2007 prius trunk hatch release rubber piece melted

Same thing happened to me a couple of years ago. Jackct, curious to hear what Toyota does for you. Please report back!

 

The part number for the 'Luggage Electric Key Switch' for 2004-09 without Smart key is 84840-47010. Toyota Parts Barn has it for $44 + S&H.

 

This past summer, I was sure it would completely melt. Mine is all gummy and falling apart. I will probably replace it soon.

Has anyone had any issues with it not working in the winter time? Last year, I couldn't get my trunk to open when it was super cold.

 

Yep, same here, for the first time a couple weeks ago, which is why I'm fixing mine. It's also slow to react (takes a couple seconds to open, like the switch is sticking) in warm weather. The rubber on mine has been gooey for a couple years, but not as bad as some report.

Thanks to all for the info, if the dealer won't honor the extended warranty, I'll use the DIY directions.

 

This morning I could not open my hatch at all. Temperature was in the upper 30's.

After several unsuccessful tries, I decided to re-lock the car using the key fob then unlocking it with the fob. Somehow that got it working again, but the rubber piece still felt quite dead and unresponsive to the touch. I do believe this is the same problem many others have experienced.

 

Same thing happened on my 2007 4 Runner. Got gummy and maybe had cracks that would allow moisture. Then in freezing weather it wouldn't work. The part was about $60 at the dealer, then it was a bit of work taking the hatch apart to get at the switch.

 

My 2007 Prius has the same thing... I think the hot Miami Sun killed it

 

Is this a general defect for the 07 model year?

 

Seems like this is more than a random occurrence. Not sure whether it is "general".

 

Yes, switch cover melted last summer, now it's been colder and the switch doesn't work at all.

I'll chat up the dealer next time I take the car for service, see what they have to say, I suspect this dealer will be next to useless. Not sure if the general switch failure is covered under certified used car extended warranty.

 

Add me to the list. The rubber is getting gummy on my 2007 now.

 

I just bought a 2007 Prius smart key and it is hit or miss opening the trunk. The rubber is melted and gets your fingers black.

Can you just replace the rubber and NOT the entire switch? If so where can you buy the rubber online?

 

Can only find the entire switch assembly online for $72....does that sound right?

 

Hey everyone. My 2007 Prius is having the exact same problem The dealership wants $70 for the part, $220 installed. The manager of the service department tried to talk me into getting it done in hopes that there will be a recall later and then a reimbursement. No thanks. This is the same guy who said "ya know, it gets hot here in south Texas". Umm, yeah, we are in Dallas, which is north Texas last I checked..

I called Toyota's Customer Experience Center at 800-331-4331 and reported the problem to a customer service rep. She said no promises, but she would check into it and see if they can help me out with the costs. She said she will call me back within two business days. I'm not getting my hopes up, but well see. I urge everyone else to call and report the problem as well. Maybe they will do a recall if enough people report the problem.

 

I wonder if it's a particular car wash soap that attacking it. I have a 2007, and it doesn't get much hotter than Phoenix (most of July and August was over 110F). However mine is fine.

 

Maybe we should send this thread to Prius Product Management. Who could do something like that?

 

Add me to the list. 2007 pkg 6 with 93k miles. Haven't made it to the dealership to see if they would even think about it. My 07 Tundra gets the maintenance there but I quit taking the Prius there since they wanted to charge over $400 to change out both headlight bulbs. Car has been trouble free except for the HID bulbs. I only replaces wipers and tires.

 

In the same boat, trunk latch rubber melted this summer. Talked to dealer, they're acting like it's not covered under extended warranty. So, now it's winter, and when the temps get cold enough the trunk latch doesn't work.

Not an expert at this, but guessing from my manufacturing experience with products that use rubber parts , if this think is made from rubber, there was probably a batch or two of rubber made with too much of one component or another (probably carbon black.) A sub supplier of a sub supplier of a supplier.

Enough people gripe, they might issue a TSB, but I unless Toyota can figure what supplier to charge back for the repairs, there won't be a recall or such.

 

Where IS the Prius Team when we need them??

 

I used a piece of clear plastic from an old desk mat to do the same thing. Be sure to silicone around the edges to keep the rain our.