This one might have been answered in the past.

We noted on our 05 Dakota the rear gate does not latch correctly unless we manually 'flip' the tiny tabs that are along side both latches. (I can supply photos if needed)

Of course we nipped up a pair on our last visit to the P&P yard, and they seemed to work okay while installed on the donor. The wife installed them onto ours, and despite a lot less rusty parts- Same outcome. It won't latch unless we flip those two tiny tabs.

I know it's not much to go on. I'm hopeful it's something simple or out of adjustment.

S-

 

Never seen that one before, almost sounds like the handle mechanism is gummed up.