with it until it opens the actuator kinda started for working for maybe two or three times opening and locking, but then it died almost completely probably wont be getting a new actuator so for the being i put it back together and accidentally managed to get the tailgate stuck open

[@ianCastle1cas]

My Sportage 2008 has done this exactly as you’ve demonstrated. Exactly as you mentioned it was on a hot day.i bought another actuator from eBay buy I still have the same problem. Can you suggest what to look for next?

[@MrJabzi]

Hi, if the door and glass won't lock, but opens normally. Is the actuator the problem?

[@dianaschurman]

what do you do if the window won't open?

[@MIKESALLSURE]

That I would assume you could dissemble and do from sitting inside the back of the Sorento.

[@rajramassur6298]

Hi can you help how to unlock tailgate of Kia carnival 2010

[@WhirledPeasFursure]

2010 Kia Sportage.. is it the same process? I can't even open my back window,,, so I'm guessing (hoping) all I have to do is crawl in the back, take off the casing and do the same thing as you showed.... problem is, I drive on a lot of dirt/rough roads and the actuator is constantly jiggling which I've read can cause the actuator to fail more often,, stupid design cuz I can't open the hatch with a key instead.... I've also heard it will cost me about $350 to have it fixed in a shop... THANKS FOR THE INFO AND VID.. fingers crossed it's as easy for me to do as you show...

[@JeremieWeldin]

WhirledPeasFursure I honestly don’t know. I wish you luck!

[@SGDeGalvez]

i just did mine. I had big trouble getting the rear trim piece off, but I got it propped open enough so i could get a stubby to the screws. So far, it works. its just 2 screws and the connector.

[@slingdm9517]

the tailgate wont open on the one I'm working on because the handle mechanism is broke inside, so I cannot take off the interior plastic to replace or do anything?

[@ryancherry380]

My hatch chimes won't stop dinging the light in dash glows saying its open .I just want the chimes to stop dinging it does it the whole. Time in driving

[@mandobizar]

I'm having trouble finding the part. Anybody have a direct link or the Part#.

[@Michael-cx1zi]

How do you get the window part to open ?

[@javierramirez7602]

What fuse location for lock because my work before

[@pdurand63]

Hey what happens if your tailgates already closed and you can't take the back what happens then

[@marqolomcfadden1912]

How did you get the glass part open

[@JeremieWeldin]

Mine opened with the key fob still.

[@psycho717]

LOL blurring license plate only to reveal it @0:23

[@JeremieWeldin]

Good catch. Luckily my number changed when I renewed my plates.

[@allisonbossi_pilon1008]

i have 2010 Hyundai entourage which back window doesn't open but my tailgate will not open for about 4 months now

[@meghanmcnally6230]

I'm unable to find this part for a 2009 kia sorento. Can you help me out with where to order from?

[@JeremieWeldin]

I ordered mine on eBay.

[@SGDeGalvez]

is there a trick to getting that trim piece off ? it seems to be stuck up by the glass?

[@JeremieWeldin]

I just carefully pried it with a flat head screw driver. I had opened the window first.

[@SGDeGalvez]

@@JeremieWeldin window might have been causing the issue..thnx for the vid.

[@PhatMag09]

what if the little window doesn't open as well

[@JeremieWeldin]

Sorry, I no longer have the vehicle. Wish I could help.

[@jaythephoenix]

Mine slammed on a tarp and is jammed. Advice?

[@benbryson6598]

How do you get the panel off if the hatch won't open

[@lemonadegrave]

Exactly my problem as well. What was your solution?

[@benbryson6598]

@@lemonadegrave brought in a mechanic buddy could check with him, maybe undid the mechanism from the top inside not sure

[@nziedesanta8012]

My issue is how do u remove the interior panel if the door is already locked. Please help

[@JeremieWeldin]

I used a large flat-headed screwdriver to pry the little plug from the top. I basically had to bend the interior panel a bit. Then, if you have a coat hanger or some other long instrument with a hook, you could stick it in and activate the release. If you don’t have that (and I didn’t) then you just use the little “plug hole” as leverage and carefully bend the interior away from the door until you can reach in and trigger the release. Once the door is open you can then remove the panel easily. Of course do this all at your own risk :). I did scrape the back of my hand a bit while reaching in to trigger the release with the interior still on.

[@nziedesanta8012]

Thanks! That answer help me a lot

[@0725long]

So what if the window won't open either

[@ncja1238]

What is the name of the part? I am having this same problem

[@JeremieWeldin]

+Nicole Rear Liftgate Lock Controller Actuator Assembly

[@ncja1238]

Ok Thank you Jeremie

[@eliezersalazar4361]

My problem is the opposite. It won’t latch.

[@ramohino]

You do know people can see you license plate when you drive JM 511

[@JeremieWeldin]

Yeah, but some people do stupid things with identifying info on the internet. I didn’t want to encourage them. I realize I missed the blur a few times as well. Luckily, I don’t have that plate anymore. :)

[@kbarnes4943]

You can not remove the interior plastic with the door closed. There are plastic clips, like the ones on the side that you had to remove, on the bottom of the door. Anyone reading this beware. You will break the plastic interior cover before you shear those plastic clips. Don't try it. The rest of this video is accurate if it is indeed the actuator. In my case the latch was sticking. Remove and inspect before you order that $150 actuator.

[@JeremieWeldin]

K Barnes I actually did. Your mileage may very. But I absolutely did this without damaging anything.

[@hbmckenzie6241]

Will this work on my 06 Kia Sedona? The hatch hasnt opened for months. Also, the passenger back sliding opens fine but then won't close. I'm soo aggravated. Could the problem be the actuator on both?

[@shenellmarieSTT]

My glass won’t open either so I can’t do this.

[@davidatkins5575]

stay on topic and stop rambling around, it was an electrical problem why stay on the emergency latch?

[@Al-ok1lj]

You want a snickers bar?