I've had this issue for awhile now - tailgate latch is VERY hard to open, and does not spring back closed. I've taken the cover off the tailgate, sprayed WD40 on moving parts, but it didn't help.

Anyone else have the issue? What did you do to solve it? New Latch?

 

Provided that you have electronic release button for your tailgate.
Had the same issue, sprayed, even filed down the rubber bump stops on both sides to alleviate some of the back pressure, none of this worked.
Replaced actuator, problem solved.