Hatchback/liftgate Lock problems of the 1999 Dodge Caravan

The rear door on my 1999 Dodge Caravan will not open from the outside unless you lock and unlock it a number of times using the remote device. Physically unlocking the door from the inside will not open it; in an accident, the occupant can not rely on this exit; the dealer does not consider inability to open the door as a safety or warranty item and charge me $83 to fix.

: the contact stated that the right hand side of the hatchback liftgate support device failed and came crashing down seconds after the contact's pet was let out of the parked vehicle. The vehicle was not equipped with a remote locking device. The alleged failure was mechanical. The consumers husband did the repairs himself.