Why can the trunk still be opened when the car is locked?
2 Answers
Because the key is nearby, the trunk will automatically unlock. Here is an introduction about the trunk: Items in the trunk: The trunk usually contains the car's spare tire, emergency kit, vehicle tool kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher, car refrigerator, and the emergency fuel tank release cable! Some high-end models also place the starting battery in the trunk. Some SUV and MPV models even come with an original emergency flashlight. Reasons why the trunk cannot be opened: Issues with the linkage rod or lock cylinder. If you frequently use the key to open the trunk, the linkage rod might be broken—take it to a repair shop. If you always use the trunk release button, the lock cylinder might be dirty or rusty; spraying some rust remover into the lock cylinder a few times should help. If the trunk is not unlocked, or if the remote key is not used to unlock it, it will be difficult to open. Before attempting to open it, it's best to press the unlock button on the key or check if the key battery is dead. Mechanical part failure, such as a broken trunk wire or other trunk-related issues, can also cause the trunk to not open.
I've worked at a car dealership for many years and have seen quite a few customers complain about their trunk not locking properly. Actually, this is often because modern car remote key systems are designed to be quite flexible, with trunk unlocking and door unlocking sometimes controlled separately. For example, when you press the lock button on your key, the door handles may lock, but the trunk might still respond to commands from its dedicated button. Additionally, some cars have a separate small keyhole for the trunk, which is a physical lock—if not properly closed, it can remain exposed and lead to accidental openings. Another example is the feature allowing access to the trunk by folding down the rear seats; if the seats aren’t securely locked, children or small objects could push the trunk open from the inside. More troublesome are sensor issues—when rainwater corrodes wiring or contact points loosen, the remote signal may fail, but the trunk might still open on its own. I recommend regularly checking the trunk latch and electronic systems, especially in older cars, and being careful not to let water in during car washes. If you can’t fix it yourself, take it to a dealership—they can quickly diagnose fault codes with their scanners. Don’t ignore safety risks to save trouble, especially since an unexpectedly opened trunk increases theft risks or the chance of losing items.
