Further info
The liftgate is a power one. It opens with the ignition key remote button, and the interior overhead switch, just no longer by hand. I seem to remember that something like if someone tries to open it by hand while one of the other methods is being utilized, this happens. Its possible my son was opening it from inside the car while my wife was opening it with the key's button or by hand at the same time, or some combination thereof. I hope this helps. By the way, this vehicle is one great workhorse. I have 135,000 miles on it. It has hauled firewood, a washer and dryer, even a refrigerator, and other than fluid changes and two spark plug changeouts, I have had no problems. What a great vehicle!