Polling the group to see if anyone else has had a similar issue. The rear lift gate on my 2013 TE seems to have a hitch in its giddyup. The 'swing' when opening the gate has a little wiggle in it that occurs during the first few inches of the opening motion (man, I wish there was a better description), and in very cold conditions, there is a sickening SNAP sound from the left hand/driver side of the hatch. I cant replicate it on every open-close, so i can see how this might go at the dealer......

Doesnt seem to be any issue with the lift struts. No loose hardware. Hinges look fine. Cant find ANY marks for indications of where the snapping noise is coming from, but as I type this, the thought occurs to look on the top edge in the spoiler/wiper area.

Anyone else have this issue?

Thanks all.

OK, just me. Good to know its not systemic.

No issues with mine and i've not heard of anyone else with a similar issue. So I would agree it's not systemic. Did you check the top edge as you mentioned? It could be the edge of the plastic spoiler catching when opening the hatch Good luck!

If you're comfortable, I would pull off one of the struts. I would guess that the gas charge in the drivers side is faulty. If you pull off the pass side first, you may hear the popping. If you pull the drivers side, I'd be willing to bet you wouldn't hear anything. Keep in mind, you'll need to help the gate up because one strut will not be strong enough to lift the gate.

Or just take it back to the dealer and have them fix it.

Its going to the dealer on Mar 29. No notable marks on top edge. Will crawl in the back tonight and have wife open and close it a few times to see if I can pinpoint anything. Good comments on the struts.

Thanks all.