Tailgate handle popping out

I searched around but couldn't find anything about this. I have an 06 and if I stand on the tailgate over the handle, right in the middle, the handle will pop out. For a while it was just one side but today it fell completely out. You may say no big deal, but I race dirtbikes and once or twice a week I load and unload my bike. I try to avoid stepping there, (which I shouldn't even have to do) but sometimes can't. I have a couple rough ideas on how to fix it but I was wondering if anyone else has already solved this problem.

 

I can't say that I ever heard of this, but Tacoma tailgates are notoriously weak. I recently watched an install video for pop-n-lock. Opening the tailgate to access and replace the handle isn't scary at all. I will also warn you that if you pull the plastic top cap off of the tailgate, you will break a few plastic tabs off. I pulled mine off of both of my Tacomas to put protective tape across the back to keep my cap door gasket from rubbing through the paint. I found that neither time the broken tabs caused an issue.