Rear door won't open

[EricThompson]

The rear door on our Vue does not open. When I try opening the door from either inside or outside, the latch will release enough to partially open the door (enough to get the door ajar light to come on) but the latch does not fully release. I'm going to start taking it apart this weekend. Any ideas what the most likely culprit is?

TIA

[Ritz]

The rear door on our Vue does not open. When I try opening the door from either inside or outside, the latch will release enough to partially open the door (enough to get the door ajar light to come on) but the latch does not fully release. I'm going to start taking it apart this weekend. Any ideas what the most likely culprit is?

TIA

There are little rods that connect the handles to the lock mechanism. It's possible (but unlikely) that those rods are bent. Pop the door skin off and check. Another possibility is that the striker has loosened and moved (much more likely) or that the lock mechanism itself is gummed up with dirt/debris and not fully disengaging (happens all the time).

Cheers,