You are standing behind your Toyota Highlander, ready to load your groceries or luggage, and suddenly, the trunk won’t open all the way. It stops halfway or doesn’t move at all. That moment feels so frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry or it’s raining. This usually happens because of a weak lift support, stuck latch, bad motor, or even a frozen hinge. But don’t worry — in this article, you’ll learn exactly how to fix it, step by step, using very simple methods.
Check the Liftgate Support Struts
One of the most common reasons your Toyota Highlander trunk won’t open all the way is the liftgate support struts. These are the metal rods that help the trunk lift up and stay open. Over time, these struts can get weak or fail completely. You’ll notice the trunk feels heavy, doesn’t stay open, or opens only halfway.
Start by lifting the trunk slowly with your hand. If you feel strong resistance or if the trunk starts to fall back down on its own, the struts are likely the problem. These parts are filled with gas that helps push the trunk open. But when they get old, the gas leaks out, and they lose strength.
You can check if they are damaged by looking at them closely. If there’s oil around the rod or if they look rusty or bent, they need replacing. The good news is, you can easily change them at home with just a flathead screwdriver or a small wrench. First, hold the trunk open using a broomstick or have a friend hold it. Then remove the clips from both ends of the old struts. Put the new ones in place and push them until they click.
New struts are cheap and easy to find at auto stores or online. Make sure you get the right size for your Toyota Highlander model. Once you install the new ones, the trunk should open all the way again.
- Weak or failing struts often cause the trunk to not open fully
- Check for oil, rust, or bending on the struts
- Replacing them is easy with basic tools
- Use a stick or helper to hold the trunk during the swap
- Choose the correct model struts for your Highlander
Inspect the Power Liftgate Motor
If your Toyota Highlander has a power liftgate, and it won’t open all the way, the problem might be in the motor. The power liftgate system uses an electric motor to open and close the trunk. When the motor wears out, the trunk may stop halfway or not move at all.
Sometimes, you’ll hear a clicking sound or a humming noise when you try to open the trunk. That’s a sign the motor is trying to work but isn’t strong enough. Or, maybe there’s no sound at all, which means it’s completely dead or not getting power.
Before replacing the motor, check the fuse first. Look at your owner’s manual to find the right fuse box and check if the liftgate fuse is blown. Replace it if needed. If the fuse is okay, then it’s likely the motor or the wires going to it. You can test the motor with a multimeter to see if it’s getting power. If it’s not, the problem may be a broken wire or a control issue.
Replacing the motor is more work than replacing the struts. You may need to remove trim panels from the inside of the trunk. It’s best to look up a video guide for your Highlander’s year. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, a mechanic can do it in under an hour.
- Power liftgate motors wear out over time
- Clicking or no sound can point to motor issues
- Check and replace fuse before anything else
- Use a multimeter to test power going to the motor
- Replace motor if it’s getting power but still not working
Look for a Jammed or Frozen Latch
Another simple reason your Highlander’s trunk won’t open all the way is the latch. If the latch is stuck, frozen, or dirty, the trunk may get stuck halfway or not open at all.
In cold weather, the latch can freeze and stop moving. Or, dust and debris might be blocking it. Use a flashlight to look into the latch area when the trunk is partially open. If you see ice or dirt buildup, that’s your issue.
Try spraying the latch with WD-40 or any lubricant spray. Open and close the trunk a few times to help it work better. In winter, use de-icer spray or even warm water to melt ice. You can also use a hairdryer to heat up the latch gently.
If the latch is damaged, it won’t close or open properly. A broken spring or part inside might be the cause. You’ll need to remove the inside panel of the trunk to reach the latch. Then you can take it out and inspect it. If needed, order a new latch online.
This fix is simple but often overlooked. A clean and working latch keeps the whole system working right.
- Frozen or dirty latches can block trunk movement
- Use WD-40 or warm water to loosen the latch
- Heat the latch gently in cold weather
- A broken latch needs replacing from inside
- A working latch helps the trunk open fully
Reset the Trunk Opening Height
Some Toyota Highlanders have a feature that lets you set the trunk height. This is useful if your garage is low or you want the trunk to open only partway. But sometimes, this setting gets changed by accident.
If your trunk always stops at the same point, this might be why. To fix it, open the trunk manually and lift it to your desired height. Hold it there, then press and hold the trunk close button until you hear a beep. This sets the new opening height.
Try using the trunk button again and see if it now opens all the way. If it doesn’t, try resetting it again, or check your owner’s manual for the exact process. The method can vary slightly between Highlander model years.
If the reset doesn’t work, your power liftgate memory settings may be glitched. In that case, disconnect the battery for about 10 minutes, then reconnect it. This can clear the settings and restore normal function.
This setting is great when it works right. But if it’s set too low, it can seem like the trunk is broken when it’s not.
- Opening height may be set to halfway by mistake
- Lift trunk manually, then press and hold close button
- A beep confirms the new height
- If it fails, try battery reset
- Check owner’s manual for model-specific steps
Check for Obstructions or Misaligned Hinges
Sometimes the trunk won’t open fully because something is in the way or because the hinges are bent or stiff. Look around the trunk edges. A small item, like a piece of cloth or bag strap, might block the trunk without you seeing it at first.
Also, check the rubber weather strips. If they are old or not sitting right, they can press against the trunk and stop it from moving freely. Try pushing the trunk open gently with your hands and listen or feel for any rubbing or resistance.
The hinges may also be the issue. If they are rusty, dirty, or bent, the trunk won’t open smoothly. Use a lubricant spray on all moving parts. Open and close the trunk a few times to see if it moves better. If a hinge is bent or cracked, it will need to be replaced. You can buy a hinge part online or at the dealership.
Misalignment can also happen after an accident or bump. Even a small hit can shift the trunk slightly off track. A mechanic can realign it if needed.
- Small things like cloth or straps can block trunk
- Old rubber strips might press against the trunk
- Hinges can be rusty or bent
- Lubricate moving parts to test improvement
- Replace or realign bent hinges
Try Manual Release or Visit a Mechanic
If all else fails and your trunk still won’t open fully, use the manual release. Most Toyota Highlanders have one inside the trunk area. Fold down the back seats and crawl into the trunk. You should see a small plastic lever near the latch. Pull it to open the trunk from inside.
This trick works in emergency cases when the trunk is stuck shut. It lets you access tools or fix the issue from inside. Once you open it, you can check all the parts better.
But if the problem keeps coming back or feels too hard to fix, it’s time to see a mechanic. Some issues like wiring faults, module errors, or worn liftgate arms can be tricky. A professional can test every part safely and quickly.
Don’t feel bad if you need help. It’s better to fix it right than to cause more damage by guessing. A good mechanic will find the exact reason and get your trunk working like new again.
- Use manual release lever inside trunk if stuck shut
- Fold seats and access trunk from inside
- Pull plastic lever near latch
- Helps in emergency cases
- Go to a mechanic if issue stays or is too complex
Quick Guide Table
| Problem | Fix Tip |
|---|---|
| Weak liftgate struts | Replace with new struts |
| Power liftgate motor issue | Check fuse or replace motor |
| Jammed or frozen latch | Use WD-40 or warm water |
| Wrong trunk height setting | Manually reset trunk height |
| Obstructions or bad hinges | Remove block, lube or replace hinge |
| Still stuck trunk | Use manual release or visit mechanic |
Final Thoughts
When your Toyota Highlander trunk won’t open all the way, it can really mess up your day. But the fix is usually simple. Weak struts, frozen latches, or a wrong setting can all cause this issue. With just a little time and care, you can often fix it yourself at home. And if you feel stuck, a mechanic is always there to help. Take it slow, check one thing at a time, and your trunk will be back to normal soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it dangerous to drive with a trunk that won’t open fully?
Yes, it can be risky if you force the trunk to stay open or drive with it half-open. It might slam shut while loading things and hurt someone. Also, it may pop open while driving if it’s not latched right. It’s always best to fix it before using the trunk again. Weak struts or latch problems can make the trunk fall suddenly, which is very unsafe. Don’t ignore it. Take time to find the cause and fix it soon.
Can I fix a stuck Toyota Highlander trunk myself?
Yes, you can fix many trunk issues yourself. If it’s a weak strut, stuck latch, or setting issue, those are all things you can do at home with basic tools. You can also reset the height or spray a stuck latch. But if the motor is broken or there are wiring problems, it’s better to ask a mechanic. Start with the easy checks first before spending money on repairs.
Do I need to replace both trunk struts at the same time?
Yes, it’s a good idea to replace both struts at once. If you only change one, the old one may still be weak and make the trunk unbalanced. This can cause the new one to wear out faster too. Replacing both gives you equal strength and makes the trunk open smoothly and stay up better. It’s not very expensive and saves time later.
Is it okay to spray WD-40 inside the trunk latch?
Yes, you can spray WD-40 or another lubricant inside the latch. It helps remove rust, dirt, and helps the parts move smoothly. Just don’t spray too much. A short spray is enough. After that, open and close the trunk a few times to spread it around. Do this every few months to keep the latch working well, especially in cold weather.
Can I adjust how high my Toyota Highlander trunk opens?
Yes, if your Highlander has a power liftgate, you can set the trunk height. Just open the trunk and move it to the height you like. Then press and hold the close button until it beeps. That sets the new height. This helps if your garage is low or you just want it to stop at a certain spot. You can reset it anytime you want.
Do I need special tools to replace the trunk struts?
No, you only need simple tools like a flat screwdriver or small wrench. Most struts have a clip you pop off. Just be careful to support the trunk while you remove them so it doesn’t fall. You can hold it up with a stick or ask someone to help. It’s a very easy job and takes about 10 minutes.
Is it expensive to fix the power liftgate motor?
It can be a bit costly if the motor is broken. The part itself may cost a few hundred dollars, and labor adds more. But always check the fuse and wiring first. Sometimes it’s just a small part causing the issue. If it really is the motor, it’s worth fixing so the trunk works safely and smoothly again.
Do I have to go to the dealer to fix trunk problems?
No, you don’t always need the dealer. Many auto repair shops can fix trunk problems, and it may be cheaper. You can even do some fixes at home like changing struts or spraying the latch. But if it’s an electronic or software problem, the dealer might have the right tools to reset or reprogram the liftgate system.