Honda Ridgeline tailgate unable to swing open on Honda Ridgeline

Some Honda Ridgeline owners report experiencing difficulties with their tailgate not swinging open due to several potential issues. These include the rods not retracting sufficiently to open the latch, which can prevent the tailgate from functioning properly. Additionally, some users have encountered problems with the tailgate latch itself, leading to further complications in opening it. As a temporary workaround, leaving the tonneau cover unlatched has been suggested to maintain access to the truck bed. Ensuring that the tailgate is fully latched may also help, as a firm close can sometimes allow it to engage correctly. For those facing persistent issues, manual methods such as using a screwdriver on the manual release latch can provide a solution if the automatic mechanism fails. If these problems continue, seeking assistance from a mechanic or contacting Honda may be necessary.