What is the Trunk Striker Plate all about?

Your car’s hood, doors and trunk all work on the same principle as your home’s front door. In order to close securely, they need a latch and a striker plate – the latch interfaces with the striker plate, and closes when contact is made. With the trunk, the striker plate is positioned at the bottom of the trunk lip, while the latch is mounted to the trunk lid. When the trunk closes, the latch secures within or around the striker plate. The most basic example of a striker plate is a flat piece of metal with a raised hook in the center. The trunk’s latch connects with a moving, spring-loaded latch, and then closes around it, creating a secure hold. If the trunk striker is broken or misaligned, the trunk will not be able to close or may come open in its own.

Keep in mind:

• Trunk striker plates are subject to wear and tear through normal, everyday use, but rarely need replacement.
• Trunk striker plates are not part of regular automotive maintenance or inspections, but you can visually inspect its condition during regular use.

How it's done:

• The faulty trunk striker plate is identified
• The defective trunk striker plate is removed
• The new trunk striker plate is installed
• The trunk striker plate is adjusted for proper trunk latch operation
• The trunk is opened and closed to check trunk lid sealing and operation

Our recommendation:

The striker plate must line up correctly with the trunk latch, or the trunk will not close fully. Alternatively, an incorrect angle where the latch and plate connect will lead to significant premature wear and eventual failure. If your trunk striker plate is defective, have one of our expert mechanics replace it.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Trunk Striker Plate?

• Trunk lid seems loose when closed
• Difficult to latch the trunk closed
• Trunk comes open on its own
• Trunk striker plate shows visible signs of damage or wear

How important is this service?

A damaged trunk striker plate will not prevent you from driving your vehicle, but it can prevent the trunk from closing properly, and can cause it to open while the vehicle is in motion. We recommend having the striker plate replaced as soon as possible.