[Jambolias21]

I have been reading through a pile of these posts trying to find some method that will help me get my passenger door open on my 2011 Malibu LT. the latch mechanism is stuck in the lock mode and the handle will not open the door. I used my plastic door wedge to pry the door panel window area apart to see if I can figure out what is or is not working. All the door handle rod and the latch mechanism is moving but the door latch will not unlatch. is there any other thing I can do before having to rip and break the door panel off the door to access the latch mechanism??

 

[DrivenDaily]

Try operating the lock and door handle at the same time, pulling the handle while moving the lock button up and/or down at the same time, etc. For some this has seemed to help, and once the door was open they were able to work on it.

You might also try putting a small tube down to the latch/lock mechanism and put some lube down there, hoping to encourage it to move more freely.

Follow the link in my signature about LEDs in the mirrors for some good images of how to remove the door panel. This could help you if you need to pop it off while the door is still closed. In short, there are 2 plastic rivets on the back edge of the door that you can't access until the door is open. All the rest of the fasteners are accessible while the door is closed.

 

[repairman54]

Lock / latch failures are becoming a common part failure on all of todays cars with auto locking doors that cannot be turned off. They are getting quadruple use if not more and failure is accelerated from the cars of yesterday.

 

[Malo83]

Well it finally happened, both back doors on my 08 LTZ will not open, tried everything i could think of but they won't open, what's the latest news on this problem, any Chevy reps reading these posts and any help. GM has to have some sort of repair for this without charging an arm and leg.

 

[QueenEsh]

I think I’m having a similar problem. I have an 07 Malibu, the Locks randomly lock/unlock and 2 days ago I locked the car and my driver side is now stuck. I have tried to use a slim jim, oil to lubricate the mechanism, using the key. Nothing works, what can I do to get the panel off with the door not opening?

 

[Oggy75]

If it does not affect safety or emissions.......they are not "required" to do a recall.

If enough people complain, however.............

I suggest that you contact the "warranty help department" listed in your owner's manual, even if it is OUT of warranty.

And if you stretch it, maybe door latches could be a safety issue so contact any government agency you can think of, like your Attorney Generals office or the CPSC or NTSB.

Those people who are actually HAVING the trouble MUST take some action.
"Outsiders" can't really help much.

So it's not a safety concern that a child can open the door while the vehicle is in motion? It's not a safety concern when u hit the lock button on your key fob and go into a store only to find what you previously purchased gone or worse...insurance wont cover your stolen vehicle because your car wasnt locked.

 

[DrivenDaily]

So it's not a safety concern that a child can open the door while the vehicle is in motion? It's not a safety concern when u hit the lock button on your key fob and go into a store only to find what you previously purchased gone or worse...insurance wont cover your stolen vehicle because your car wasnt locked.

Dude, chill, please. That's a 10-year-old post and he was also banned for being a troll so many other times. He won't be replying.

Also, re-read the post. "IF" .... not "required"...

The people who determine the "IF" is the government, and they usually only get involved when folks with the issues yell loud enough and long enough.

Which is what his post says.