When I got home yesterday and went to unload a bunch of deer corn, the truck tailgate on my Tundra would not open. I fussed with it a while, WD40’d everything, and still it wouldn’t open. Per the internet, which apparently knows everything except what women are thinking, I probably had a small plastic clip that had broken. The clip, one on each side, holds the metal opening rod to the lock mechanism on both sides of the tailgate. Yup, the driver side one was broken (only lasted 13 years) and the end of the rod had slipped out of place. Knowing that, I was able to open the tailgate and get the corn bags out. And I ordered new plastic clips. I need one, but had to order 5 for each side.

In the unlikely event that one of you other Tundra owners is having the same problem right now, I can mail you a clip or two when I get them.

So, total problems in 13 years with the Tundra are: one starter; one right rear taillight bulb; And one tiny plastic clip.

I haven’t had that problem on my 2010 Tundra. Thinking back, I’ve replaced a starter in somewhere North of 150,000 miles.

The only thing I don’t like is the gas mileage

Same happened with me on a primer bulb for a chainsaw,
I needed one and got 5. I ended up giving everything away

Should have bought a Ram

“Shoulda bought a Ram”.....silly boy, it was actually easier to find that same plastic part (they all use them, it seems) for GMC, though I don’t remember seeing it for Dodge. So maybe I really shoulda.....nahhhh.

And Bill, keep those extra primer bulbs. I just replaced one on the wife’s Echo weed eater. I also originally had 5, but only have 2 left now. Two used on Echo gear and one on Honda tiny tiller.

I have had my 2007 Tundra almost 13 years. Best pickup ever. Especially the way I treat them.....lots of pasture miles and heavy trailer load miles. Except for oil, tire and battery changes I have never had a wrench on mine. The passenger side mirror and tail light cover broke but they do that when the driver hits mesquite trees.

No issues on my 2010 tundra in the tailgate category. One water pump, a few bulbs, a clockspring and more fill ups than I care to count.....254k miles for me. Just bought a 2020, but kept the old one....it's nice to have a beater truck to hunt and haul my dog around.

I’ve done that twice, on my Tundra. Those taillights are all I’ve replaced. It’s not high in mileage, but I made every mile count.

good luck

Somebody broke the tailgate handle on my first Tundra. I bought one online for about $10, switched the lock out and installed it.

Piece of cake.

Part of the lift handle on my 08 Tundra broke a few months ago, so I replaced the entire center latch assembly. Very easy to do. Be sure to grease any moving parts while you have the access panel removed.

That little clip broke on my ‘99 GMC years ago. I had forgotten that.

Yep, GM tailgates are notorious

Well, it’s fixed. Got the part (needed 1 but got 20) and with not too much frustration, I put it in place. Now I have an extra 9 for the left side and 10 for the right side, so pm me if you need one or a couple.

FYI you can go to the parts house and buy a metal one and never worry about it again.

Redchevy, now you tell me...Oh well, it’s fixed and I know how to do it, and have plenty of spare parts for next time.

Thanks for the heads up.

Now if I can only remember your comments should the time come when I run across the same problem.

Here’s a short tutorial, starting when the tailgate won’t open:

- using the proper stardrive bit, remove the cover plate on the inside on the tailgate. 8 screws.
- with a flashlight see which of the plastic clamps has broken.
- you can reach in to open the side with the busted clamp while opening the tailgate latch.
- acquire the part needed. Toyota dealers don’t stock it, but will order it. Or, call me.
- using the proper, and larger, star drive, remove the lock mechanism that needs the new part. Don’t worry about losing the two nuts in the inside mechanism. They are permanent and won’t fall off.
- remove what’s left of the old plastic clamp and install the new one. Pliers needed, since the fit is tight.
- reinstall the lock mechanism.
- fit the end of the rod into the new plastic clamp and snap the back end of it onto the rod.
- reinstall the cover plate.
- have celebratory beer

If any of you have to do this, maybe my experience will save you a bit of time and frustration.

Good trucks, but drink gas.

It is a truck not a Prius. It happened to a buddy's GMC on the deer lease. I told him how to fix. Look at the older GMs driving around and notice how many are missing the shroud around the tailgate handle.

Also a good tip if you want to keep it from happening again, push the tailgate further closed with the hand not operating the latch while you pop the latch and it will open easier putting less stress on the latch assembly.

I was told a toyota never ever needs repairs.

This, just about every truck I have owned had the plastic ones fail, metal is the only way to fix it. Usually when the bed was full of stuff.

Battery, right rear tail light bulb for 130,000 in my ‘11
Exact same for my ‘16 with 80,000.
Nothing else. Notta. Zilch. No switches that don’t work. Nothing malfunctions. Nothing needing to warrantied due to failure.


And Yes they drink gas too. It’s called fuel