general problems of the 2000 Mazda MPV

Drivers door will not unlatch. Electric lock functions - unlocking all other doors. The inside and outside handle are easy to move, but do not appear to be linked to the latch, so the door will not unlatch and open. This appears to be a safety problem, and several reports appear on Mazda owner websites noting the internal bar connected to the latch mechanism can come loose, rotate and unlink so the door can't be unlatched using either handle.

The rear support cylinder that holds up the rear door has rusted around the ball and snapped in half in that area. Leaving only one support arm to hold the door up. Fortunately, it broke while we were putting the door back down, so there were no injuries. I believe this rusting occurred due to water getting in through the cracks of the door from rain/washing, etc. This has caused the door to be extremely heavy and the other support cylinder is not able to support the weight. We have 5 children so this could cause some serious injury if the door were to fall closed while one of them is around. I found a recall for this exact problem for canada only however this is a common problem with us makes as well.