Trunk Issues - Latch & Trim

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Hybrid Hobo, Dec 2, 2025 at 9:41 AM.

  1. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2018
    202
    50
    0
    Location:
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    My trunk has been having issues for quite a while. But it's worked most of the time with some finessing.

    The problem is that the latch that you press to open the trunk gate is all gummed up. It literally feels like a hunk of semi-wet bubble gum when I press it. Further...

    It is quite often that the trunk will not open on the first attempt. I have to keep pressing/pulling to get it to work.

    I walked out to my car this morning and went through just this routine, when I heard the trim piece crack from using too much pressure. It's still on (not hanging or anything), but it's very loose. And I'm not going to risk opening the trunk in case it falls off completely.

    I'm not concerned about the trim piece, because they sell knockoffs online, which I know because my buddy's trim piece on his Gen 2 broke, and I ordered one for him. I'll get one of those. However...

    My main question is, in addition to that trim piece...should I JUST order the latch (small black piece with wiring) itself, or do you think I'd need the whole lock actuator?

    Thanks.
     
    #1 Hybrid Hobo, Dec 2, 2025 at 9:41 AM
  2. Hayslayer

    Hayslayer Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2024
    394
    224
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    They also sell kits to just replace the rubber cover for 10-15 bucks. This is a very common problem. It's best to remove the button from the garnish trim piece, then the old gummy stuf can be removed pretty easily with a small pick or knife, and cleaned up with a rag or toothbrush with carb cleaner. Then just install the new rubber cover and presto...just like new.

    I've also seen many that just have the old gummy stuff removed and never had a replacement rubber cover installed. Buttons still worked perfectly fine.
     
    #2 Hayslayer, Dec 2, 2025 at 4:28 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)