NHTSA Complaint #11433860 — 2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN

Driver's side sliding door lock mechanism became suddenly inoperable, without warning, both electrically and manually. Even with manual operation of the door lock knob, the door cannot be unlocked. It is not possible to open the door using either the interior or exterior door latch handle, therefore eliminating this door as a means of exit for the rear passengers. The exact same problem occurred with the passenger side sliding door in December 2018. I personally performed the repair of that door. The problem was a failed door lock actuator. It had a faulty actuator gear. I believe this problem potentially puts the occupants of the vehicle at high risk by obstructing exiting of the vehicle in an emergency situation, especially in a situation where the opposite door was inoperable or obstructed during an accident.