2009 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6

My tailgate hatch on my 2009 ,Toyota 4Runner. The latch assembly went bad from previous owner leaving it out and water rusting the hatch latch. I ended up having to bungee cord the tailgate hatch to second row seating. I assume the latch got further rusted and now it the hatch will not release. I have attempted to go thru interior side and release the levers on the latch assembly but no go. Any advice??

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

I just looked at the hatch on my 2005 4 runner (140,000) miles and there is not a speck of rust anywhere. Paint is all perfect too.

Rest of car is rust free as well, except superficial rust on the underbody.

I had a GMC JIMMY I purchased new in 1996 and in ten years it became a rust bucket. Hatch was full of rust. door jams rusted.
ran ok but had a stalling issue after morning start up - and often would not start unless it sat for two hours.
Sold it for $800 (79,000 miles).

4runner has 140,000 miles and is 5 years older!

When I purchased my 4runner from the dealer I test drove a Ford Explorer the same day.

Really glad I didn't buy the "Explorer".