My tailgate latch doesn't always open or unlatch properly, so it's stuck closed. The latch feels a bit rubbery when it's stuck. Is there some adjustment to tighten the mechanism?

 

Try using wd-40 or PB blaster spray lubricant on the hook mechanism on both sides of the tailgate, mine did the same thing and that's all I did was spray the hooks and work the handle back and forth to get it working perfect again.

 

Exactly! Had to do the same thing. Mine got stuck and I had to take the tailgate apart to release it. I was afraid I'd break something otherwise.

 

My truck has the built in step and I had to take the plastic cover off my gate to remove the latch and clean the back side of it. There was lots of dirt back there. I had been spraying the end latches but that was only a tempory fix for me.