Rear Tailgate Not Latching Well Anymore

[sabbates]

The tailgate for my 2001 V70XC is not latching very well anymore.

Sometimes it latches closed, sometimes it doesn't.

How can I fix this?

[perkinscl]

Check that the carpeted mat didn't slide backwards (towards the latch). This happens to mine, then it won't latch. I have to slide it forward from time to time.

[8pack]

Thoroughly lubricate the latch mechanism with PB blaster or similar. Open and close the trunk a dozen times until the latch is reliable or use a screw driver to manually open and close the latching mechanism. You can follow the PB blaster with fluid film for a longer and more reliable fix.

[sanfelice]

what 8pack said, the latch mechanism inside the gate becomes sticky in my experience. unfortunately on my car, it was the pull inside the gate, not the latch itself