The Toyota Tundra suffers from a poor rear hatch design which often results in rear latch failure, rendering the rear tailgate inoperative. The issue has been acknowledged by Toyota, particularly concerning the 2007 Toyota Tundra, for which Toyota released Technical Service Bulletin BO011-07. The typical cause of the failure is the use of plastic clips in the latch mechanism, which break due to stress. Typically this will manifest itself in a failure of the latch.
Apply pressure to the top of the latch mechanism while actuating the lever on your 2007 Toyota Tundra. If the spring in the mechanism has become bound in place, it will not release the latch. Applying pressure to the top of the latch may allow the spring to release.
Remove the rear tailgate panel to gain access to the rear tailgate latch mechanism. Remove the rear panel by removing the T30 Torx bolts holding the panel to the hatch. Examine the rear latch mechanism to see if the striker plate is binding. The striker plate is held in place with two Torx head bolts. Loosen the bolts, and then move the striker plate up or down to recenter, and then re-tighten. Apply lubricating oil to the spring to assure smooth operation.
Examine the plastic clips that hold the release rods in place. The plastic clips that hold the release rods to the handle which are the common failure point in the Tundra's rear latch system. If the clips are broken, then carefully pull the long black release rods toward the center of the hatch, which will release the rear tailgate. This will allow the hatch to release. Note that Toyota does not advise driving the Tundra with the rear hatch lowered. If the plastic clips are not damaged or broken, apply lubricating oil to the clips to reduce friction.
