Plastic Tailgate Latch- Broken Second Time

[JTsJeepJourney]

I have a 2021 Gladiator Sport. 1st Jeep Ever! Has already hit the sand and been off-road. I use my Truck for work as well and store tools in the back locked. Last month as I was locking the tailgate I felt a snap and the lock tumbler rotated left and right freely (no click = no locking). I investigated and found that the part that sets/releases the lock mechanism is plastic and broke. Jeep replaced the part last week (got part really quickly I'm glad to say). This weekend I was at Stagecoach here in CA, and when I went to lock the rear tailgate, it broke again. What's up with this part? Has anyone else suffered this plastic part breaking? I LOVE my Jeep, I just figured as durable a vehicle that it is and this being a critical part, why would they make it out of plastic?

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[Gatorized]

Assuming you have the base sport without power locks?

 

[JTsJeepJourney]

Yes, somewhat intentional... but really didn't know that it didn't come with power locks. I've since added power doorlocks as it was driving me crazy when I would have rear set passengers.

 

[JTdeer_hauler]

Anyone have an aftermarket solution. Mine broke today. Pulled the plastic piece out of the hole for the electrical and couldn’t believe how flimsy. Brand new truck that I picked up in September of 2022.

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