Interior Door Handles

[Texas Ranger]

I've had my 2010 Hybrid for 3 years, 2 weeks and both driver and passenger handle broke. I've got 66K miles, so there's no hope of warranty. The passenger door would not lock (there is a lever in the mechanism which prevented it from locking.)

The driver's door, however, could not be UNLOCKED. The handle stop in the mechanism which pulls the unlock lever open was broken. This is more than a nuisance - it is a safety issue. If the door cannot be unlocked and the car is in a crash, the driver would not be able to get out. I know, this is a remote scenario. Maybe I shouldn't worry. We should all fix everything as soon as possible so it works - - even if the design needs improvement.

 

What makes it worse was the fact that the parts guy immediately identified the part when I set it on the counter - and he said he had stock of both handles. He said that he sees 'lots' of broken handle mechanisms. There is no Service Bulletin. The parts guy says the 2013 handle is different - hope it's better.

 

I see some closed forum questions, but none addressing a door that cannot open.

Does anyone else have this problem? Does the Blue Oval Team plan a SB for this safety issue?

[acdii]

I doubt it. The handles have been breaking since the first Fusion rolled off the assembly line. I know exactly why they break, its the spring pressing against the corner of the handle, and puts too much pressure, so that eventually the plastic gives in and cracks. The way the handle works is, when retracted, the lock lever can move. The spring is what keeps it retracted, and when that corner breaks, the lock lever cant move. I have never heard of one not being able to unlock though. Are you saying, you cant get the door unlocked at all?