NHTSA Complaint #10479318 — 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS

DURING A FAMILY OUTING WE WERE UNABLE TO CLOSE THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR. EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY CLOSING DOOR. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, I NOTICED THE DOOR WAS NOT ALIGNED WITH THE BODY OF THE CAR WHICH PROHIBITED THE DOOR LATCH TO CONNECT AND CLOSE. THE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE SHUT COMPLETELY AND HAS SINCE KNOCKED WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS BECAUSE IT IS PRIMARY EXIT FOR THE REAR EXIT TO THE SIDEWALK FORCING PASSENGERS TO EXIT FROM THE REAR LEFT DOOR PASSENGER DOOR ONTO THE STREET TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THAT CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENT, BODILY INJURY OR FATALITY. NO PRIOR MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS OR SUGGESTED UPKEEP WAS DOCUMENTED IN THE BUYERS MANUAL WHICH CAME WITH THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD INDICATE POSSIBLE HINGE CORROSION OR RUSTING. POSSIBLE PIN DEFECT DETECTED BY CERTIFIED DEALER ON 10/7/2012, WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SAFETY RECALL ON FUEL FILLER PIPE RECALL 12166 CAMPAIGN ID#12V388. MULTIPLE COMPLAINT FOR HINGE/PINS HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED IN COMPLAINTS ON SAFERCAR.ORG WEBSITE FOR 2003 CHEVY EXPRESS VAN. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEATHS DUE TO INOPERABLE ACCESS TO SIDEWALK FROM THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR. *TR