Door Latch problems of the 2000 Ford Taurus

We have two Ford Taurus and both have the same door latch problem. Both are year model 2000. The issue is that when outdoor temperatures drop to the low 20 degree area and below, the doors will not latch. We found this out the first time by having the door fly open while driving. Ive done some internet research and it appears this has been a problem for many people going at least as far back as 1999, and forward to at least the 2004 model year. I could put a ton of links to sites where people are asking for help with this problem but theyre easy to find. I believe this is a serious safety defect that could put people at risk of an injury. In order to get the door latch to work properly requires that heat be applied and then this is only a temporary band aid. The door latches will not function as soon as they get cold again. I believe this is a design defect that will either cause an accident or create a situation where an occupant is not protected during a crash.

Driver's door latch will not keep door shut in very cold weather.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the driver door would not latch in cold weather conditions (below 20 degrees). Once she was able to open it, she would have to hold it with her left hand and drive with her right because it would take such a long time to close completely. Most recently, the rear passenger side door also exhibited the same failure. She took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired to-date. She had not spoken with the manufacturer to-date. The current mileage was 102,408. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000. Updated 02/13/10 the consumer stated she held the door with her right hand, and drove with her left hand. Updated 02/16/10.

2000 Taurus drivers door handles failed. Several times, while the vehicle was still covered under it's extended warranty, the consumer had to have the driver' s door open on the vehicle. The dealer claimed that moisture got into the locks. The dealer sprayed the locks. During the winter of 2004 and 2005 the consumer had to hold the door while driving until the lock thawed enough to close properly. The consumer also had a problem with the rear driver's side door not unlocking. Now all four door handles are not working properly.

Car door open light remains on and door locks will not secure when car is placed into gear and moved. You may press lock mechanism on the door, but locks will unlock again almost instantly. I believe and have been told by my mechanic that this is a problem with the door lock switch. It may be one or all four doors causing this lack of security.

Right side passenger doors (actuators) failed.

Car doors do not automatically lock when car is put into drive and car begins to move. Indicator in dash says door open (and none are). The doors will not lock manually when driving, they will unlock if you try to lock.