Volvo XC40 & XC60 Tailgate Strut Problems: Symptoms, Causes & Fixe

If your Volvo XC40 or XC60 tailgate is dropping, opening slowly, making unusual noises or failing to stay open, the powered tailgate struts may be worn or damaged. Other components can cause similar symptoms, so checking the struts, wiring and tailgate mechanism can help identify the fault.

Both the XC40 and XC60 use powered tailgate struts rather than simple manual gas springs, which means each strut combines a gas spring with an electric motor to drive the boot open and closed at the touch of a button. That extra complexity is convenient day to day, but it also means there's more that can wear out over time  and the fix isn't always as simple as "the gas has gone." This guide covers the symptoms, what's actually failing inside the strut, and how the parts differ between the XC40 and XC60.

Common Signs Your Tailgate Struts Are Failing

Wear usually shows up gradually, and it's easy to put it down to "just getting old" before it becomes obvious:

• The tailgate won't stay open. It lifts fine but slowly sags or drops again, particularly if you're loading the boot while it's up.
• Slow or hesitant powered operation. The tailgate takes noticeably longer to open or close than it used to, or seems to strain partway through the cycle.
• One side lower than the other. If only one strut has failed, the tailgate can sit at a visible angle when open, or close unevenly.
• Clicking, grinding or motor whine. Noise during the powered cycle often points to wear inside the motor or drive mechanism rather than the gas spring itself.
• Cold weather makes it worse. Cold weather can make a worn or weakened strut perform worse. If the tailgate struggles more on cold mornings but works better after the vehicle warms up, the strut may already be near the end of its service life.

Why Tailgate Struts Fail on the XC40 and XC60

1. Gas pressure loss

Like any gas strut, the sealed cylinder inside gradually loses pressure through years of heat cycling, UV exposure and simple age. This is the most common root cause and affects both models regardless of engine or trim.

2. Motor and drive wear

Because both the XC40 and XC60 use an integrated electric motor to power the tailgate, repeated opening and closing cycles wear the motor and drive spindle over time. This is what usually causes the clicking, grinding or whining noises rather than a simple loss of lift.

3. Seal and weather wear

The struts sit exposed to road grime, moisture and temperature swings every time the boot opens. Seal degradation here can accelerate gas loss and, in worse cases, lead to visible fluid or oil residue on the strut body.

XC40 vs XC60: What's Different

The two models don't share the same tailgate strut part, so it's worth confirming which one you're dealing with before ordering:

Diagnosing Which Strut Has Failed

1. Operate the tailgate slowly and watch both sides. A visible dip or lag on one side usually points to that individual strut.
2. Listen for motor noise in isolation. If you can access each strut separately, listening close to the housing during operation helps narrow down which one is straining.
3. Check for oil residue or visible damage. Streaks running down the strut body suggest a seal has already started to fail.
4. Retest once warmed up. If the fault is worse first thing in the morning and improves later, gas pressure loss is the more likely cause than a motor fault.

It's common practice to replace both struts together even if only one has failed outright, since the remaining original strut is usually close behind and replacing in pairs keeps the tailgate lifting evenly on both sides.

Replacing the Tailgate Struts

D2P Autoparts stocks the correct pair for both models:

• For the Volvo XC40 (2017–2024): a left and right pair of electric tailgate struts, covering petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and Recharge electric variants on the 536 chassis.
• For the Volvo XC60 (2008–2017): a left and right pair of tailgate motor/gas spring struts, covering the wider range of diesel and petrol engines on the 156 chassis.

Not sure which build year or trim you've got? Enter your registration in the number plate parts finder to match your exact vehicle against DVLA records, and always cross-check the OEM number on your existing strut before ordering, since Volvo has used several part number revisions across each model's production run.

Browse the full boot shocks & struts range if you're working on a different Volvo model or another make entirely.

DIY Replacement or a Garage Job?

Because these are powered struts rather than simple gas springs, there's more to think about than a manual strut swap. The tailgate needs to be safely supported while the old strut is disconnected, and it's sensible to isolate the vehicle's power before working near the motor and wiring to avoid the tailgate cycling unexpectedly. If you're comfortable working with both the mechanical mounting and the electrical side, it's a manageable job — if not, it's a sensible one to leave to a garage.

Branded Aftermarket: The Smart Choice for a Powered Tailgate

A branded aftermarket strut built to match the original electrical and mechanical specification restores full powered function without the mark-up of a main dealer part — a sensible, informed choice rather than a compromise. Every part D2P Autoparts sells carries a warranty of up to 10 years depending on the part, provided it's fitted by a certified mechanic and proof of fitment is submitted within 30 days, see our warranty terms and 180-day return policy for full detail.

Frequently Asked Questions