Has anybody experience that is hard to life up and open? is the shocks going bad? 2012 Prius 3 with 13k miles. thank you in earnest.
Sounds like the struts are going. Take it back to the dealer since it should be covered by the warranty.
Most of these folks: Hatch Shocks Stiff, Easy Fix? | PriusChat I'm in that boat. Tried a very sparing amount of silicon lube, didn't make much difference. They go about halfway up, then need a nudge to go the rest of the way, seems like they have a "half-life" of just a few years. Hmm, maybe they're middle aged, LOL.
Just had my rear struts replaced [2 years old] under warranty and what a difference. You can buy them at most auto parts stores if you are out of warranty. Easy to replace.
When it gets colder, my struts do not lift. I have had many dings on my forehead to prove it. In the summer, no problem.
The STRONGARM 4686 lift supports I installed last March are working fine in all weather. An easy fix if you are out of warranty. Details in below link: Aftermarket Hatch Struts | PriusChat
Good hatch lifts work fine in cold weather. If they don't, they should be replaced. My wife needed staples in her scalp to close the gash when it fell on her head.
Just had both stay assemblies replaced under warranty on my 2010. Hatchback would not open fully on its own, even in warm weather. Only have 700 miles left on the warranty. New stays are much better! Press the button, give it a little lift, and the hatchback rises on its own. - Spindifferent
