Adjusting Rear Hatch Closing Effort – 2011-2014 Kia Sportage

PS329

 

SUBJECT:

ADJUSTING REAR HATCH CLOSING EFFORT

 

When encountering a customer concern related to excessive rear hatch closing effort on some 2011MY to 2014MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, first, verify the customer concern by comparing the closing effort on the affected vehicle to other like vehicles. Make sure all windows are rolled up and use minimal effort to try and close the hatch. If more effort is required to close the hatch than on like vehicles, perform the following procedure:

 

1. Loosen three bolts securing the latch to the tailgate.

2. Shift the latch as far to the left as possible and re-torque the bolts to proper specifications.
   
   Tightening torque: 5.1~8.0 lb-ft (6.9~10.8 Nm).

3. Verify the hatch closes properly and with minimal effort.