2004 TOYOTA SIENNA User Comment / Complaint

During this winter (2006-2007) we noticed that the rear tailgate on our 2004 toyota sienna (purchased in aug 2004) wouldn't open up all the way. we thought this to be the cold temperatures. however, this week, the rear liftgate failed all together. the struts that keep the gate up have ceased to operate. my wife was able to lift the gate, but it came down and slammed shut to her surprise. pretty scary since we have a 3 year old who's seat is the back and likes to enter through the tailgate. the right strut (looking at the tailgate) seems to have leaked and has left a film on some of the plastic molding for the rear taillight. my wife contacted our local toyota dealer, whom we have worked with before, and was given an estimate to have the struts replaced (about $411-$435). she was told that the have seen this problem on other siennas of the same year. i have called toyota and was basically told that they would open a case with the dealer to what can be done to help me out. i am currently waiting for the call from the dealer.