I have a 2003 Tribute. For a while we had a problem where the rear liftgate would intermittently NOT unlock. Sometimes it worked fine, other times it would stay locked. This included both the rear window and the rear liftgate itself. While at the dealer for a different issue, I had them take a look at what this problem might be. Their response was that I needed to replace the rear locking mechanism. Cost was about $350. At the time I passed since it was more of an inconvenience thing.
Now the rear liftgate won't lock at all AND the door ajar light stays lit on the dashboard. Any ideas on how difficult this would be to fix? Or if maybe there's a different issue altogether? Any idea on where I could possibly get parts for this?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Drex

 

Isn't there a recall on the Tribute latch?