What causes the Kia K3 trunk to not open and make abnormal noises?
3 Answers
The reasons why the Kia K3 trunk cannot open and makes abnormal noises include the car not being unlocked, the trunk latch being stuck, and the trunk latch being deformed. Detailed explanations of the causes and corresponding solutions are as follows: Vehicle not unlocked: If the vehicle is in an unlocked state, both the doors and the trunk will be locked, making it impossible to open. In this case, simply unlocking the car will allow the trunk to open normally. Trunk latch stuck: If the trunk latch is stuck, the trunk will be difficult to open due to friction. In this situation, applying lubricant to the latch position to ensure smooth operation will resolve the issue. Trunk latch deformed: If the vehicle has been involved in a collision causing the trunk latch to deform, the trunk may also fail to open. In this scenario, the trunk will need to be repaired or replaced. The Kia K3 is equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged engine and a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering maximum horsepower of 130/128 PS, maximum power of 96/94 kW, and maximum torque of 211/156 Nm. It offers robust power while maintaining good fuel economy.
I've seen many cases like the Kia K3's trunk not opening and making strange noises. Most of the time, it's an issue with the motor inside the lock mechanism—the gears wear out and spin idly, causing a clicking sound. It could also be that the wiring connector to the lock mechanism got wet, leading to poor contact and sparking sounds. Last time, I encountered a car owner whose trunk hinge wiring had worn through the insulation, causing a squealing noise whenever the trunk was unlocked. Another possibility is that the trunk trim panel's clips have come loose, which can also cause noise—this is visible upon disassembly. The most troublesome issue is a faulty body control module, which requires computer diagnostics to confirm. I recommend first checking for any foreign objects stuck in the trunk gaps, then trying to open it with the mechanical key. If the key doesn't work either, you'll likely need to replace the entire lock assembly, costing around 600-700 RMB including labor and parts.
In my third year of driving the K3, I also encountered the issue of the trunk not opening—it just made a clicking sound when I pressed the button. Later, I discovered that three wires in the trunk wiring harness had been severed at a bend in the car body. Honestly, this is a design flaw in the K3; the wires are prone to breaking due to repeated bending at the hinge. You can try manually unlocking the trunk using the emergency release hole. If the key works, it means the motor is still functional. If it doesn’t open, be careful—some owners have forced it open, leading to complete burnout of the wiring harness. Also, be extra cautious on rainy days, as water ingress in the lock mechanism can easily cause short circuits and clicking sounds. For electric tailgate models, a stuck gear in the strut can also produce a humming noise. As a temporary fix, you can crawl through the rear seats and pull the emergency release handle.
