Rust on rear hatch handle

You can try pressing, but I doubt Toyota would do much. I did escalate my case to Toyota US headquarter, but in the end, it was handled locally at the dealer and all they did was the complementary one time only paint job. I don't know what Canadian version warranty covers, but US Corrosion warranty applies to only "Perforation" of body panel.

 

Toyota really should make this right, but given the cost per unit and that it doesn't affect safety or drivability, I rather expect that they will hide behind that perforation warranty. Now, if someone's handle area rusts through and fails inside 60 months, I suppose they'd have to cover it. Mine doesn't look like it will go that quickly, especially now that it's out of the salt.

 

The metal piece is attached to part 1 (the entire trunk door). It seems the only item to hold our license plate as well.

At 6 O'clock, there seems to be a permanent bolt into the carbon fiber piece which my picture missed.

This trunk one piece costs $6k+tax alone.



From behind:


The tech couldn't take the metal piece apart almost spending an hour. Looks like the entire trunk door has to be removed to further define how to take it apart. More pictures sent to Toyota for the next step. Even Toyota does not know what part to order at this point.

Should there be a rubber insert to the entire metal to hide the corrosion? I know the 2 holes where our license plate sits usually rusts but very unusual to show near the trunk release. Should have used Zinc instead or at the least hide it away with a panel cover?

I was so scary if they have missed a part when putting them back together so I can go home

Now is a waiting game for the next step

 

Thanks, @NSXT. I couldn't get a picture because mine was outside and I was looking right into the sun trying to see the inside of it. Your picture shows that they took it apart to the same point as mine. I would love to find out how to get that part exposed. But there are a lot of wiring harnesses to deal with. I'll have to rent the manual when I get the time.

 

I just picked up a 2020 Advanced with Tech package two weeks ago and my car has the rubberized cover on the hatch handle.

 

Can you take a picture of it with your phone + flash?

The handle has rubber handle, same for 2018 model but once the handle is removed, the rest is metal. I am wondering if that is the same for 2020, see picture with rubberized handle removed:

 

It is rust. When I took the picture, flash was off

The rear tailgate is made of carbon composite material and the part that is rusting is inside the tailgate. That metal piece seems to be the only thing that can hold our license plate. Still waiting a reply from Toyota.. working in progress.

 

Thanks for the picture. Looks like this highlighted section by looking at it is rubber/plastic or one piece altogether.

I should check it out in the showroom if there is a 2020 available to feel it.

 

I hope so! That hidden cancer under the skin of my hatch is kind of concerning.

 

I just want to provide an update.

Toyota Canada has provided detail information to my dealership body shop and I left my Prime there for a couple of days.

Unfortunately, it didn't go well. Body shop not willing to go further as the given instructions were not working to take it apart (the composite carbon fiber is too fragile and any mistake, whole trunk piece to be replaced at a massive $$ expense)

My Prime is the first in Canada to be the guinea pig to resolve this messy/rusty part.

I have to wait for session 2 when they are ready.

Stay tuned.