Rust on rear hatch handle

When I had my 2017 PRIME hatch door plate repainted, I was told that it was not the parts issue but the disassembling and replacing was almost impossible without replacing the entire hatch.

The dealer just sanded off the plate and painted over it under Toyota HQ's recommendation. See the pic on comment #80

Rust on rear hatch handle | Page 4 | PriusChat

 

Had mine done under warranty and it's rusted again. Going to Toyota for service Friday. Will advise.

 

Was your just painted like mine? Whatever they did to fix the rust problem, it was not permanent solution. I hope theTBS issued in Canada is a permanent solution and will come to US for those affected at no cost repair, but until I see the repair procedure we don't know if the permanent fix exist or not. Luckily, I no longer own the 2017 PRIME. My 2020 PRIME seems to have a plastic back plate now.

 

You're thinking what the shop thought when I took mine in. The part listed in the TSB is about $2,800.
2017-2020 Toyota Prius Prime Lift Gate 67005-47911 | Camelback Toyota Parts

 

I was thinking either item 3 or 13 here:

Liftgate for 2017 Toyota Prius Prime | Toyota Parts

The repair instruction says to remove that small part, paint it and apply sealant.

I think they've lost their minds, lol.

 

No, the part that is rusting is an integral part of the hatch body, those parts item 3 or 13 are plastic housing around the handle. That's my understanding.

 

Ah, think I gotcha. Thanks.

 

Yup. That's what the shop ordered for me. They got both, just to be sure. They wound up sending them both back. I just don't know how much metal they exposed and how well they prepped it. Painting is quick. Preparation takes forever. Hence my plans to do it myself one day soon.

 

Sent it to their body shop to have it painted.

 

My bodyshop told me painting it, the rust will come back so we wait for the real TSB and the right procedures to fix it right.

 

It does

 

Yup! I lived for nine years on a small island. Rust was my nemesis.

 

Do your fingers touch that rust zone at all? Just wondering if my old stand-by, boiled linseed oil, would help.

 

Not normally, depending on how far back you trim your fingernails.

 

Just got my car done following the TCI procedure and here is the result which I don't like:


In theory by following the TCI process, it is just by redoing that section. The section where it can not be done were not done because it is impossible to reach. Sooner or later rust will come back.

I am waiting for an approval to get the trunk replaced and rust protection/work done properly before the composite fiber gets clued together which is the proper procedure prior painting the matching color.

There are 6 cars including mine awaiting for this proper fix. Again, this is only based on local dealer's body shop requirement and not a national request.

This issue apply from 2017-2020 version of Prime as nothing was changed as far as they know from manufacturing. Perhaps next gen will be revised.

 

Good luck. Let us know how it is handled.

 

It is hard to tell if it will last. What looks scary are those little what look like rust spots on your white paint. I would suggest cleaning and waxing your car to see if they go away. If not, it looks like you have a very thin paint job on your car as well.

 

I thought the painted part of the hutch is made of fiberglass?