I’d like to start by introducing myself. I’m new to this forum but not new to forums in general. My name is Will and I drive a 2012 f150 xlt 3.5 eb.

My question for you all is, does the factory plastic tailgate handle bother anyone else? Mine is flimsy and requires you to pull on the left side of the handle to release the tail gate. My dad drives a 2014 xlt and his is the same way. I popped the panel off the tailgate and couldn’t see an easy immediate fix. Does this cheap handle bother anyone else or are there any fixes out there? I’ve searched this forum as well as others and haven’t been able to find anyone even complaining about them which is hard to believe IMO. I just switched from a tacoma in April of last year so I’m relatively new to the f150 world but I know many of you have used these trucks and their tailgates for years. Maybe I just didn’t get a high enough trim package haha.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

f150 handles have been plastic since 1997, i personally never had any issues with mine

 

Take off the service panel and sparingly apply a thin layer of oil or grease to pivot points and latches. Maybe even lube the lock cylinder. This also helps keep things from jamming up during a hard freeze.

 

Doesn't sound right that it's doing that, something's broken/in need of service/missing.

Door handles on vehicles have been plastic for aeons now, that's not the cause of your issue.

 

Sometimes I have to push in with other hand while pulling the handle. Works like a charm.

 

As others have said, it's not the handle.
Take the plate off (20 or 25 Torx... I forget which), the watch latches while operating handle - if they both don't move all the way, you can move the clip on the connecting rods until you get good operation. Clean and lube, then you're all set!

FWIW, Tacomas have had plastic tailgate fixtures since the mid 90s...

 

Any of those got the power lock or only manual key? Anyone added the power locks for the tailgate?

 

Mine's got an aftermarket power lock (PopLock, installed by previous owner). Looks really simple, and haven't had any issues, even using it in 10F temps...

 

I added power to mine, also. Under $5 kit from Amazon, plus some wire. Still working after a few years.