Hatchback/liftgate Lock problems of the 1999 Toyota Sienna

The rear hatch handle just snapped in my hand as I tried to open the hatch. Dealer initially estimated repair costs at $350-$600 because they had to "break into the car. " actual repair cost was $250 for a poorly designed part. Mechanic told me the design and placement of the hatch handle is subject to constant exhaust fumes from the rear of the car, weakening the plastic handle. No inside hatch release is available making this a safety issue in the event the side doors are damaged in an accident. Poor engineering.

Latch on van's back hatch door broke during opening, causing inability to open back hatch door. No excessive pressure was used during opening, only the normal gripping motion to open the latch. When brought to dealership we purchased van from, we were quoted $350, as they needed to "take the whole door apart. " we took the van to two other places for an estimate, both which thought this was a recall issue (though according to the dealership this was not a recall issue). Finally we brought the van to a private mechanic who ordered the $45 Toyota part, and he was able to place it in less than 30 minutes without taking the door apart.

While trying to open the tailgate/trunk on my van the plastic piece that I would use to open the trunk snapped and broke. Now I can not open the latch, change the lights that are a safety concern. This part was very flimsy and plastic in nature and we did nothing out of the ordinary than we usually would do but now we can not use the trunk at all.