Latches/locks/linkage Problems of Cadillac Cadillac Truck

Tailgate Latch problem #1

I have a 2002 Cadillac ext pickup truck. Similar to the chevy avalanche. While driving on a hiwhyway I hit a small pothole. My tailgate popped open and both cables that prevent the tailgate form lowering to far ,broke and the taigate fell off the truck while traveling 55 mph. I was umaware that I lost the tailgate until about two miles after the pothole, because I could not find a safe place to pull over. Once I pulled over, I realized my taigate was missing. I called 911 to report the incident since this could have cause a serious accident having the tailgate laying somwhere in the middle of an interstate highway at night. I also believe the latch for the taigate is faulty since this was not the first time the talgate has opened. I reported it to the dealer when I first bought the truck in April 2002. They adjusted the latch but the probelm persisted. I never brought it back for the problem thinking that this was just going to be a minor inconvenience of owneing the vehicle.