Rear hatch latch stuck

I took my T4R in for a wash at the full service wash. I usually go to the self serve quarter machines but I had a free "platinum" full service wash. when I complained about the extremely poor job they did washing my Taco they gave me a voucher. So I decided to use it. Big mistake!
The attendant waved me over, the usual signal that the wash is complete. As I arrived he said "the back wont close". I tried prying the latch, which was stuck in the closed position, open with the key while pressing the latch operation button, it didnt work at all. After a minute or two the attendant asked me to move my vehicle as it was blocking their work area and they had other vehicles to finish (dry). Seemed reasonable so I started the vehicle to follow their request. At this point the same attendant (truly a dufus) who waived me over and asked me to move slammed the hatch shut with force. It simply bounced back open... because the latch was still in the closed position... because he and I had just failed to open the latch.
The manager came out and took some info for their incident report. He also gave me a voucher for a free wash. Really? We used a heavy duty screwdriver and tried to pry the latch back open. No success. I then decided to drive to my local dealership with the hatch open, this was much to the surprise of the manager, who repeatedly asked if I was sure that would be safe. As I was leaving the car wash the same dufus attendant from earlier shouted "hey, your trunk is open". How high was this jackwaggon?
I arrived at the dealership and explained the situation. They told me that somtimes dirt and dust will get in thru the rear window slot and settle, especially after a wash, in the lowest point. This is there the rear hatch latch actuator is. Additionally, slamming on a closed latch on the pin didnt help any. They said the latch and actuator needed to be replaced. They kept my vehicle to complete the repairs. Then they sent me home in a loaner.
Has anyone else had issues with their rear hatch? Is this a common occurrence?