Premature failure of struts for automatic back hatch of 07 Toyota Sienna limited AWD minivan. All of a sudden, in the last week, the rear hatch cannot open fully and sometimes just closes suddenly when it has gone just halfway up. Other times, it makes it up, but doesn't stay up and just slams back down right after reaching the apex. Vehicle is 8 years old.

- Sunnyvale, CA, USA

The rear liftgate fails to stay open and will close automatically very quickly. This can cause injury if persons using the rear luggage area cannot move out of the way before it closes.

- Carmel, IN, USA

I opened the automatic liftgate to my 2007 Toyota Sienna and upon it reaching the fully open position at the top, it immediately dropped and started to close automatically, which may have caused me an injury if I hadn't quickly moved out of the way. Every time I open the liftgate, whether I do it using my key fob, from the interior of the car, or by lifting the handle, the same thing happens causing risk of injury to me and my children. Toyota refuses to acknowledge responsibility for this defect despite similar issues being reported with 2004 to 2006 Toyota Siennas, which ultimately resulted in the issuance of NHTSA campaign 08V244000.

- Pelham, NH, USA

Struts on the rear power lift gate have failed and rear gate will open and immediately start closing with no way to stop it. This occurs when using interior button or remote key fob. If opened manually, the gate slams closed with the potential for significant injury due to the force of the dropping gate. Research indicates this was a problem with 2004-2006 models and struts were replaced free of charge. Apparently the same struts were used on 2007 models, however the dealer would not warranty replacement. It took about 15 minutes for them to install two new struts for $362. The 2004-2006 recall is listed under NHTSA campaign # 08V244000. This is the exact issue I experienced.

- Camillus, NY, USA

My Toyota Sienna 2007 limited it fail its hatch door closes its own and it hit my head I'm afraid that by accident my kids might do the same, when they open the hatch door. I read about 2004-2006 recall and had Toyota technical service bulletin March 14,2007 model 04-07 this regards the lift gate not properly working. On the 04-06 recall why not the 07 recall not included. While I got the same problem and the same parts that causes the problem.

- Chester, VA, USA

I own a 2007 Toyota Sienna mini-van. The liftgate is opened by depressing a rubber covered button. The rubber has melted to a point that it is molten. Each time you touch the latch your fingers are turned black and it is extremely difficult to remove. I live in Texas and we are experiencing very high temperatures. I have read many online accounts of other people having this problem and I think Toyota should recall the affected vehicles. The area manager for Toyota told me that the problem is occurring on other Toyota models but there have been no recalls.this to me is a serious defect that the local dealership quoted me a cost of $350 to repair and replace with the same latch cover.why would I pay that much when I know it will self destruct next summer.

- Austin, TX, USA

Premature failure of struts for automatic back hatch of 07 Toyota Sienna minivan prevents rear hatch from opening fully, causing users to hit head on hatch when trying to access rear of van. Vehicle had approx. 60K miles and less than 4 years old. Repairs to replace struts cost $300; no guarantee they will not prematurely fail/wear out.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA