Hatchback/liftgate Support Device problems of the 2012 Toyota Highlander

Liftgate operates erratically, not staying open when button is pushed. Sometimes it opens all the way, only to close immediately. Most times it starts to open partially then closes. Twice it opened while driving. Most troubling is once it started to close down on me while I was getting things out of the trunk area. I would think, for safety reasons, there should be some type of sensor. Is that not the case with my Highlander? this has been happening periodically for about six months.

Power liftgate on 2012 Toyota Highlander fails to full close and latch. 4 years old now, problem began 2 years ago at 12,000 miles, and now 1 year past 3/36 warranty and 47,000 miles. Liftgate has been completely manual for last 1-1/2 years. Using buttons to close power liftgate results in left side where motor is to be close to closed, while right side has an inch gap to d-pillar. No other reason for me to go to dealership, so I haven't scheduled an appointment. Finally took it in June 6, 2016. Over past 2 years dealer service described solution as simple adjustment. Have asked at least twice "are there any recalls or service bulletins for my Highlander?" answer is always no, including day I took it for "simple adjustment". However recent research finds two recalls and multiple service bulletins for 2008-2012 Highlanders. If they have had issues with power liftgates since 2008, why is there no recall on this? potential cause is powerful motor pulls too hard and bends hinges. New design uses pair of power struts to pull evenly. Estimate approaches $600 for new hinges and other parts ($253+tax), paint, and labor. Already paid $100+tax to diagnose this issue, which took all of 15 minutes, leading me to believe they already knew about this issue, and lied about recalls and bulletins. My wife's 2014 rav4 had 1 of 2 struts replaced, and other issues reported on newer Highlanders. Would like Toyota to fix this known issue without further cost.

Rear liftgate arm detached from door. The bolt that attaches the liftgate arm to the door stripped. The pieces shot off from the vehicle wile the arm was attempting to close the gate.

I opened the power rear door by depressing the switch next to the steering wheel and the door began to open, made a clunking noise, and closed itself. I exited the vehicle and manually opened the rear door at which time I noticed the liftgate arm (with the screw and washer still attached to the exposed end) had become detached from the door. Despite having 55k+ miles, my Highlander is just over 2 years old and there has not been excessive usage of the power door. I'll be taking it to the nearest dealer for assessment.