The handle on the rear hatch is cover with melted rubber. Rubber had also dripped on the rear bumper. Just changed a burnt out headlight and noticed the plastic socket looks like it is burnt. Two ends of the vehicle with an obvious wiring problem?

 

Is this a salvage vehicle? if not take it to Toyota….. I have a friend with a 2006 corolla with 80k miles on it had a short under the hood that made a burning smell and they fixed it free.. Toyota will often gratis fix problems that might make your car catch on fire… now if it's salvaged that's another story and you are on your own, like I am with my 08 HCH II. good luck!

 

Lots of folks in Texas and Arizona have trouble with this rubber melting on the rear release latch. Your Dealer will probably repair it for you. The bolb problem is not related to the rear handle. H