4 Common Car Door Issues and How to Fix Them

May 6, 2022

Got car door issues? At one time or another, we all run into them. Fortunately, it's usually easy to fix these issues. Here are four common car door problems and how to take care of them.

1. Car Door Latch is Stuck

Car door not closing? Or maybe it won't open no matter how hard you tug? Your car door latch might be stuck. The latch hooks into its anchor on your door to help securely close it. If the latch won't release, you will be unable to open the door. On the other hand, if the latch is stuck in an up position or won't hook, you'll find your door not closing.

Here are four steps to take to figure out if the cause is actually the door latch:

1. Determine how many car doors are not working. It's likely you will only have one door with a broken latch, so if multiple doors are affected, there might be another cause.
2. Test your key fob to see whether it's working properly. The problem might be that the key fob's battery is dead and your door is still locked when you think you unlocked it.
3. Test your key manually in the key slot of a door. The lock assembly might be jammed or busted if the door doesn't open.
4. Test the handles on both sides of the affected door(s). It could be that the exterior handle doesn't work but the interior handle does or vice versa. If only one handle works, you're probably dealing with a broken connection somewhere in the door assembly. In this case, you might need to visit a nearby Nissan service center so a trained technician can assess the situation.

How to Fix a Car Door Latch Issue

Potential causes of a stuck latch include:

1. Rust, dirt, and grime have built up in the door lock assembly. In this case, the door lock assembly may simply need to be cleaned.
2. Cables or rods are disconnected. Your car door assembly features a series of cables and rods that help release the latch and open the door. These cables or rods may need to be repaired or, more likely, replaced.
3. A collision has caused structural damage. Severe impacts can cause structural damage to the door and door latch. The seriousness of the damage may mean replacement parts or a visit to your local Nissan service center are called for.
4. The latch is frozen. In the winter, moisture inside the lock assembly can freeze when the temperature drops. You can thaw a frozen lock with a hairdryer or space heater or warm water.

2. Door Hinges Lacks Lubrication

Like other parts of your car, the door hinges rely on proper lubrication to move. Without enough lubrication, the hinges may lock in place, bend, or be knocked off-center. If your car door is hard to close or open, the door hinges might need to be lubricated. However, if your door won't open at all you'll be unable to lubricate the hinges or latch. Another clear sign it's time for lubrication is creaking.

How to Fix a Lubrication Issue

Luckily, a lack of lubrication is an easy fix. Open the door completely to get access to the hinge. Apply a lubricant, such as grease or your favorite brand of auto lubricant, to the hinge. To make sure the lubricant works its way into the hinge, swing the door open and closed several times.

3. Door Won't Stay Shut Due to Striker Plate

It can be frustrating when a car door won't stay shut like it's supposed to. It could be that the door striker plate isn't doing its job. The striker plate is the U-shaped ring inside your door that acts as the anchor for your door latch to hook onto. When the plate becomes misaligned or loose, it can prevent your door from shutting properly. If you notice the door is hard to shut, it rattles, or it moves up and down when closed, the striker plate may be to blame.

How to Fix a Striker Plate Issue

Either you or a trained technician at a Nissan service center will need to take a look at the door striker plate. You may be able to adjust or rotate the striker plate, but it could also call for a full replacement depending on its condition. It's generally easy to remove your striker plate and install a new one with the right tools, or you can have a trained professional handle the task. Either way, you should get this problem fixed as soon as possible so the door doesn't fly open while you're driving.

4. Door Lock Actuator Is Broken

A door lock actuator? What's that? Well, it may be the most important part of your car's electrical system when it comes to controlling your doors. Most modern-day cars are equipped with an actuator. It's an electric motor that emits signals for opening or closing door locks. When the actuator is broken, the signals aren't going to the locks or being sent the right way. If your actuator is failing, you might notice your power locks working sluggishly, erratically, or not at all.

There might also be a faulty wire or electrical block interrupting the signal going to the actuator.

How to Fix a Door Lock Actuator

If you're a skilled DIY mechanic, you might be able to fix the actuator. If not, then you should take your car to the nearest Nissan service center for service.

There's no need to struggle with a door that doesn't work as it should. Whether you have an issue with the door switch, door latch, or something else, find the OEM replacement part you need at Nissan Parts & Accessories. Order your part online and bring your vehicle to the nearest authorized service center for installation.