2007 Toyota Prius Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 2%of 2,004 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2007 Toyota Prius, 2% of the 2,004 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rubber back hatch release mechanism has melted and become mushy this summer. This winter the rubber mechanism has frozen making it impossible to open the rear hatch. This is a safety issue because I cannot get to my spare tire or emergency warning devices. My research on the internet has proven that this is not an isolated incident but very common problem with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10661410, filed 2014-12, 109,778 miles“The latch on the hatch of my 2007 Prius has melted into a gooey mess. It interferes with the operation of the latch making it difficult to open the hatch. I started noticing this at the 3-3.5 year mark, now it is a black glob that comes off on my hand whenever I access the latch.”
NHTSA complaint #10409002, filed 2011-06, 70,000 miles“For some time now, the rear latch has been sticking and has been needing several attempts to release. Finally, now it has stopped operating altogether. The dealer says he is not aware of the problem. With the complaints I have seen online, I am surprised at the response. It can also be a safety problem at the right conditions. I feel disappointed at Toyota motors. After many years of trouble free Toyota ownership I am certainly disappointed with the recent developments with their products.”
NHTSA complaint #10661430, filed 2014-12, 45,000 miles“Rear latch assembly on my Prius has started to melt and block the opening of the rear latch. This seems to be a problem with many of the 2007 Prius. I have never had a car where the plastic melted for no apparent reason.”
NHTSA complaint #10554712, filed 2013-12, 120,000 miles“The back latch of my Toyota Prius 2007 has degraded. In the past I have rarely used the trunk of my car and therefore did not realize the extent of the problem. I am now almost 9 months pregnant. A couple of months ago (around november 2013) I tried to open the trunk. While it was difficult, after a lot of pressing and maneuvering I was able to open it. Most recently for the past 3 weeks, I am completely unable to open the trunk. Now that the trunk is completely unable to be opened, I am extremely concerned for the safety of my newborn that will be riding in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10561633, filed 2014-01, 58,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 13% |
| 2023 | 3 | 14% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% |
| 2007 | 42 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 0% |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% |
| 2004 | 2 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2007 Toyota Prius
1,060 complaintsBrakes
331 complaintsElectrical system
248 complaintsBody and structure
184 complaintsVehicle speed control
124 complaintsOther or unknown
105 complaintsAir bags
50 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
41 complaintsEngine
37 complaintsElectronic stability control
34 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsFuel system
28 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2007 Toyota Prius
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology