We have had exactly the same problem with our 1998 Sienna, I replaced the hatch assembly less about one year ago and it is broken AGAIN. We called Toyota and checked for any recalls or technical servcie bulletins because I found MANY others were having the same problem. Their response was that they did not have enough complaints to file a TSB. Apparently most people are repairing their own without reporting this to the factory; IT IS A FLAWED DESIGN and it will keep breaking on yours like it did on ours.
Here is their response:
Discussion Thread
Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Ms. ****, we apologize for your continuous concerns with the hatch handle for your 1998 Sienna.
Currently we do not show the condition mentioned as a common concern with the 1998 Sienna and there are no recalls or Special Service Campaign (SSC) on the hatch handles for the 1998 Sienna.
A case has been generated in reference to the concerns you've had with your vehicle. The feedback we receive from our customers is reviewed by various departments within Toyota, Engineering, Marketing, etc.
At this time we can not determine if a recall or SSC will be released regarding the concern mentioned.
We appreciate you taking the time to contact us with your feedback and suggestions and again we apologize for the situation and any expense you may have incurred.
Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #******. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Toyota Customer Experience
Customer Complaint
We have had to replaced the hatch handle on our Sienna twice and have found out that many other owners have the same problem. It breaks from normal use. It is a weak handle and should have been recalled. We shouldn't have to keep buying something for $80 + $500 Labor that will break easily. The new handle only lasted a year. How do we pursue further action with your company to have a better handle made?
Here is a link to the Toyota contact page - good luck to you all:
http://toyota.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/t...p?p_faqid=4164