Rear latch malfunction

[Knoxes]

I have a 2016 Trail Premium. The hatch door latch has become stuck closed twice now. The first time, I was able to pry it open with a screwdriver, but this time, it won't release from the lock position. Obviously, this has occurred with the hatch open both times, so I was able to access it.

The first time, I was using the remote to lock and unlock multiple times, just to see if it would release, which it eventually did after prying a bit. I also tried the button above the license plate, but it didn't do anything. And tried the door locks buttons at the driver's seat. When it finally easily released, it just seemed like maybe it was some kind of weird combination of timing and flipping the locks. And I was left wondering if it was some kind of failsafe.

This time, it wouldn't release at all. I took it to the dealer this morning and they just reported back that it's working fine. I told them to quote me a replacement actuator.

I've found some info that the 4th gens had some problems, but I'm not finding much at all on the 5th gens having this issue. Is there anything else possibly going on here that I should know about?

 

[fkheath]

Lubricate the mechanism with WD-40. This is a common problem with many door latches in older cars. You may have to remove the rear hatch panel to get to the mechanism.

 

[badattitude]

Yes, remove interior trim and clean and inspect. The 4th gens had a more premium automatic soft close than the 5th gens. Just saying fourth gens have a different closing mechanism. It certainly sounds like an actuator going out.

One thing I'll toss out... is it possible your rear hatch key cylinder was turned too far one way or the other? Perhaps damaging the lock assembly, affecting the lock position sensor. Probably not.. but a thought.

 

[Knoxes]

Yes, remove interior trim and clean and inspect. The 4th gens had a more premium automatic soft close than the 5th gens. Just saying fourth gens have a different closing mechanism. It certainly sounds like an actuator going out.

One thing I'll toss out... is it possible your rear hatch key cylinder was turned too far one way or the other? Perhaps damaging the lock assembly, affecting the lock position sensor. Probably not.. but a thought.

I don't think we've ever used the rear hatch cylinder. I did try it, but it didn't have any effect on the actuator.

I dropped it at the dealer this morning just because I don't have the time to deal with this right now.

The first call that I got from them - "we found the problem - there was a towel between the hatch and the latch".

"uh, yeah, I put that there to keep it from banging on the ride over there".

Kinda makes you wonder what their customer base is like if they actually thought that was the problem.

I told them to just go ahead and replace the actuator.