1. Toyota Prius
  2. Problems
  3. 2007
  4. Latches/Locks/Linkages

2007 Toyota Prius Latches/Locks/Linkages Problems

34
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 34 stored complaint records:

  • 1 indicate a crash
  • 1 indicate injury
  • 0 indicate fire

What owners report

  • rear hatch · 22 records
  • hatch release · 17 records
  • rubber cover · 11 records
  • open hatch · 9 records
  • only years · 8 records
  • cover hatch · 8 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
30–60k mi19
60–100k mi3
1–30k mi2
100–150k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • July 1, 2014 · 44,000 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    Components: equipment latches/locks/linkages the back latch of my 2007 toyota prius has degraded (melted almost) it no longer functions properly and i am unable to open the back hatch door easily. And therefore access the spare, any of my repair tools or my earthquake kit, flares, jumpers, etc. There is no alternative internal method for opening the hatchback/trunk. Toyota needs a recall of this defective part. The…

    ODI 10615404

  • November 25, 2013 · 58,000 miles

    Hatchback/Liftgate · Latches/Locks/Linkages

    The back latch of my toyota prius 2007 has degraded. In the past i have rarely used the trunk of my car and therefore did not realize the extent of the problem. I am now almost 9 months pregnant. A couple of months ago (around november 2013) i tried to open the trunk. While it was difficult, after a lot of pressing and maneuvering i was able to open it. Most recently for the past 3 weeks, i am completely unable to…

    ODI 10561633

  • November 5, 2013 · 85,000 miles

    Hatchback/Liftgate · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mechanical

    2007 toyota prius rear hatch handle failure. Rubber cover melts into electric switch making it inoperable. *tr

    ODI 10551223

  • September 2, 2013 · 120,000 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    Rear latch assembly on my prius has started to melt and block the opening of the rear latch. This seems to be a problem with many of the 2007 prius. I have never had a car where the plastic melted for no apparent reason. *tr

    ODI 10554712

  • July 25, 2013

    Equipment · Latches/Locks/Linkages

    The back latch of my 2007 toyota prius has degraded ("melted" almost). It no longer functions properly, and i am unable to open the back hatch door easily. Sometimes it requires considerable effort and perseverance to get it open. I am concerned that in the case of an emergency, i will not be able to get the door open. This is a major cause for concern and it is a serious safety hazard. *tr

    ODI 10533059

  • May 20, 2013 · 45,000 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    For some time now, the rear latch has been sticking and has been needing several attempts to release. Finally, now it has stopped operating altogether. The dealer says he is not aware of the problem. With the complaints i have seen online, i am surprised at the response. It can also be a safety problem at the right conditions. I feel disappointed at toyota motors. After many years of trouble free toyota ownership i…

    ODI 10661430

  • October 5, 2012 · 45,000 miles

    Body · Latches/Locks/Linkages

    The rubber cover to the external trunk latch has melted to the point where it is either gooey to the touch in warm weather or frozen solid and immovable in colder temperatures. This is a safety hazard because, at times, due to the inflexibility of the rubber i am unable to open the trunk and, thus, access the spare, any of my repair tools, our earthquake kit, flares, jumpers, etc. There is no alternative internal…

    ODI 10511408

  • March 12, 2012 · 67,953 miles

    Body · Latches/Locks/Linkages

    Rear door opener !! Rubber melted and block door opener (lock unlock system) . *tr

    ODI 10504366

  • January 4, 2012

    Latches/Locks/Linkages · Structure

    The rear hatch release on my 2007 toyota prius has begun to deteriorate and turn into a rubbery and sticky black mess. This issue interferes with the use of the hatch as the rubber not only gets on your fingers but appears to be blocking the release mechanism. The deterioration started during the summer of 2011. The issue has worsened and yesterday i was unable to open the rear hatch whatsoever. *tr

    ODI 10442323

  • January 2, 2012 · 40,000 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    The back latch covering has a vinyl(?) covering which has become sticky and the latch itself is difficult to open, resulting in continued attempts. It is a hindrance to gain access to the trunk area and thus access to the spare tire if needed. *tr

    ODI 10496197

  • August 18, 2011 · 58,988 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    2007 prius rear hatch switch covered by a rubber strip. Rubber strip has melted and is now more like tar than rubber. *tr

    ODI 10420881

  • August 6, 2011 · 59,181 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    2007 toyota prius rear hatch handle melted. Noticed about a 3 months ago just though that it was really hot out. Then though this handle should not melt to high heat there has to be a problem. Went to dealer to have oil change and inspection, had service mgr. Open hatch and he stated there is a problem. He stated that because car is out of warranty he can not do anything and that it will cost 58.84 for handle and…

    ODI 10418111

  • July 15, 2011 · 35,000 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    After only about 3 years use, the rubber cover on the hatch release handle (the exterior handle of the rear hatch) of our 2007 toyota prius, melted into a sticky tarry black rubbery gooey mess. To open the hatch, you have to touch this black goo each time, which makes it difficult to operate the hatch release. We believe this melting process started at about the 2 yr. Mark. I thought that this was just sticky at…

    ODI 10413277

  • June 29, 2011 · 60,000 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages · Structure

    The rear hatch release on my 2007 toyota prius has begun to decompose and turn into a rubbery, gooey mess. It interferes with the use of the hatch as the goo not only gets on the fingers but appears to be blocking the release mechanism. *tr

    ODI 10410132

  • June 25, 2011 · 56,000 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    After only about 3 years use, the rubber cover on the hatch release handle (the exterior handle of the rear hatch) of our 2007 toyota prius, melted into a sticky tarry black rubbery gooey mess. I can best describe it as being a viscous black glob like roofing tar. To open the hatch, you have to touch this black goo each time, which makes it difficult to operate the hatch release. We believe this melting process…

    ODI 10408966

  • June 1, 2011

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    2007 toyota prius rear lid release button. This button release has begun 'melting' into a gooey plastic that binds the release. *tr

    ODI 10407697

  • May 27, 2011

    Latches/Locks/Linkages · Structure

    I bought a scion in '06, my first car i've ever bought. It was wonderful, except that i live in florida and the rubber piece on my trunk handle melted. It melted so much that, to this day, there is a huge glob of rubber on my license plate. Well, yesterday i traded in my scion for a prius. I am having the same issue with the handle! Every time i open my trunk, i get black gunk on my hands. Upon research, i found…

    ODI 10403789

  • May 15, 2011

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    The latch handle on my 2007 prius has begun to melt and is worsening over time. I have to open the rear hatch with a towel. It is difficult to open and if i use my hands they become all blackened and my fingers stick impeding the opening esp in an emergency. Both problems interfere with a quick release. *tr

    ODI 10421069

  • May 1, 2011 · 58,000 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    After only about 3 years use, the rubber cover on the hatch release handle (the exterior handle of the rear hatch) of our 2007 toyota prius, melted into a sticky tarry black rubbery gooey mess. I can best describe it as being a viscous black glob like roofing tar. To open the hatch, you have to touch this black goo each time, which makes it difficult to operate the hatch release. I thought that this might be a…

    ODI 10420855

  • April 27, 2011 · 27,400 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    After only about 3 years use, the rubber cover on the hatch release handle (the exterior handle of the rear hatch) of our 2007 toyota prius, melted into a sticky tarry black rubbery gooey mess. I can best describe it as being a viscous black glob like roofing tar. To open the hatch, you have to touch this black goo each time, which makes it difficult to operate the hatch release. We believe this melting process…

    ODI 10399401

  • April 23, 2011 · 51,000 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    I am owner of a 2007 toyota prius. Less than 3 years since purchasing the vehicle new from toyota, a rubber weather seal component in the rear hatch handle has progressively melted. With the seal now compromised, i fear the hatch handle will eventually fail or malfunction resulting in corrosion or worse still, accidental opening of the rear hatch while the vehicle is in motion. I have contacted toyota about the…

    ODI 10411638

  • April 15, 2011 · 32,500 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    At only 4 years of use and under 34,000 miles, the rubber cover on the hatch release handle of my 2007 toyota prius has melted into a sticky, black tar substance. In order to operate the hatch, you have to push a button which is located under the black tar substance, which makes it difficult to operate the hatch release. As i have looked into this issue, it seems that there are several other toyota prius owners,…

    ODI 10419520

  • March 1, 2011

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    2007 toyota prius rear hatch handle has melted like hot tar. Hard to open hatch and toyota wants close to $250.00 to repair. I realize there is wear and tear on vehicles but this is not one od them. This is definitely a manufacturing defect. I like my prius but this has been the only toyota i have bought and did so for the great reputation but this car has been recalled several times, which i'm happy they did, but…

    ODI 10417873

  • January 4, 2011 · 25,000 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    After only about 3 years use, the rubber cover on the hatch release handle (the exterior handle of the rear hatch) of our 2007 toyota prius has begun melting. It is sticky to the touch and it does make the trunk release difficult to operate. I just dropped my car off at the servco hawaii dealership and they told me that i would have to pay $170.00 to replace the latch system. The service tech asked me if my car has…

    ODI 10380225

  • September 22, 2010

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    After only about 2 3/4 years of use, the rubber cover on the hatch release handle (the exterior handle of the rear hatch) of our 2007 toyota prius, started to melt into a sticky tarry black rubbery gooey mess. By the time i was trying to have the dealer replace it under warranty the car just passed a few days the 3 yr. Mark. Of course the dealer refused to replace it under normal warranty. Toyota knows about this…

    ODI 10410295