Any idea how fast you need to be rear-ended or possibly backing into an object before there is tailgate damage?
I backed into another SUV with my old TJ, demolished the grille of their SUV and the only damage on my TJ was a latch issue.
Recently I was bumped from behind at a red light as we both began to accelerate. She accelerated faster than I did. No visible damage to my JK. She struck the tire but the tire holder, door, hinges, latch and wheel all look untouched. Is this possible? Are these tailgates that tough?

 

The speed is pretty much unknown on impact but best guess is 25 mph from large rent a truck.

This happened last week. Still need to see if the wheel is still ok. Tire carrier almost broke in half. The impact also pushed in the metal where the jack is stored, so I could not get it out to take the tire off. Had to resort to real tools.

You can see where the tailgate bent in the middle


It remained closed until I had to clean up all the glass inside