My 2005 ssr drivers inside door handle failed. Unable to open door from inside. From what I hear this has been a common problem on these vehicles. Unable to locate parts and a long wait if they are found. Seems to be a safety problem when I can't get out of my vehicle.
Chevrolet SSR door locks problems
18 of the 74 owner complaints about the Chevrolet SSR describe doors won't lock, open or latch, most of them for the 2005 model year.
- owner complaints
- 18
- worst model year
- 2005
- typical mileage
- 10,739
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
Driver's inside door handle broke. Driver was able to exit by using door unlock function on keyfob, lowering window and reaching outside to open door. This worked for several weeks while I tried to work with the manufacturer to have them replace the defective door handle. Now the locking mechanism will not allow even this method of exit. Contacted manufacturer as vehicle only has 34,000 miles on it. They claim they have never heard of this type of problem; however, there are other reports on the internet which describe this problem. Manufacturer claims not under warranty since vehicle is a 2005. This is definitely a safety issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet ssr. The contact stated that when he pulled the handle on the door, the door would not open. The failure became progressively worse. The contact referenced a tsb 050864026 that was related to the failure. The dealer stated that the vehicle could be repaired at the contacts expense. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. The current mileage was approximately 8,800.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet pickup ssr. The contact stated he cannot get out of the vehicle on the front right passenger side since the door latch is broken. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and who stated that the parts were order; however, gm no longer makes the parts for that vehicle. The manufacturer stated that they are looking for someone to make the parts. The failure mileage was 34,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet ssr. The contact stated that the passenger side door handle failed, which prevented him from opening the door. The driver's side door handle was replaced under warranty on november 22, 2006. The diagnosis found that the door handles were made with defective plastic; therefore, they become permanently inoperable from the inside of the vehicle. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and the repair cost was estimated at $377. A report was filed with the manufacturer, but they would not assist with the repair. The contact plans on having the vehicle repaired. The failure mileage was 54,000 and current mileage was 54,300. 4/01/09 *nj the dealer found a broken inner handle bracket. Updated 04/09/09.
Inside door mechanism failure. Drivers door will not open from inside of vehicle. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and gm dealer unable to obtain parts and unable to provide timeline to facilitate repairs. Request for loaner vehicle denied.
The interior driver side door handle is broken on my chevrolet ssr. I am unable to exit the vehicle without rolling the window down and reaching outside. I fear this would be very unsafe in the event of an accident or fire. The dealership says the part is on backorder and have no idea when they will be able to repair the handle.
Dt*: the contact stated the driver's side door handle is inoperable. The only way to exit the vehicle from the driver's side is to roll down the window and open the door. The dealership has been informed and has ordered a new door handle for the driver's side. The contact expressed concern the passenger side door handle could also become inoperable and requested the dealership also replace the door handle on the passenger side. The dealership declined. Updated 09/15/06.
Dt*: 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.
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. I have taken to carrying a hammer in the event that I need to break a window to get out. Chevrolet has issued a technical service bulletin on this issue but continues to be slow to provide dealer with parts. This vehicle has now been in this condition for one week.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Chevrolet SSR door locks
Which Chevrolet SSR years have doors won't lock, open or latch problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2005 (13 complaints) and 2004 (5 complaints).
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