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".

 

I have the same vehicle and the latch will allow the back hatch to close but it wants to stay open but doesn’t fly open as it’s partially latched or something. The only way to make it full latch and close without a gap and movement is to make a fist and pound to the right of the license plate 6-9 inches till you hear the little motor noise and then shut it. Works everytime. Little late but maybe it helps .

 

This doesn't help the OP's problem much at all

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

He made that comment almost 5 years ago, and is currently banned.

 

Lol failed to read the date. My bad.

 

We all do it