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When your trunk won’t open or your car won’t start because it thinks the trunk is ajar, the culprit is often a trunk latch assembly—the small motorized lock that lets you open the trunk with a button or key fob. You can fix it yourself and avoid a costly shop visit by picking the right replacement for your Kia, Honda, Chevy, Nissan, Toyota, or BMW. This guide compares the best options, so you can match the part to your exact vehicle and get back on the road.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind GoCarLife. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Focus on fitment first, quality second, and you will find the right replacement among the top trunk latch assembly options ranked here by real-world reliability and ease of installation.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Trunk Latch Assembly
Choosing the right trunk latch assembly starts with one critical step: confirming your vehicle’s exact year, make, and model, plus the original part number stamped on your current latch. A latch that fits a 2016 Kia Sorento will not work on a 2007 Honda Accord, so do not assume compatibility based on brand alone.
Check the OEM Part Number First
Every vehicle has a specific OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part number for its trunk latch. You can find this number stamped on the old latch itself, or look it up using your VIN. When a listing says it replaces a number like 81230-C5100 or 90502-CA00C, that is the exact match you need. If the listing does not list your part number, contact the seller with your VIN before buying.
Know Your Liftgate Type
Some latches are for manual liftgates, meaning you pull the handle or use a key. Others are for power liftgates that open and close with a button or motor. The two are not interchangeable. A power-liftgate latch has extra wiring and connectors, so installing a manual latch on a power vehicle will leave your trunk stuck closed.
Watch the Connector Pins
Many latches use a specific connector with a set number of pins. For example, a 4-pin connector only fits vehicles wired for 4 pins, not 6 pins. Count the pins on your old latch before ordering, and match them exactly. This is a common reason a new latch arrives and does not plug in.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Material | Weight | Fit Type | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| unikpas Kia Sorento★ Best Overall | Kia Sorento 2016-2020 owners | Plastic | 1.45 kg | Vehicle Specific | Amazon |
| Parts Port Chevy ImpalaBest Value | GM sedans 06-11 | Plastic | 1.2 lbs | Vehicle Specific | Amazon |
| OGATOO Nissan Rogue | Nissan & Infiniti models | Metal | — | Vehicle Specific | Amazon |
| OKAY MOTOR Honda Accord | Honda Accord 06-07 | Plastic | 0.42 kg | Vehicle Specific | Amazon |
| FEXON Toyota Sequoia | Toyota Sequoia 01-07 | Plastic | 0.68 kg | Vehicle Specific | Amazon |
| A-Premium GM SUVs | Manual liftgate GM SUVs | Plastic+Metal | 0.86 kg | Vehicle Specific | Amazon |
| Dorman BMW | Select BMW models | Plastic | — | Vehicle Specific | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Rear Trunk Latch Assembly for Kia Sorento
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 300+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
A direct-fit replacement for the 2016-2020 Kia Sorento that restores trunk function without a tow.
If you own a 2016-2020 Kia Sorento and your trunk won’t close, this latch is your fix. It replaces the factory part 81230-C5100, and its sturdy plastic housing is built to handle daily knocks. At 1.45 kg, it feels solid and substantial, not like a flimsy clone.
What wins people over is the installation experience. The buying patterns show a huge crowd finds it genuinely easy to fit, and many mention grabbing a power tool to remove and reattach the screws quickly. Buyers report: “Works good took about 90 min to get it good but I have never done it… No problems” — proof that even a first-timer can handle this swap.
It also fits more than just Sorentos. Owners have bolted it onto a 2016 Hyundai Accent with a perfect fit, and the quality matched the original part in their eyes. The value for money draws steady praise too, making this a strong all-around pick.
What Owners Rave About
- Easy bolt-on install, often under 90 minutes for a beginner
- Perfect fit on Kia Sorento and even some Hyundai models
- Sturdy plastic housing protects the mechanism
Who Should Think Twice
- Not for non-Kia owners without checking the OEM number
- A first install may take a couple of hours of fiddling
Reach for this if: you drive a 2016-2020 Kia Sorento and want a proven, easy DIY fix that the owner community consistently gets right.
Look elsewhere if: your vehicle is not a Kia or Hyundai, since fitment is built around the 81230-C5100 pattern.
2. Parts Port Trunk Lock Actuator for Chevy Impala
A lightweight, budget-friendly actuator that matches multiple GM OEM part numbers.
For 2006-2011 Chevy Impala, Lucerne, and Cadillac DTS owners, this Parts Port actuator is the value play. It swaps in for a huge list of OEM numbers including 10339214, 10349741, and 15147009, so there is a strong chance it matches what is in your trunk right now. At just 1.2 lbs, it is a featherweight compared to the 1.45 kg Kia unit, which makes it a quick, manageable job.
Buyers rave about performance and easy installation. One reviewer on a 2009 Chevy Impala reports: “This was very easy to install on my 2009 Chevy Impala and has worked flawlessly for the last month or so.” Another owner on a 2007 Cadillac DTS notes the aftermarket part matched the exact OEM actuator so well that it fixed a relay-clicking problem instantly.
There is a 1-year warranty on the part itself, but note it covers replacement only — not shipping, labor, or towing. That is standard for this category, so factor it into your expectations rather than seeing it as a red flag.
One-year confidence: the warranty covers the part for a full year, which is generous at this price tier.
Fits a wide GM family: the long OEM number list means it likely fits your exact year even if you are not sure of the original part.
Best for: GM sedan owners who want a proven, lightweight, budget-friendly replacement that plugs right in.
Skip if: you drive a newer Impala past the 2011 model year, as the fitment list stops there.
3. OGATOO Rear Trunk Lid Latch for Nissan
A metal-housing latch for Nissan and Infiniti models that eliminates hatch rattles.
This OGATOO unit is the standout for Nissan and Infiniti owners, covering the Rogue 08-13, Murano 05-07, Versa 07-12, EX35 08-12, and Leaf. It replaces OE numbers 90502-CA00C, 90502-CA00A, and 90502EN000. The big draw is the metal construction — most latches in this category use plastic, so this one brings extra durability to a part that takes real abuse.
Functionality leads the praise here. One owner on a 2012 Nissan Rogue replaced a latch that had failed a second time in four years, calling it a likely known defect for that model. Another found the new latch eliminated a weird noise that played every time the hatch opened, thanks to replacing a super-old unit. It is easy to install and tested 100% before shipping.
The catch is fitment — this is a multi-model part, so you must confirm your exact vehicle before ordering. The Versa fit is for 07-12 models, while the Rogue and Murano years differ, so check the list carefully.
Metal over plastic: the metal housing is a genuine upgrade in a category full of plastic parts.
Noise fix bonus: owners mention it cures rattles and squeaks from worn-out original latches.
Choose this if: you want a tougher-than-stock metal latch for a Nissan or Infiniti and value quiet operation.
Pass if: your Nissan model or year is not on the fitment list, as the multi-model design requires exact confirmation.
4. OKAY MOTOR Trunk Latch for Honda Accord
A drop-in latch for 2006-2007 Honda Accords that installs in under five minutes.
If you drive a 2006-2007 Honda Accord EX, Hybrid, LX, Special Edition, or Value Package, this OKAY MOTOR latch is about as close to a drop-in replacement as it gets. It matches OEM numbers 74851-SDA-K01 and 74851-SDA-K02. Weighing just 0.42 kg, it is dramatically lighter than the 1.45 kg Kia Sorento unit — roughly a third of the heft — which makes it a genuinely light, easy part to handle.
Installation is the headline here, and the numbers back it up. Customers note needing just an impact wrench and a 10MM socket, with one completing the swap in under 5 minutes. The part bolts up and works immediately, solving the trunk latch issue on the first try. It is 100% brand new and comes with a 1-year maintenance window from the purchase date.
The fit is vehicle-specific, so double-check your trim level before ordering. The listing explicitly covers EX, Hybrid, LX, Special Edition, and Value Package trims, so confirm yours is one of those.
Five-minute miracle: the fastest install in this lineup, per owners who timed it with a 10MM socket.
Trim-sensitive fit: confirm your Accord trim is on the list, since this is not a universal Honda part.
Grab this if: you have a 2006-2007 Accord and want the quickest, lightest possible fix.
Not for you: if your Accord is outside those two model years, the fitment is locked to them.
5. FEXON Rear Liftgate Actuator for Toyota Sequoia
A direct-fit actuator for 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoias that saves on shop labor.
For a 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia, this FEXON actuator restores remote locking and open up with its 12-volt motor. It replaces OEM numbers 69301-0C010, 64680-0C010, and 931-861, and the sturdy plastic housing protects it for years. At 0.68 kg, it feels substantial without being awkward.
The fit is the standout positive — owners confirm it is an exact match that solves the non-opening liftgate issue. The handle may feel tight initially, requiring extra close force for the first few uses before the lock settles in.
The honest trade-off here is reliability. Some reviewers point out the latch stops working after about a month, and durability is the most-discussed concern, with a few seeing failures after two months. This is the mixed-reliability pick of the lineup, so budget for the possibility of a warranty claim.
The Big Win
- Exact fit that solves a non-opening liftgate
- DIY install saves hundreds in shop labor
- Comes with a new quality cord
The Honest Catch
- Reliability is mixed — some units fail after a month
- Handle feels tight at first, needing extra force
Best fit for: handy Sequoia owners who want to save big on labor and do not mind a possible warranty return.
Think twice if: you need absolute long-term dependability, since durability reports are the weakest in this group.
6. A-Premium Trunk Latch for GM SUVs
A quiet, direct-fit latch for manual-liftgate GM SUVs from 2007-2017.
This A-Premium latch covers an enormous range of GM vehicles — Buick Enclave 2008-2017, Cadillac Escalade 2007-2014, Chevy Tahoe and Suburban 2007-2014, GMC Yukon and Acadia, Pontiac Torrent, and Saturn Vue. The key spec to note is the 4-pin connector: it fits manual liftgate models only, not power liftgates. Reference numbers 931-299 and 13501871 anchor its fitment.
Functionality is the top praise here, backed by build quality. The plastic-plus-metal construction feels more premium than all-plastic rivals. One Chevy Traverse owner installed it in about 20 minutes using body panel tools and two 7mm screws, and noted it runs much quieter than the OEM unit it replaced. Another called it “just like the original” — a direct fit that looks identical to the factory part.
The reliability feedback is slightly mixed, with an occasional report of the tailgate opening intermittently. Given the one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee, that is a manageable risk. Just confirm your vehicle has a manual, not power, liftgate before ordering.
Quieter than stock: owners consistently note it runs smoother and quieter than the original GM latch.
Manual-only fit: the 4-pin design will not work on power liftgates, so verify your setup first.
Pick this if: you own one of the many covered GM SUVs with a manual liftgate and want a quality, quiet replacement.
Avoid if: your SUV has a power liftgate — the 4-pin connector is a hard mismatch.
7. Dorman 937-866 Trunk Lock Actuator for BMW
A plug-and-play actuator with factory-style connectors for select BMW models.
For BMW owners, this Dorman actuator is the plug-and-play answer. It covers a vast range of models including the 3 Series (323i through 335i), 5 Series (525i through 550i), 6 Series, M3, M5, M6, Z4, and several 1 Series and X models from 1999 through 2013. The plunger-type actuator uses a clamp connector and draws 2 amps, tapping straight into the original wiring harness with no rewiring.
Functionality and quality share the top billing in the feedback. Owners call it a “good replacement” with quality plastic and easy plug-and-play installation. One described fixing an intermittent door problem with the first install, while another on a 2005 E46 3 Series confirmed it fits exactly and is simple to bolt in. A YouTube tutorial walks you through the whole job.
The honest caveats: a few owners found the screw holes unthreaded, requiring self-threading screws or a tap from the hardware store, and there is no emergency pull cable included. One unit arrived defective before the replacement worked. Dorman’s century of experience in auto parts is a point in its favor, but treat the install as a 30-minute job with a possible hardware-store detour.
Genuine plug-and-play: factory-style connectors mean no cutting or splicing into your BMW’s harness.
Watch the threads: an occasional unit needs self-threading screws, so keep a tap handy.
Reach for this: BMW owners who want a clean, connector-matched replacement that restores trunk function without any wiring work.
Look elsewhere if: you are not comfortable handling unthreaded screw holes, or you need an emergency release cable included.
Understanding the Specs
The OEM Part Number
The OEM number is the factory code stamped on your original latch, like 81230-C5100 for the Kia or 90502-CA00C for the Nissan. Matching this exactly is the single most reliable way to guarantee a new latch fits. Every listing here lists its compatible OEM numbers, so cross-check yours before buying. When in doubt, message the seller with your VIN — most respond within 24 hours.
Connector Pins Explained
The connector pins are the metal contacts that carry power to the latch. A 4-pin connector only works on vehicles wired for 4 pins, while a 6-pin needs 6. Counting the pins on your old latch is a 10-second check that prevents a frustrating return. The A-Premium unit, for instance, is explicitly 4-pin and will not fit a 6-pin vehicle.
FAQ
How do I know which trunk latch assembly fits my car?
Can I install a trunk latch assembly myself?
What is the difference between a manual and power liftgate latch?
Why does my trunk latch keep failing?
How long does a trunk latch assembly last?
What tools do I need to replace a trunk latch?
Is the Dorman BMW actuator really plug-and-play?
What does the 4-pin connector mean on a GM latch?
Are these trunk latches covered by a warranty?
Why is my trunk latch making a clicking noise?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the trunk latch assembly winner is the unikpas Kia Sorento latch—it pairs a sturdy plastic housing with the easiest install in this group, and owners consistently confirm fit and function. If you need a budget-friendly GM fix, the Parts Port actuator weighs just 1.2 lbs and covers many OEM part numbers. For a tougher-than-stock metal option on a Nissan or Infiniti, the OGATOO latch is the one to choose—just confirm your exact model year first.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, GoCarLife earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.