S6 tail gate issue.

[Giller]

Right, yesterday after working perfectly since collection, the tailgate only went up to half way, in addition when using the close button, it would go down but not close properly, closing required doing it manually, pushing it down by hand.

Will be contacting dealer in the morning, but just in case I’m missing something, asking if anyone had a similar experience?

 

[PeterHR2]

Right, yesterday after working perfectly since collection, the tailgate only went up to half way, in addition when using the close button, it would go down but not close properly, closing required doing it manually, pushing it down by hand.

Will be contacting dealer in the morning, but just in case I’m missing something, asking if anyone had a similar experience?

Well... possibly, once. After plugging it in to charge on Thursday night, in pitch darkness I tried opening the tailgate via the key fob to get my bowls out and had hit the wrong button and so ended up opening it by waving my foot, and then I used the tailgate button to close it. I assumed it had closed. But in the morning, on checking the charge state in iSmart I noted it hadn't charged quite as much as I was expecting on the granny charger, and then I tried to turn on the steering wheel heating remotely and I couldn't. It was at that point I noted iSmart was saying the tailgate wasn't locked. I should have gone out to check 'how open it was, but just shut it from iSmart and put the steering wheel heating on. But I've had no issues at all since then, and the tailgate has been opened and shut multiple times by all possible methods (even when I inadvertently swiped right to left in iSmart when checking charge state while charging/shopping in the Co-op on Friday).

I still think I'd confused the car by trying multiple open close options in the dark rather than it be a tailgate issue per se. But I'm keeping a closer eye on it.

 

[Giller]

Well... possibly, once. After plugging it in to charge on Thursday night, in pitch darkness I tried opening the tailgate via the key fob to get my bowls out and had hit the wrong button and so ended up opening it by waving my foot, and then I used the tailgate button to close it. I assumed it had closed. But in the morning, on checking the charge state in iSmart I noted it hadn't charged quite as much as I was expecting on the granny charger, and then I tried to turn on the steering wheel heating remotely and I couldn't. It was at that point I noted iSmart was saying the tailgate wasn't locked. I should have gone out to check 'how open it was, but just shut it from iSmart and put the steering wheel heating on. But I've had no issues at all since then, and the tailgate has been opened and shut multiple times by all possible methods (even when I inadvertently swiped right to left in iSmart when checking charge state while charging/shopping in the Co-op on Friday).

I still think I'd confused the car by trying multiple open close options in the dark rather than it be a tailgate issue per se. But I'm keeping a closer eye on it.

Interesting, points to ponder, thank you.

 

[El Bongo]

Right, yesterday after working perfectly since collection, the tailgate only went up to half way, in addition when using the close button, it would go down but not close properly, closing required doing it manually, pushing it down by hand.

Will be contacting dealer in the morning, but just in case I’m missing something, asking if anyone had a similar experience?

I've noticed if you open the boot and open the door at the same time the boot stops opening half way up. There are also options in the car settings for adjusting boot opening height.

 

[Giller]

I've noticed if you open the boot and open the door at the same time the boot stops opening half way up. There are also options in the car settings for adjusting boot opening height.

Hmmmm

 

[PS70]

We've had the same problem intermittently. Same symptoms - wouldn't open to the full height despite being set to High and wouldn't close properly without assistance. It just stopped working one day, then started working again, then stopped again with no rhyme or reason. Tried the recalibration described on the MGS5 thread without success. Finally got it in to the dealer last week and they said the PLCM (power lift control module I think) software has been corrupted. They re-flashed it and all working okay for now. Fingers crossed it continues...

 

[Giller]

We've had the same problem intermittently. Same symptoms - wouldn't open to the full height despite being set to High and wouldn't close properly without assistance. It just stopped working one day, then started working again, then stopped again with no rhyme or reason. Tried the recalibration described on the MGS5 thread without success. Finally got it in to the dealer last week and they said the PLCM (power lift control module I think) software has been corrupted. They re-flashed it and all working okay for now. Fingers crossed it continues...

Rang my dealer and mentioned the PLCM software issue you had, booked in for Thursday so fingers crossed this end also.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Domunited]

Got my S6 yesterday. Had read about the issues and sort of hoped mine wouldn't be affected and made sure it was set to High in the settings straight away. Nope, missus banged her head on it, first time she opened the boot. Both workarounds have failed. Shame. Dealer wasn't surprised when I rang him. Will give it a few days to see if it sorts itself out, otherwise I'll pop it back. Other than that, the car is brilliant. Just come from (what I thought was) a very refined and polished 3 year old Hyundai Tucson. This thing wipes the floor with it.

 

[Giller]

Had mine 6 weeks when it started on Saturday morning, up to then no issues and it's not sorting itself so booked in for Thursday morning, will have a chat with the service manager and see if he is aware of any other issues.

 

[Giller]

Found this over on the S5 forum, seems some owners are having the same issue:

Post in thread 'Boot won't close properly'

Mar 4, 2026

You might find this solution useful.

• Ian Key

• 

Tried the recalibration thing and everything working again, will still be visiting my dealer as I want the cars software checked and couple of other issues to get looked at.

 

[Giller]

Down at my dealers, car going in shortly to have software checked and updated and a small list of issues looked in to.

Rather than just sit in the waiting area consuming free coffee, had a look round stock in showroom and hit the boot release on a new in S6, guess what it only went half way up.

 

[Micropop]

Down at my dealers, car going in shortly to have software checked and updated and a small list of issues looked in to.

Rather than just sit in the waiting area consuming free coffee, had a look round stock in showroom and hit the boot release on a new in S6, guess what it only went half way up.

Does behave the same if its opened from the screen, fob, button on boot or with foot sensor?

 

[Caramaddy]

Down at my dealers, car going in shortly to have software checked and updated and a small list of issues looked in to.

Rather than just sit in the waiting area consuming free coffee, had a look round stock in showroom and hit the boot release on a new in S6, guess what it only went half way up.

That is brilliant! Hope you pointed it out to them!

 

[PeterHR2]

Down at my dealers, car going in shortly to have software checked and updated and a small list of issues looked in to.

Rather than just sit in the waiting area consuming free coffee, had a look round stock in showroom and hit the boot release on a new in S6, guess what it only went half way up.

That might be because it's set at 'Low' or 'Medium' in the Driver Convenience section

 

[Giller]

Does behave the same if its opened from the screen, fob, button on boot or with foot sensor?

Yes, the recalibration seems to be working now.

 

[Giller]

That is brilliant! Hope you pointed it out to them!

Not only pointed it out, showed them how to fix it.

Interesting it took 4 goes to get it to work, it was only the height was the issue, automatic locking was fine,

 

[Giller]

That might be because it's set at 'Low' or 'Medium' in the Driver Convenience section

First thing I checked, was set to high, can't see why anyone would use low or medium.

 

[PeterHR2]

First thing I checked, was set to high, can't see why anyone would use low or medium.

Being 'vertically challenged', my better half can't (easily) reach the button on the high setting. But that's OK as I don't let her drive the S6 and I can close the boot from the car.
If your garaging (or other environment) is restricted height-wise then the max setting may be too great to avoid damaging the tailgate.

 

[Giller]

Fair point, but when the rain stops I must see exactly what Low and Medium look like.

 

[Gadgetnutter]

Found this over on the S5 forum, seems some owners are having the same issue:

Post in thread 'Boot won't close properly'

Mar 4, 2026

You might find this solution useful.

• Ian Key

• 

Tried the recalibration thing and everything working again, will still be visiting my dealer as I want the cars software checked and couple of other issues to get looked at.

I've had this issue intermittently.
The first time, I resolved it by doing a factory reset on the infotainment system..which is a bit of a pain.
The second time, just after charging, it seemed to resolve itself after a couple of goes.
Regarding that reset process...
I did try that, but my tailgate immediately tries to close when I press the button, after pushing the boot to it's full height....