Hatchback/liftgate Lock problems of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia

The rear hatch latch on my 2002 Toyota Sequoia has failed twice in six years. This gives the latch an average life span of 2 years. This is an obvious safety issue as the latch just prior to failure would not hold the door closed in the event of an accident. The latch when it fails does not allow the door to be closed and secured. If this fails while out in the vehicle this forces one to drive home or to a repair facility without the rear hatch properly closed.

: the contact stated while attempting to open the rear lift gate, the key lock assembly would not open after multiple attempts. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the rear lift gate lock assembly was corroded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was alerted.

Rear door (hatch) will not open. I have spoken to three other people who have the same vehicle and they are or had the same problem. The locking mechanism seem to rust out and this is suppose to be a seal compartment, the cost of the repair is about 500. 00. This lock is in a place where you as a owner has no control over it nor is there a way for you to maintain it or do preventive maintenance. On it. This problem just happens with no warning, I took it to the dealer the first time and they fix it so it would work and it did for about two months then it fail again this when the dealer inform me of the cost of the repair. Is about 500. 00. The next time I went to the dealer for this problem I was charge 59. 00 just to find out the problem, when the dealer inform me of the cost of the repair. About 500. 00 you need this lock and hatch to work because if you have a flat tire the only way to get to the spar tire is to open the rear hatch and crank the spare tire down.