NHTSA Complaint #11419264 — 2010 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT

2010 Ford Transit Connect 120,000 miles Pulled driver door (electric lock) latch handle to exit vehicle. Upon pulling the door latch handle a very loud buzz lasting for approximately 1 to 2 seconds came from the driver door. I remained in the vehicle and closed the driver door and pressed the door lock mechanism and all doors locked. I then pulled on the driver door latch handle to unlock the doors which resulted in the same loud buzz from the driver's door. I exited the vehicle and locked it using the key fob. Upon returning to the vehicle I unlocked it using the key fob and again a very loud buzz came from the driver door. It was apparent this loud buzz only emanated when the automatic door locks were commanded unlocked, no noise while moving to the locked position. I entered the vehicle to drive home, all doors locked automatically as designed. After parking I pulled on the driver door latch to open the door. No loud buzz, however the latch did not release and the door would not open. The interior door latch lever now offered resistance, which is abnormal. I lowered the driver door window and tried, unsuccessfully, to open the door from the outside. I also tried unlocking the driver door using the key fob to unlock/lock repeatedly, also unsuccessful. I exited the vehicle by climbing to the front passenger side. I then used the key in the driver door lock. Door still wouldn't unlock. Disconnected the battery cable to rule out the possibility the door locking mechanism was still energized. Still could not unlatch and open the driver door. There is likely a mechanical malfunction in the driver door automatic locking mechanism. Thankfully the inability to exit the vehicle was merely an aggravation. Obviously the same cannot be said if circumstances were such that a hasty vehicle exit was required. Dealer has not been notified about this trouble - vehicle is no longer under warranty and I have zero confidence in this dealerships' service department.