Abstract: A powered actuator assembly for a closure member of a motor vehicle includes an electric actuator, a leadscrew extending along a leadscrew axis between opposite leadscrew ends, the leadscrew being configured in operable communication with the electric motor for rotation in opposite directions about the leadscrew axis in response to the electric motor being energized, and a nut assembly configured for translation along the leadscrew in response to rotation of the leadscrew. The nut assembly has a nut with a through opening in threaded engagement with the leadscrew and a housing disposed about the nut. A push/pull rod has a first end coupled to the housing of the nut assembly and a second end configured to be coupled to a body of the motor vehicle, wherein the housing and the nut of the nut assembly can move relative to one another.