A vehicle tailgate assembly includes a vehicle body structure, a tailgate, a hinge assembly and a bumper. The vehicle body structure defines a tailgate opening and having a hinge support section. The tailgate is installed to the vehicle body structure for movement between an upright orientation and a horizontal orientation. The hinge assembly has a first portion installed to the hinge support section and a second portion installed to the tailgate. The bumper is installed to the vehicle body structure proximate the hinge support section such that with the tailgate in the upright orientation, the second portion of the hinge assembly contacts the bumper.