Artb

Hi! I've had the following progressive issues with my rear hatch. Any thoughts on where to start?
- First issue starting a few weeks ago - if I opened the door manually after using the rear button to unlock, it will not stay in upright (open) position and slowly falls back down.
- Today, pressing the button (from remote or car interior), it will open all the way just like normal, but then beep and close - as it gets close to the closed position, it begins to shake (violently!).

Will lubricating the struts help?! Or does this sound like a larger problem?

Clutchless

You need new rear hatch struts. The cold weather really makes the oil thicker and harder for them to move, hastening their demise.

Get aftermarket ones as the OEM ones cost a fortune. I have a 2010 and had similar problems until I replaced the rear hatch struts, and the hood struts as it too would not stay up. You must do both at once as one new one will not hold it up.

I recommend you get them from this link, or get these same brands from Amazon as they are good aftermarket replacements and others on this site have used them with success, including me. https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/

There are youtube videos that show how to replace them. It is the same for any Lexus or Toyota hatch.

Gosha206

I have a similar issue. Just bought a 2011. The hatch opens and closes from the key-fob, interior button, and closes on the inner button from open. However it will not open from the bottom on the exterior of the hatch. Just makes a slight sound, but doesn't move

Clutchless

That is because when you open it that way (with your hand squeezing the button under the hatch lip) you have to manually lift the hatch up yourself. There is nothing wrong, that is how it works.

Gosha206

Thank you, I was worried that I purchased an 8 year old car and would have to spend money on fixing it.

dmaarts

I have a 2011 RX 350 and pushing the button lifts the hatch effortlessly. That is how it is supposed to work. However, in severe cold weather the struts do not do their job lifting the hatch or keeping it open-just ask the bump on my head. I took it to the dealership once already for this issue and they replaced the motor not the struts. It isn’t the motor. I’m going back again for the new struts. Hopefully that will solve the issue finally. I’m still under warranty for the next six months. 🤞🏻

afpj

The default setting for the button on the rear hatch is to just unlock the hatch but not engage the motor. To have the rear hatch open under power by just pressing the rear button is programmable by techstream. Upon first delivery of the vehicle, the dealership usually asks the owner if they want it programmed that way. Some owners decide to program it that way later. At least for the 2010 model, that's how it came according to the manual.

RX in NC

We purchased my wife's 2015 RX350 in late October 2018 at 32,500 miles (now approaching 71,000 miles). The button on the underside of the rear hatch has always closed the open hatch when you push it. We like it that way.