I have just bought a 2018 edge st-line and when the electric boot/tailgate closes it makes a horrible metal on metal noise. I see a plate in the receiver that swings away but ever time I close the boot I cringe. Anyone got the same problem/solution

When the boot closes, it motors down until it hits a striker plate, then the lock motor winds a hook into the catch 'ring'. It usually closes with a thud/scrape followed by a motor whirr and quite audible click.

Not sure if any of these describe what you're hearing?!

You can always try pushing the lid down manually until it reaches the striker plate to see if there is any mis-alignment or twist in the boot lid. Misalignment of the lid is not uncommon and if it gets to the point that it doesn't do the final motored lock, it will leave the car unable to go to sleep and your battery will be flat if left overnight. 

Also check you have both the ajustable rubber stops ('over-slam dampers') fitted to the inside outer corners of the boot lid and that they are adjusted correctly. See attached alignment guide.

Liftgate Alignment.pdf

Thank you for the information I will check the alignment as you suggest 

We are steadily going through some niggly bits to the Edge Sport

My partner noticed (it's her car) that the rear tailgate made a loud metal whack noise when hitting the closing latch.

First inspection, I could see  that the bootlid was ever so slightly out of alignment, small gap driver's side and larger one passenger side.

I adjusted the top o/s hinge to square up the boot. This helped with the alignment but was now failing to close and struggling to open.

Strip down time......

The metal trim panel was removed, then the striker was inspected, there were spotwelds around the back bolt bracket, adjustment was limited.

The spoiler was also not inline with the roof, it was lower. The latch was very close the the striker low profile bolt heads.

I had a look into the metal panels surrounding the tailgate, also directing my investigation under the car looking for evidence of repair work, the car has never been touched or hit up the back. All original surface rust, basic paint protection and original bolts.

The slam panel metal trim fitted perfectly BUT the sprung flap was being hit by the electric latch right at the hinge point.

I set about correcting the tailgate, first I raised the hinges with 1.5mm washer spacers, this set the spoiler at the correct height, then I adjusted for the gaps each side.

The tailgate has one power strut and a gas strut, if you watch the tailgate lift, initial movement has a small kick to the left, The electric latch plastic guide-cover showed signs of excessive wear to one side, unfortunately the tailgate seems to have been out of alignment for a while and had worn the cover down to the metal, an inconvenience more than problem.

I set the striker to the electric latch, boot opened and closed reassuringly and without any horrible noises. I fitted the metal trim and had a look at the sprung flap, the latch still hit the hinge pin. I removed the flap and stored it in a boot compartment. Tailgate now opens and closes every time. Finished off with a small amount of silicone grease for the latch and ptfe spray for the rubber seal near the latch

There's evidence that something had previously obstructed the tailgate on the plastic trim surrounding the window, maybe this twisted the tailgate? I'm surprised how flexible it is.

Darren