Component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

1,080 NHTSA complaints about latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock issues across 36 makes and 181 models.

The latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 1,080 filings from 36 manufacturers and 181 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.

Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 87 crashes, 2 fires, 147 injuries, and 7 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the DODGE CARAVAN with 225 filings, followed by PLYMOUTH VOYAGER and FORD EXPLORER. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.

Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.

1,080
Complaints
181
Models Affected
87
Crashes
2
Fires
7
Deaths

Most Affected Vehicles

# Vehicle Complaints
1 DODGE CARAVAN 225
2 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER 202
3 FORD EXPLORER 56
4 TOYOTA SIENNA 49
5 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 40
6 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 25
7 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 22
8 JEEP CHEROKEE 16
9 FORD AEROSTAR 14
10 CHEVROLET TAHOE 13
11 CHEVROLET BLAZER 13
12 TOYOTA SEQUOIA 12
13 FORD ESCAPE 12
14 CHEVROLET ASTRO 12
15 FORD WINDSTAR 11
16 FORD EDGE 10
17 PONTIAC AZTEK 9
18 GMC JIMMY 9
19 FORD FOCUS 9
20 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 9
21 TOYOTA RAV4 8
22 DODGE DURANGO 8
23 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 8
24 HONDA CR-V 7
25 CHEVROLET LUMINA APV 7
26 PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER 6
27 TOYOTA PRIUS 5
28 RAM 1500 5
29 MERCURY VILLAGER 5
30 MAZDA TRIBUTE 5

Recent Complaints

2019 TOYOTA RAV4

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the rear hatch door failed to remain securely closed. The contact stated that the failure intermittently occurred and became more frequent

2020 FORD EXPLORER

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illu

2023 SUBARU OUTBACK

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while walking around the vehicle attempting to put her husband in the passenger seat, the hatchback opened independently, and they both

2024 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the contact's husband was driving 80 MPH, the liftgate independently unlatched. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's overnight bag flew

2016 TOYOTA RAV4

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to properly close while pressing the electrical buttons on both the key fob and the two liftgate buttons located inside

2025 FORD EXPLORER

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 1 MPH and pulling into the garage, the liftgate opened unintendedly, scraping the garage door. The contact worked

2017 FORD ESCAPE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the liftgate switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the liftgate switch was activated to u

2018 FORD EDGE

The contact's fiancé owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the power liftgate failed to open manually or automatically. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture

2025 VOLVO XC60

The trunk of the car automatically closed and hit my head as I was picking up my groceries.

2024 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that occasionally the liftgate opened independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was a crack on

2018 TOYOTA RAV4

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon pressing the liftgate emergency release button, the liftgate opened half-way. Additionally, the contact stated that the liftgate had f

2024 BMW IX

Summary of Incident – March 28, 2025 On March 28, 2025, at approximately 8:17a.m., I left my residence and proceeded to my vehicle, which was parked inside my garage. I opened the tailgate of the ve

2009 BUICK ENCLAVE

The contact owns a 2009 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear tailgate unintentionally opened. The contact stated that once the failure had occurred, the

2023 MAZDA CX-30

Others are at risk and below details how my safety was compromised. Powerlift gate/ trunk closed on my head and did not stop. It knocked me onto the ground and opened up a bloody gash on my head. Wen

2020 FORD EXPLORER

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the rear hatch had failed to open. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was

2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450

Tailgate sometimes opens while driving. It sometimes takes many attempts to reclose it from the outside of car. It will not reclose using the electronic button on the door. The alert comes on on the d

2022 RAM 1500

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the tailgate unintendedly opened. While taking boards in a trailer, the tow gate opened and struck the trailer. The contac

2015 TOYOTA SEQUOIA

Rear latch not locking or latching correctly leading to liftgate opening while driving. Has happened repeatedly, will latch some days and not other dealer said no recalls available but seems to be com

2021 LEXUS RX

On the Saturday (12/21) before Christmas, my hatch door wouldn’t open with the key fob, push button in the vehicle or push button on the door. And the foot under the bumper opener has never worked f

2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA 250

Twice now, my husband is putting groceries in the back of the vehicle and the top closes on him and this last time, hit him hard in the head. This is a safety issue, what can we do??

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints involve latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock issues?
The NHTSA has received 1,080 complaints about latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock problems across 181 vehicle models from 36 manufacturers.
How dangerous are latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock defects?
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK issues have been linked to 87 crashes, 2 fires, 147 injuries, and 7 deaths according to NHTSA complaint data.
Which vehicles have the most latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock problems?
The most complained-about vehicle for latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock issues is the DODGE CARAVAN with 225 complaints.
Where does PlainCars get its safety data?
All vehicle safety data comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database, which collects reports from vehicle owners about safety-related defects.

Data Sources

Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.

Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.

Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.

Verify with FDA →