A remotely actuated solenoid latch apparatus adapted for use in motor vehicle applications is disclosed. The solenoid latch apparatus includes a solenoid having an armature movable between a first position displaced from a pole piece to define a working air gap therebetween to a second position attracted toward the pole piece. A solenoid winding encircles the pole piece and the armature for attracting the armature toward the pole piece upon energization thereof. A latch member is associated with the movable armature for lockingly engaging a striker bar when the armature is in one position and releasably disengaging the striker bar when the armature is in the other position. The present invention is self-compensating to align the latch member relative to the striker bar, prior to engagement therewith, to compensate for alignment variation between the latch member and the striker bar. The pole piece is movable to provide a relatively constant air gap upon alignment of the latch member relative to the striker bar when the armature is displaced from the pole piece.