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.
Data updated August 2026. Counts render from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation standardized component field; severity flags cross-reference NHTSA ODI complaint flags for owner-reported crash, fire, and injury markers. This page is for informational purposes and does not replace NHTSA recall notices or a vehicle-specific inspection. Methodology · Corrections.
NHTSA ODI component intake brief
ODI category LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
1,080 filings · 181 models · 36 makes · vintage August 2026
- FILINGS MODERATE 1,080 ODI rows
- MODELS 181 nameplates citing this part
- MAKES 36 manufacturers in corpus
- CRASH 8.1% 87 crash-flagged
- RANK #150 of 696 categories
- SEV INJURY 7 deaths · 147 injuries
Filing-volume peers
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK sits MODERATE on ODI intake volume (#150 of 696 standardized categories) with a INJURY severity stamp (7 reported fatalities across 181 models). Open Dodge Caravan (category leader) →
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK filing-volume reading
The standout signal for latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock is ODI intake volume: 1,080 filings (MODERATE band · #150 of 696 standardized categories) across 181 nameplates. Crash-flag share is 8.1%.
Moderate-volume categories still show a fingerprint in the model table below, cross-check each nameplate's recall and investigation history before inferring a defect pattern.
Next step: compare Dodge Caravan against SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING on filing totals before treating latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock volume as a purchase signal.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dodge Caravan | |
| 2 | Plymouth Voyager | |
| 3 | Ford Explorer | |
| 4 | Toyota Sienna | |
| 5 | Chrysler Town AND Country | |
| 6 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| 7 | Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| 8 | Jeep Cherokee | |
| 9 | Ford Aerostar | |
| 10 | Chevrolet Tahoe | |
| 11 | Chevrolet Blazer | |
| 12 | Toyota Sequoia | |
| 13 | Ford Escape | |
| 14 | Chevrolet Astro | |
| 15 | Ford Windstar | |
| 16 | Ford Edge | |
| 17 | Pontiac Aztek | |
| 18 | GMC Jimmy | |
| 19 | Ford Focus | |
| 20 | Chevrolet Suburban | |
| 21 | Toyota Rav4 | |
| 22 | Dodge Durango | |
| 23 | Chevrolet Trailblazer | |
| 24 | Honda CR-V | |
| 25 | Chevrolet Lumina APV | |
| 26 | Plymouth Grand Voyager | |
| 27 | Toyota Prius | |
| 28 | RAM 1500 | |
| 29 | Mercury Villager | |
| 30 | Mazda Tribute |
Recent Complaints
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 manufacturer
The trunk of the car automatically closed and hit my head as I was picking up my groceries.
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
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
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 vehi
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 for
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??
Related Vehicle Components
Verify with NHTSA · consumer-reported counts are not verified defect findings.