Collecting of leaves/soil in the hatch

I took that panel off after about 70,000 miles and there was a nice accumulation of dust, sand, small debris (leaves, etc.).

That panel in the middle is plastic. I think the hatch is made out of aluminum (if I recall correctly), so there really isn't anything that could rust over time.

 

How does one go about removing said panel? I see little tips of pine needles poking out of mine...

 

Absolutely; ours has the solar/sunroof and the grooves up and around there (and the spoiler) collect pine needles something fierce. Every time I wash it I blast all that stuff out of there (or try to!). Quite a catcher.

-Iain

 

Yes, I've had this same problem, but with countless spider carcasses

 

We've got quite a few pine needles in there now. It's possible to remove the air foil, I've done it once, but it's a production, having to pull of interior hatch panels to get at the fasteners. Maybe work some string in behind and "floss" it?

Good point that it's aluminum, anyway.

 

Try not to park under trees or outside on a windy day, as leaves that are falling and blowing around get lodged in there. It also depends on where you drive; the dirtier the road the more debris you will encounter. Always try to park in your garage or in an enclosed structure.