Component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LOCK
14 NHTSA complaints about latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:lock issues across 7 makes and 10 models.
The latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:lock is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 14 filings from 7 manufacturers and 10 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 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the FORD F-150 with 5 filings, followed by TOYOTA RAV4 and SUBARU FORESTER. 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.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FORD F-150 | 5 |
| 2 | TOYOTA RAV4 | 1 |
| 3 | SUBARU FORESTER | 1 |
| 4 | RAM 3500 | 1 |
| 5 | HYUNDAI SANTA FE | 1 |
| 6 | GMC SIERRA 2500 | 1 |
| 7 | FORD F-350 | 1 |
| 8 | FORD F-250 | 1 |
| 9 | FORD ESCAPE | 1 |
| 10 | CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 | 1 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate became inoperable and unexpectedly unlatched and lowered. The dealer was c
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and hauling a Keystone Cougar trailer, the tailgate opened unintendedly, which the contact noticed after ma
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to open while using the tailgate handle. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagno
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the check engine malfunction and Electronic Stability Control system malfunction warning lights illuminated. The
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the tailgate opened independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact arrived at the residence and became aw
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the tailgate was heard opening. The contact also stated that on various occasions while the vehicle was
Warning on the dash panel intermittently says Lift gate/back glass is ajar even though it is closed. This causes the interior lights to turn on and off. I believe this is due to a manufacturer defect
Vehicle is a pickup truck. Tailgate has opened up multiple times while driving (at least three times now in 3 months of moderate driving of approximately 30 miles per day). It does not seem to be rel
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated he received a notice of Ford Campaign Number: 21M06 for enhanced unintended tailgate opening remedy. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where t
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the tailgate was in an upright position and then the tailgate closed unexpectedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the de
Rear tailgate opens when door opens without activating the remote/automatic feature that opens the tailgate. It also opens when Iâm traveling in traffic. Itâs a danger to me and traffic if somethi
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The vehicle had previously been serviced under the Manufacturer Campaign Number: 19S48. The contact stated that while hauling a trailer, there was an abnormal sound
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while transporting a wild animal in the bed of the truck, with the top lid enclosed, the tailgate failed to open. There were no warning ligh
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the tailgate opened intermittently without warning. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Num
Related Vehicle Components
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Related Safety Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints involve latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:lock issues? ▼
How dangerous are latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:lock defects? ▼
Which vehicles have the most latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:lock problems? ▼
Where does PlainCars get its safety data? ▼
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.