T1A Tailgate Handle Assembly, Upgraded Metal - Compatible with 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna, 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia - Tailgate Latch Rear Door Trunk Handle - OEM 69090-08010, 79600, TO1820100

This should be your first place to fix the issue of the cable seeming to stretch out, even if the old handle is not snapped broken. Worn down OEM handles will fail to open the door even if not fully snapped apart inside. The plastic in the OEM and other aftermarket handles flexes too much and makes it hard to get a full pull on the release cable. Eventually the plastic wears out so much the door will refuse to open because there isn't enough cable being pulled. The issue is actually NOT that cable stretching, and just a matter of worn out handle parts. Mine fit in just fine with no alignment issues on a 2002 Sienna. If you are having alignment issues, just send it back for another copy and it might be a good fit. Seems to be a little variation in tolerances. I did have to bend the spot that holds the release cable in place so the two sides were a tiny bit closer together. If the cable is too far pulled out when the handle is at resting position, the door will not unlock because the door latch will block it from operating if the handle/cable are pulled too tight. By shortening the amount of cable pulled out to attach it to the handle, mine now locks and unlocks. I can notice the massive difference in stiffness with the all-metal handle over the OEM ones. It's an instant engagement with the release cable. The OEM handle could just barely release at the end of the handle travel when it was working. I might feel comfortable putting the large door panel back on now that I don't have to crawl back and release it by hand when it gets stuck like before.

I'd really like to give this 4.5 stars, but since that isn't an option, I've aired on the side of rounding up. Anyway, this is an all metal replacement for the failure prone Toyota plastic jobber. It is well made and fit rather easily into the opening left by the previous resident (old broken handle), with ONE EXCEPTION. The space between where the cable end and cable sheath are held was too large. This led to a constant tension being pulled on the cable which put the auto locking mechanism into a bind. The hatch would lock fine, but it couldn't be unlocked without taking the whole mess apart again. The benefit to this being a metal part is that it can be carefully bent to a functional shape easily. So, this product is a great but don't expect it to totally drop in and function perfectly. It might take a little tuning.

Worked great

We have owned our Sequoia since new in 2007. I think I have replaced this latch, three or four times. This time, I noticed the latch not working as well as when it was new. Luckily I noticed this, and ordered a new one and was able to complete the task without having to work from the load space out. The spring was very soft, and felt like it did not have the same action as new. The old one lasted about 3 years or a little longer. Thee all metal design if an improvement, I wish they used a more robust spring. Once everything was removed, it fit just like last time and was an easy swap seeing how I have done this several times now. We love this Sequoia, I just would ask they upgraded the spring so this would last longer. It is still a very good value for an exact fit part.

Nice to have a metal version....better than the original.

Don't buy this, they look similar but don't quite fit exactly. Not only that, but the first test to open gate after install, it broke exactly where the original did. Only difference is, I got 23 years from the plastic one. Buy OEM

3rd one I’ve installed, this one looks and feels stronger than factory.

Worked great for my 2006 Sequoia. Plenty of YouTube videos on how to replace. This latch feels much more durable than the OEM latch that has a plastic that breaks.

Back window never ran so smooth! Original part was plastic and cheap, this replacement is great quality and better price than original. Highly recommend. Glad a company thought to make a metal replacement part

When I bought this item I was so sceptical whether this will fit my 2002 sienna.. browsed through the reviews found only one. So Just to help out the rest of the buyers yes it fits not like a glove you may have to wiggle it a bit to go in.. but it will Do the job

Excellent product! Installed by ourselves. Better product than the original. We are very happy with our purchase. Great price too.

This is a great replacement for the money. I was a little worried it would not be all metal at first but it is definitely all metal including the handle! Buy it when you have your problem you will not be disappointed it bolted right in place of stock one. Feels crisp and new now when we open the trunk.

Worked great and fit well. Came with gaskets attached as well. Not like the previous one I ordered through Amazon with was junk!