Six problems related to door latch have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer's inside door latches will not lock if not pushed down. Passsenger side is far more rusted. Dealer will look at doors & fix them for $200. Vehicle 4 years old shouldn't be rusted.
Locks on driver's side and passenger side get stuck. This problem started a year ago. Consumer cannot not get out of vehicle unless there is another person to help from the outside. Latches were rusted. Dealer contacted.
Corrosion/rust developed inside the inner locking mechanism under door panel. Door panel had to be removed on several occasions in order to oil the inner locking mechanism on either side. Dealer/manufacturer were not contact.
Both the driver's door and passenger's door unable to be opened from outside. Passenger door was fixed by dealership. Driver's door was fixed by mechanic. Truck currently at dealership as both doors need to be fixed again. The drivers door will not close tightly unless you lock the door from the inside. The passenger door will not open from the outside.
In freezing weather interior door seals freeze. During periods of freezing rain, sleet or wet heavy snow, moisture will enter into door seals and freeze doors shut, preventing driver from getting out of truck.
Internal connector for passengers door locking mechanism failed causing sticking.
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