Rear hatch
Introduction to the subject
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:
More information:
- Exterior views
- Instrument cluster
- Power locking system
- Transporting
- Emergency closing and opening
WARNING
Accidents and severe personal injuries can result if you unlock, open, or close the rear hatch when someone is in the way.
- Only open or close the rear hatch if no one is in the way.
- Never close the rear hatch by pushing on the rear window with your hand. The rear window could break and cause injuries.
- After closing the rear hatch, always make sure that it is properly closed and locked so that it cannot open suddenly when the vehicle is moving. The closed rear hatch must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.
- Always keep the rear hatch closed while driving to help keep poisonous exhaust gas from being drawn into the vehicle.
- Never open the rear hatch when a luggage rack is installed and loaded. If, for example, there are bicycles on a carrier on the rear hatch, it is possible that the rear hatch will be difficult to open. An open rear hatch may fall on its own because of the additional weight. If necessary, prop open the rear hatch. Remove the weight from the luggage rack first.
- Close and lock the rear hatch and all doors when the vehicle is not in use. First, make sure that no one is left inside the vehicle.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended or let children play around your vehicle, especially when the rear hatch is open. A child could crawl into the vehicle and pull the rear hatch shut, becoming trapped and unable to get out. A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season. Particularly in the summer, heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.
- Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. They may lock the vehicle with the vehicle key or the power locking button and lock themselves in.
NOTE
Before opening or closing the rear hatch, make sure there is enough room to do so, for example, when the vehicle has a trailer or is in a garage.
NOTE
Never use the gas strut to hold or clamp a load in place. This can damage the rear hatch and make it impossible to close.
Warning light
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
| Lights up | Possible cause | Proper response |
|---|---|---|
| Icon appears in the display | Rear hatch open or improperly closed. | Open the rear hatch and then close it again. |
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
If the rear hatch is not closed properly, the vehicle icon appears in the instrument cluster display showing an open rear hatch .
Depending on your vehicle's equipment and options, the icon may still be displayed even after the ignition is switched off as long as the key has not been taken out of the ignition. The icon in the instrument cluster display goes out about 15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked.
WARNING
If the rear hatch is not closed properly, it may open suddenly when the vehicle is moving and cause severe injuries.
- Stop immediately and close the rear hatch.
- Always make sure the rear hatch is securely latched after you close it.
Opening the rear hatch

Fig. 27 In the remote control vehicle key: button to unlock and open the rear hatch.

Fig. 28 Opening rear hatch from the outside.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Always remove any item(s) being transported on the rear hatch before opening it .
Unlocking with the vehicle key
- Briefly press the
button on the remote control vehicle key to unlock the rear hatch.
- Press and hold the
button on the remote control vehicle key to unlatch the rear hatch. Then open the rear hatch using the Volkswagen emblem.
Opening with the Volkswagen emblem
- Unlock the vehicle or rear hatch, or open a door.
- Using your thumb, press the top of the Volkswagen emblem and move the top of the emblem down. Grasp the bottom part of the emblem and pull to lift the rear hatch.
WARNING
Improper or unsupervised unlocking or opening of the rear hatch can cause severe injuries. Never open the rear hatch when someone is in the way.
- If a bicycle or luggage rack is installed on the rear hatch, it may be hard to see that the rear hatch is unlatched. An unlatched rear hatch may open suddenly when the vehicle is moving.

At temperatures below +32 °F (0 °C), the rear hatch may be difficult to open after you unlock it.
Closing the rear hatch

Fig. 29 Opened rear hatch: Recessed grips for closing.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Closing the rear hatch
- Grasp one of the recessed grips in the rear hatch trim (arrows).
- Pull the rear hatch down and close it securely so that the latch engages.
- Check the rear hatch to make sure it is securely latched.
Locking the rear hatch
If you unlock the vehicle with the vehicle key, but do not open a door or the rear hatch within several seconds, the vehicle is automatically locked again. This feature helps prevent you from leaving the vehicle unlocked unintentionally.
It is only possible to lock the rear hatch when it is securely closed and latched.
- The power locking system also locks the rear hatch.
- If the rear hatch of a locked vehicle is unlocked with the
button on the remote control vehicle key, it will lock within a few seconds after it is closed. The anti-theft alarm system, if equipped, is activated after the vehicle is locked .
- A closed but unlocked rear hatch automatically locks at speeds above about 5 mph (10 km/h).
WARNING
Improper or unsupervised closing of the rear hatch can cause severe injuries. Never close the rear hatch when someone is in the way.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended or let children play around your vehicle, especially with the rear hatch left open. A child could crawl into the vehicle and pull the rear hatch shut, becoming trapped and unable to get out. A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold depending on the season. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness or death, particularly to small children.

Make sure that the remote control vehicle key is not in the luggage compartment before closing the rear hatch.
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