2018-2023 Kia Stinger Power Liftgate Motor & Spindle Diagnosis

Symptoms of a Failing Kia Stinger Power Liftgate Motor

When the power liftgate motors begin to fail, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms. Often, the first sign is an unusual noise or a change in the liftgate's speed.

• Liftgate Fails to Open or Close: The most obvious symptom. Pressing the button on the remote, dashboard, or liftgate 🎬 Watch: How to manually release a stuck or broken tailgate. itself does nothing, or you may hear a click without any movement.
• Grinding or Whining Noises: A loud grinding or high-pitched whining sound during operation is a strong indicator that the internal gears of the motor are stripped or binding.
• Partial Operation: The liftgate may start to open or close, but then stop partway, and may even reverse direction.
• Liftgate Won't Stay Open: The liftgate opens fully but then slowly drifts down or drops suddenly. This is a significant safety hazard.
• Slow or Jerky Movement: The liftgate moves much slower than it used to or operates with a jerky, stuttering motion.
• Repeated Beeping: The system may emit a series of beeps as an error warning when it detects a fault and is unable to complete the open or close cycle.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

As of early 2026, there are no specific recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the power liftgate motors on the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger. However, some related issues have been noted by owners and addressed by Kia.

Service Action SA322: Rattle Noise from Tailgate

For some early 2018 models (produced September 21, 2017, through January 4, 2018), Kia issued a service action to address a rattle noise from the tailgate area. This procedure involves adjusting the overslam bumpers and installing an improved guide bumper mounting kit. While not a failure of the motor itself, this rattle can be mistaken for a problem with the power liftgate mechanism.

Common "Non-Issue": Reset Required

Many owners report that the power liftgate stops working after the vehicle's 12V battery has been disconnected or replaced. This is usually not a part failure. The system simply needs to be re-initialized to relearn its position. Before assuming the motors have failed, always perform the reset procedure.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting

Step 1: Perform the Power Liftgate Reset Procedure

If your liftgate is behaving erratically or has stopped working, especially after a battery disconnect, the first step is always to perform the reset procedure. The owner's manual outlines a few slightly different methods, but the most common one is:

1. Ensure the vehicle is in Park (P).
2. Manually open the liftgate fully.
3. Press and hold the inner close button (on the liftgate itself) and simultaneously press and hold the outer handle switch for more than 3 seconds until a chime is heard.
4. Manually close the liftgate completely.
5. Press the outer liftgate button to test the power operation. The liftgate should now open with power.

If this procedure does not restore function, you can proceed with further diagnosis.

Step 2: Check Fuses and Battery

A weak vehicle battery can cause the power liftgate motors to struggle or fail to operate. Ensure your battery is in good health and fully charged. Check the vehicle's fuse box for any fuses related to the 'Power Tailgate' or 'P/T-GATE' and verify they are not blown.

Step 3: Listen to the Motors

Have a helper operate the liftgate button while you stand near the struts. If you hear one motor operating but not the other, or if one is making a grinding noise, you have likely isolated the failed component. Since they work as a pair, a failure in one strut will cause the entire system to stop working correctly.

Programming and Calibration Requirements

A significant advantage of these units is that they do not require dealer-specific programming or flashing with a proprietary scan tool after installation. However, you must perform the initialization/reset procedure described in the diagnosis section after installing new units. This procedure teaches the control module the new upper and lower limits of travel. Failure to perform this reset will result in the liftgate not operating correctly.

Buying a Used Stinger Power Liftgate Motor Assembly

Purchasing a used OEM power liftgate spindle is a cost-effective alternative to expensive new parts. Here’s what to look for:

• Buy as a Matched Pair: It is highly recommended to replace both the left (81770J5100) and right (81780J5100) units at the same time. They experience the same amount of wear, and a new unit on one side can put extra strain on an older unit on the other, leading to premature failure.
• Verify Part Numbers: Ensure the parts are the correct OEM numbers for your vehicle: 81770J5100 (Left) and 81780J5100 (Right). These are for models equipped with the power liftgate from the factory.
• Physical Inspection: Carefully inspect the units for any signs of damage. Look for cracks in the motor housing, dents or bends in the spindle shaft, and corrosion around the electrical connectors. Ensure the wiring pigtail and connector are intact and not cut or damaged.
• Source Vehicle Information: If possible, get the mileage from the donor vehicle. Lower mileage is generally better, but a well-maintained part is more important than mileage alone.
• Why Used OEM is a Good Choice: Used OEM units guarantee perfect fitment and electronic compatibility. Aftermarket options for this specific component are often retrofit kits that can be complex to install and may not integrate as seamlessly with the vehicle's existing systems.

Cost Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)