The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the rear passenger door opened on its own. The contact also stated that both rear doors would not lock. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the lock mechanism suffered a malfunction. The manufacturer was notified and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 77,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.

- Shelby, MS, USA

Hi this is regarding a defect in the locking systems of particular GM trucks and SUVS the fact that the door locks on my Tahoe and other similar SUVS and trucks can be punched in with a screwdriver and that simulates a key. That makes these types of vehicles easy targets for robbery (especially the third row seats) which according to the police officer who I filed the report with is happening a lot with these vehicles. I contacted my Chevy service rep and he conveyed the same problem and that dealership actually offers an aftermarket bracket for these vehicles to prevent the lock from being punched in at a cost of $189. Here is the problem my truck and the others that fall into this category escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, etc are expensive vehicles and should not be required to purchase an aftermarket part (usually after are vehicles have been broken into) for a defect in the lock system. I have done some research and every time a third row seat is stolen it is about a $2500 replacement and usually requires a claim through insurance and that leaves them out a lot of money because of this lock defect. I contacted GM and to see what GM intends to do about this situation if anything at all GM responded with a simple cant help you not our problem. I am out about $600 which includes me replacing my door handle without the key entry as I see this being the only way to deter further break-ins and what was stolen from my truck and I know there are many others that are in the same situation. I feel that this is something that GM needs to acknowledge and address the situation as it is costing customers and insurance companies tons of money because GM will not change this door lock. The office said this has been a growing problem as criminals learn how easy it is to break in these vehicles with a screwdriver and our alarm, security devices will not activate and if my local dealership has to offer an aftermarket bracket to try to fix it there is a problem. Please look into it!

- Temecula, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the rear liftgate door would not unlock. The contact first noticed the failure November 2009. The door would open at times and became progressively worse to the point where it would not unlock at all. The contact called the dealership and was informed that they would charge to fee to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The current mileage was approximately 120,000.

- Hephzibah, GA, USA

I have a 2004 Tahoe with less than 50K miles on it. It has never been wrecked, driven sporadically as the mileage will attest, and the rear window glass has been opened less than half dozen times since it was purchased new. One of the hinges has broken/separated from the top of the lift gate glass, making it difficult to close when it is opened. I have taken it to a local Chevy dealer that told me it was a 'common' happening on this and Suburban models. The 'fix' is a full glass replacement to the tune of around $1000. Another option is a third-party fix which 'might' work and involves regluing the hinge to the window. I filed a complaint with Chevy and received a call from a rep who disavowed any knowledge of 'any' complaints regarding this issue. However, the service writer at the local dealership, as well as two other dealership employees (different dealers) all knew of the problem and the fix. This is a serious defect and safety issue. It is quite possible that this could cause the glass to break loose and fly off while driving, most likely causing a serious accident. Yet Chevy refuses to acknowledge the problem. They were no help at all, and though I talked at length to their rep (who couldn't even pronounce Tahoe correctly) they refused to offer any help at all with the repair, leaving me with the probability of a $1000 replacement cost of a perfectly good rear glass just to fix a hinge which is obviously a defective design. I have owned more than 20 Chevy and it has always been my vehicle of choice, but they need to stand by their product and fix what they know is a problem in their design and through no fault of the owner/driver.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

When I pull the door handle out to open the door it does not go back in. Therefore, the door does not latch closed and it flies open while driving down the road. This problem began with the driver's door and is now doing the same thing on the passenger front door (which is rarely used). Between the 2 doors, they have flown open three times at different speeds. Thank goodness the individuals had their seatbelts on and were not thrown from the vehicle. I visited a Chevy dealer at which time the service person oiled the handle. It did not help nor did it change anything this individual stated several times "I do not feel comfortable with this at all" and told me to contact GM for assistance on the repair costs. Upon contacting GM customer service and explaining that this is a huge safety issue, I was told they would deny my claim and are unwilling to pay for any repairs to my vehicle because it was out of warranty. I again explained that this defect could in fact kill someone and they did not seem to care. I was told it is my responsibility to pay for the diagnostic and the repairs. The fact that the doors do not latch shut and fly open while the vehicle is moving at any speed is extremely dangerous. I am in the process of looking into getting it repaired via a local mechanic. I do not feel safe in this vehicle and certainly do not feel safe having a passenger with me. I currently hit the handle back in every single time I enter the vehicle. I cannot stress enough how unsafe this is. Thankfully there have been no deaths or injuries yet. Hopefully no one else that owns a Tahoe has experienced any. Please help before someone is killed. Thank you so much.

- Troy, MI, USA