The hatchback trunk of my tC has been sticky lately, especially when it rains. I obviously figure the door is heavy and should be lifting by the door and not the handle where the trunk release is. Well, although I was trying to lift from the bottom of the trunk while holding the trunk release button, I guess when I lifted the door, I must have had some energy on the trunk release button as well since that whole portion of the car ripped off. The trunk release button/handle was basically hanging by the electrical wiring. The area above the license plate, and below the spoiler ripped off. It looks like it is part of the trunk. Right now it is just duct taped back in place. Has this happened to anyone else? My car is not under warranty being a 2005, but I kind of want to know what amount of $ repair cost I am looking at if anyone has any ideas. Thanks.

 

it has happened countless times.. and has been posted about just as much.
looking at about $140 for a new part.

check junkyards and other places for cheaper prices.

 

It's common. Did anything on it BREAK? or did it just pop out? Cuz if it popped out, you can remove the large plastic piece on the inside of the car & screw the 2-3 screws that hold it in place back in. Just buy replacement nuts.

 

It looks like it broke since the plastic or whatever material they use looks like it broke off the hatchback door. I'll have to give it another look to make sure since I was on my way to the airport when it happened.

Is it $140 through the dealer?

How do I go about checking junkyards for this part?

 

You can also check ebay for stuff like hatch handle, hatch garnish. You might be able to find a carbon fiber one. Just do a search on here for hatch garnish replacement or something and see what others are doing.

 

$99 for bsp hatch garnish.

 

On eBay

 

http://www.oznium.com/tc-garnish

 

It broke b/c you're pulling on the plastic part - not the actual release. A lot of people have hit the release button and lifted the trunk by the plastic. That is bad. And now you see why.

Luckily though, the pieces aren't incredibly expensive (compared to a lot of other parts anyway). Maybe you can find a deal though...

 

I agree... checking your local salvage yards. I'd be willing to bet that you could pick it up for fraction of the cost.
as for how to find out... just find your local yellow pages for salvage yards and give them a call. Most of them generally keep a list of their inventory.
That way you're not driving all over the place in hopes that you find one.

 

please dont by that illuminated one...this happened to me 2 years ago and i got my new one through trd sparks

 

The plastic part comes off very easily on the tC because it is held in by merely a few screws, if you want you could take it off and apply a few more screws in for extra power thats what I did and it doesn't move at all anymore/no signs of it being wiggly or easy to pull of anymore. Simple solution to this.

 

pmed u

 

My wife ripped mine off by pulling on it and I just put it back on with some automotive goop....the one in the red tube that you can get pretty much anywhere for less than $5. Been holding strong for about a year now.

 

I have a carbon fiber trunk handle for sale if anyone is interested PM me