2005 Chevrolet SSR Latches, locks and linkages Problems

“Inside driver's side door handle broke 5/2006. No replacement available until 8/31/06, and according to the dealer no other way to repair. My concern? First, I cannot open the door once I get inside and second, if there should be a fire, there is no way I will ever get out. This vehicle, for those reasons, is unusable for 3 months.”

“The driver door periodically refuses to open in the vehicle.........despite various attempts at freeing it...there is a service bulletin and I have returned it for repair but it remains a persistent problem. If I ever had to exit the vehicle for safety reasons I would be trapped inside.”

“While trying to open the driver's side door of my Chevrolet SSR, the door handle broke. The only way to get out of the car is to roll down the window, reach outside and use the exterior handle to exit the car. Called the dealer, who said there is at least 1 month's backorder on this part due to the numerous instances of this defect. To date, GM has not offered a recall on this defect.”

“2005 Chevrolet SSR - interior door handle fails making it impossible to open the driver's door from inside the vehicle. Only way to exit the vehicle is to roll down the window (electric windows) and reach out to access the exterior door handle or to crawl across the vehicle (over the console) to exit the passenger door. These handles have been failing at a significant rate (both driver and passenger side of vehicle) and Chevrolet replacement parts have not been readily available. In the event of an accident, vehicle fire, or electrical systems failure this could be a very dangerous situation. …”

“The contact stated the front left door handle failed to open the door. The window needed to be lowered in order to open the left front door by the outside door release. The service dealer and manufacturer were contacted and the part was on back order. Updated 9/15/2006 - as of 9/22/2006 the part was still not available.”