The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. While attempting to open the liftgate, the contact stated that the left strut on the liftgate fractured which caused the liftgate to independently close. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that strut bolt was corroded which led to the liftgate failure. The contact notified the local dealer of the failure and the contact was instructed to take the vehicle into the dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,500.

- Dunellen, NJ, USA

I walked behind the vehicle that was parked on side of the street, and pressed the button that activates the powered tailgate and causes it to open. As the tailgate was opening, the left tailgate gas lift support broke off from the tailgate. When the tailgate reached its maximum height, it slammed down in an unrestrained manner. Now whenever I try to use the automatic tailgate, it opens to the maximum height, then abruptly and without warning slams down with great force, with a potential to injure someone. Consumer stated pushed button to raise liftgate; appeared that when liftgate reached maximum height, it came crashing down. Complainant was standing back waiting for the liftgate to open when incident happened. Tried to open the liftgate using button again a couple more times; liftgate would open, but would come crashing down again when it reached maximum height. Looked to see what was the problem and saw on driver's side that the strut was broken at the side where the ball joint connects to the vehicle. Saw rust all around the ball and the top part of the ball had sheared off. Unscrewed the remainder of the strut to remove. Used the program on the vehicle to adjust the maximum height of the liftgate so that it didn't open as much (approximately 3-5' lower) and then it would open without crashing down. Ordered a liftgate replacement part online and repaired himself. No problems since. Did not replace the passenger side strut. Consumer will send photos of new driver's side and original passenger side rear liftgate struts at connector points.

- Perryopolis, PA, USA

I opened the trunk of my Subaru Forester limited edition with the remote. While I was removing the luggage from the trunk, I heard a noise as the liftgate was closing. Before I turned to see what was happening, the liftgate landed on my lower back. I realized that the right support of the liftgate was broken.

- Worcester, MA, USA

I was using my key to open the back trunk when all of a sudden it slam down quickly on my arm as I went to place an article in the back of the car. I called the Subaru dealership and made an appointment for August 8th 2018

- Albany, NY, USA