It's been the subject for many years that the 4th Gens rear hatch latch, along with the whole design of the rear hatch, was an item designed to failure.

First those relaching motors how many have had them fail? And the cover under the latch that the nasty black stuff comes out all over ones fingers when the sealant gets hot.

Now today with the Temp. at 16 degrees F the cover becomes so stiff, one can't grip it tight enough to get the hatch to open.

And another item there is no way to unlatch the hatch from inside the truck, even if you get into the back of your truck there is no manual handle to allow one to open the hatch.

What a really poor design Toyota.

Anyone else in very cold weather notice this item?

The hatch on my 2008 4Runner is the one item i really hate, and even with all the things i do like about my 2008 $Runner it just might be the reason i sell it.

oddly enough I have a 08' and with 150k on it....haven't really had any issues with the liftgate at all. I actually like that there are motors that pull it close. I think the 4runner is the only that has this. Motors will and do fail seals with fail with time. If the latch is stiff in the cold, replace it. it is a 12years old after all, things will wear out and break down.

The latch is not stiff it's the cover on the underside of the latch that is stiff in 16 degree Temp., when you put your fingers under the latch don't you feel this cover it covers the release button.

I am guessing you have not had the black goo on the underside of the latch cover leach out from under the cover and get on your fingers.

If so your one of the lucky ones.

I’ve also never had an issue with my rear hatch latch. I’m one of the lucky ones!

I did have to replace my rear wiper motor.

I have not seen a 04 runner is there some type of cover under the latch covering the release button?

Seems this has been around the block a few times......

Rear Liftgate rubber button replacement?

Yes it has and it's a shame Toyota has done nothing to get it fixed and fixed for the many people who have trusted Toyota, and now find they are just on their own to pick spending $350 Plus the labor at their Toyota dealers service Dept. or do as many have done glued something to the underside of their latch's.

I understand it's not a major safety issue, but it's enough for me to not again buy a Toyota product.

Things wear and break down Seems silly to write off a brand because rubber doesn’t hold up to the elements for over a decade. It’s a $30 part.

TOYOTA GENUINE 4RUNNER BACK DOOR OPENER SWITCH ASSEMBLY OEM 84840-35010

Well it was 16 F today i had a ton of food stuff in the parking lot of my local Walmart, after fighting people through the store, as a BIG ice and snow storm on the way, then i am standing behing my "trusty" 4Runner, trying and trying to get the hatch open had to just jam everything into the backseat.

Many people were loading their autos and trucks, and looking this fool trying to open his rear hatch having to give up and jam everything into the back seat.

You bet i felt let down and really POed with Toyota poor design.

Was your check engine light on?

fu :ak47:

Selling 4runner over a $9.99 part because i was embarrassed in the parking lot.

Probably not going to get far with this thread.


Amazon.com: Rear Hatch Button w/ Screws Liftgate Switch Latch Cover for Toyota Prius Lexus 4runner Scion Camry Trunk Door Release w/Screws Repair Fix Kit Replacement: Automotive

Far as i wish to go pal.

I had issue with '08 rear latch over 4 years ago, only in sub freezing temps.
Simply soaked latch down with WD40, no problems since.
i had to replace the rubber button cover 2 year ago. I hear excessive summer heat can ruin this button cover. Got replacement off Amazon for $12 and even came with small angled screw driver needed.
Used my rear hatch this morning cold when 9 degrees... no problems.
Hope this helps.

Must be Toyota’s rear hatch scam