1990 Toyota Camry: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Mar 18, 2010 · Locks · WA

1990 toyota camry. Consumer states automatic door lock failure. *tgw the consumer stated the automatic door locks completely failed and she was unable to unlock any of the doors manually or with the key. This occurred during freezing temperatures, so at first she thought the locks were frozen. She used de-icer to no avail. Fortunately, her son was able to perform a maneuver to open the driver side door to get in the car. However, the next day, the consumer became trapped inside the vehicle and was unable to unlock/open any of the doors. The consumer had to open the driver side window and insert the key in the lock, turn it slightly and then pull on the outside door handle at the same time. Then on the way home, the door would not stay closed and she had to hold the door handle while driving with one hand. The consumer did some research and discovered a recall had been issued for over a half of million camry's for the same problem. The consumer contacted her local dealer and she was informed, her vehicle was not a part of the recall.

Filed Mar 14, 2006 · Locks · 168,000 miles · OR

Dt*: the contact stated intermittently the front driver side door lock fails to unlock. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 92v135000, regarding the door locks. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The rear windows failed to open. Updated 05/02/06.

Filed Jun 20, 2005 · Locks · 150,000 miles · AZ · 1 injury

Was locked inside 1990 toyota camry, about 250 degrees or more. All door handles failed. Moonroof would not open. Had to kick out the driver's side window to escape. Toyota, if you don't think these are defective cars, you must be from an alien planet. Please, police department told me I survived a death trap...seems like a class action lawsuit is the only answer.

Filed May 19, 2004 · Locks · NY

My passenger side door lock is stuck in the locked position, making it unable to open in the event of an emergency.

Filed Apr 13, 2004 · Locks · NY

Right/passenger side door is stuck in a locked position. Not able to open lock manually either. All other doors working properly with automatic or maual door lock use. All power windows work properly. There was a previous recall #92v135000 , but toyota states it's not my vehicle. The same problem is occuring, and is a safety issue if ever I was trapped and me or my children needed to get out that door.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Locks · FL

Power door locks system was defective and failed. Vehicle's VIN not included in recall 92v135000. The consumer was concerned he/she may experience trouble exiting/entering vehicle in an emergency. *tt

Filed Aug 9, 2001 · Locks · MN

Door lock mechanism stuck when attempting to open door using handle from inside while lock button was down. After sticking, lock button could not be moved manually, with the power lock switch, or with the key from the outside. Driver was locked in. Cause was determined to be sticking linkage that overpowered the return spring. Lubrication solved the problem (for the time being), but not until after the door was dismantled. Poor design leaves a small spring to overcome any linkage friction caused by wear, dirt buildup, corrosion, lack of lubrication, etc. After problem was diagnosed, sticking situation could be created on demand by simply pulling the inside door handle when the lock knob was down. Sticking linkage was very consistant. In my opinion, this represents a serious safety issue, as the possibility exists for the driver to try to open the door without first unlocking it in an emergency situation and being locked in the car with no recourse. This problem is worsened by the fact that the identical failure occurred independently in the passenger side locking mechanism less than a week after it occurred on the driver side. Both linkages stuck in the same spot and both were repeatable. This indicates to me that there's a design problem that reveals itself as the mechanism ages and wears, and it seems to me to be something that should be looked into for the safety of the driver and passenger in emergency situations, especially those involving loss of power which would prohibit exit through the power windows.

Filed Nov 21, 2000 · Body · NJ

Consumer went outside to warm vehicle up and driver's side door handle wouldn't open . He pulled up on handle several times, and it moved. Dealership was aware of problem. Mechanic told him that electrical door relay was defective.

Filed Mar 14, 2000 · Body, Electrical · CA

8 wires in driver door broke due to normal use creating very unsafe conditions: power windows for entire car inoperable, power door locks inoperable, driver motor belt inoperable. Harness design unsafe! Better, safer harness design needed. Manufacturer not accessible for contact to make report directly and seek compensation for failures and repair costs.

Filed Nov 24, 1999 · Body · NM

Both driver / front passenger rear electronic control unit failed, causing the door lock solenoid to fail, and preventing the occupants from entering or exiting the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Also, there was a recall listed for the same type of problem, recall 92v135000. However, vehicle was not included in recall.

Filed May 10, 1999 · Body · FL · fire

Electrical door lock system which is routed in the dash by the A/C system vents malfunctioned, causng a fire in the dash. Vehicle was totaled. *ak.

Filed Apr 6, 1999 · Body · GA

All power door locks failed . Occupants cannot get into vehicle or exit from vehicle. This is a safety hazard. It may cause injuries if the occupant needed to get out of the vehicle in an emergency situation. Dealer said consumer needs to replace all door locks.