I have had the "back door garnish" (the hatch handle) break twice on my 2004 xB, and I see from all the posts here that this is common.

I think this problem could be considered a "manufacturing defect", and thus subject to recall and free repair, hopefully with a better-engineered part.

Has anyone tried this approach with this or any other bad part? Any knowledge on how to pursue this?

Jeff

 

The part is not designed wrong it is a garnish not a handle. Sort of like trying to open a '50's Cadillac using the chrome trim down the side.

If you want a stronger replacement then get the chrome garnish from Scion Pro. We reengineered it to be reinforced and it is cheaper than the OEM replacement.

Your car is too old for the bumper to bumper warranty that someone used to have theirs replaced.

 

I still dont understand why people think it's a handle. It's a thin piece of plastic that is meant to be a garnish. I have always used the button to lift the hatch. That is the handle.

 

^^^Exactly! It's NOT a handle!

 

ive got the scion pro chrome garnish and im very happy with how it was built.
one of the other things that i noticed with the stock "handle" was the bolts got loose like within the first 15k miles.

id sell you my old one (its in perfect shape) but your box is blue and mine it white