Lift gate struts

[Fred Kerrick]

Do lift gate struts effect the automatic lift gate - my lift gate lifts intermittently

[McBrian]

Yes.

When they get old and tired they can't assist the motor enough to lift the gate.

Cheap and easy replacement available at a lot of places. (have a helper or this job might turn into a headache 😁 )

Clean and lube the sealing rubber/surface on the car and on the gate while you're there. ( anything for plastic rubber except Armor All ( isht) ) - Sometimes it's just dirty and sticky.

[RX400h06]

Yes, the liftgate struts absolutely play a role in the operation of your RX350’s automatic liftgate. They provide the necessary support and counterbalance to help the motor lift and hold the gate open. If the struts are worn or weak, the motor has to work harder than it was designed to, which can cause intermittent operation or even lead to motor failure over time.

That said, the motor itself could also be the issue, especially if you hear it running but the liftgate doesn’t move, or if it beeps but doesn’t open or close. Common culprits include:

• Worn gears inside the motor assembly
• Loose or disconnected linkage between the motor and the liftgate arm
• Electrical glitches or sensor misreads that prevent full operation

A good first step is to inspect or replace the struts—they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to swap out. If that doesn’t solve it, then it’s worth checking the motor and its connections.

Great! Here are two solid video walkthroughs that’ll help you tackle both the liftgate struts and the motor on your 2012 Lexus RX350:

1. Strut Replacement (Quick & Easy)
   Lexus RX350 Rear Hatch Liftgate Quick Fix – This 3-minute video shows how to replace the gas struts using just a flat-head screwdriver. It’s straightforward and perfect if your liftgate is sagging or not staying open.
2. Motor Replacement (More Involved)
   How To Replace 2010–2015 Lexus RX350 Trunk Power Liftgate Motor – This 14-minute guide walks you through removing panels, disconnecting the motor, and installing a new one. It’s a bit more advanced but super helpful if the motor is the issue.