Yes, there is an actuator at the rear gate latch mechanism. It's possible that the actuator is faulty, or there's a problem in the mechanism, but there's been quite a few cases of broken wires in the harness going to the rear gate. The breaks occur where the wires pass through the flexible boot at the top right of the rear gate opening.
If the wire(s) to the actuator is/are broken, there's a good chance that other wires to the gate are either broken as well, or on their way. Check all the other electrical functions in the rear gate:
Wiper, runs and parks properly when turned off;
Back up lights;
High brake light;
Radio (the antenna is in the rear glass, and there's an amplifier above the window;
license plate lights.