2021-2025 Jeep/RAM Door Latch, Handle, Ajar Issues TSB

Owners of 2021-2025 Jeep Compass, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L, Cherokee, and RAM 1500 vehicles may encounter various door-related problems. Stellantis has issued STAR Online Publication S2523000003 to assist technicians in diagnosing and resolving these concerns, which include issues with door locking, opening, and closing mechanisms.

This technical service bulletin (TSB) outlines specific diagnostic steps for several common complaints, helping to identify the root cause of the problem and guide the appropriate repair. If you are experiencing 2025 Jeep Compass door latch issues or similar problems, this TSB provides valuable insight into the diagnostic process.

Symptoms

Customers may report one or more of the following door-related symptoms:

• Will Not Power Lock/Unlock Front And Or Rear Door(s): The power locking or unlocking function fails for one or more doors.
• Door Ajar Inoperable: The door ajar warning system does not function correctly.
• Door Will Not Open From Outside Handle: The door cannot be opened using the exterior handle.
• Door Will Not Open From Inside Handle: The door cannot be opened using the interior handle.
• Door Will Not Close: The door fails to latch and close properly.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedures

The TSB S2523000003 provides a structured approach to diagnose and repair each specific door issue. Technicians are advised to follow these steps to ensure accurate problem identification and resolution.

For Doors That Will Not Power Lock/Unlock

Initial diagnosis involves manually locking and unlocking the door latch to check for proper mechanical operation. If manual operation is successful, the technician will then test the power lock/unlock function and listen for the actuator motor sound. If the actuator is heard, the door trim panel is removed to inspect the latch's function. If no actuator sound is present, the latch connector is disconnected and reconnected. If the issue persists, the latch itself may need replacement.

For Inoperable Door Ajar Warnings

To verify the door ajar operation, a series of steps involving the latch mechanism are performed. If any step does not yield the expected result, the door trim panel is removed. The latch electrical connector pins and the connector itself are inspected for issues. If the door ajar warning remains inoperable, the wiring from the latch to the Body Control Module (BCM), including any intermediate connectors, is checked.

For Doors That Will Not Open From the Outside Handle

Technicians will first attempt to power lock and unlock the door, then try to open it with the outside handle. For the driver's door, the key cylinder is used to unlock it. For the passenger front door, rolling down the window and pulling the inside handle is checked to see if it unlocks and opens. For rear doors, the lock knob is pulled up to unlock before testing the outside handle. If the door still won't open, the door trim panel is removed to inspect the cable and linkage for proper installation and function. If these are verified, the door latch may require replacement.

For Doors That Will Not Open From the Inside Handle

The inside handle is operated to see if the door unlocks and opens. If not, the doors are power locked and unlocked, and the inside handle is re-tested. For front doors, pulling the inside handle is checked to see if it unlocks and opens. For rear doors, the lock knob is pulled up to unlock before testing the inside handle. If the door still does not open, the door trim panel is removed to inspect the cable and linkage. If these are correctly installed and functioning, the door latch is replaced as a final step.

For Doors That Will Not Close

Technicians will inspect the position of both the outside and inside door handles to determine if they have returned to their normal rest position or if there is any binding. If binding is found, the door trim panel is removed to inspect the cables and linkage for free movement. If the linkage is confirmed to be operating freely, the door latch is replaced.

Important Warnings for Owners

It is important for owners to understand that this document, STAR Online Publication S2523000003, does not authorize warranty repairs. It serves as a record of past experiences and provides guidance for technicians. If a solution cannot be found using the outlined steps, technicians are directed to contact the STAR Center or their Technical Assistance Center via TechConnect, eCONTACT, or Service Library entry.

Owner Action

If your 2021-2025 Jeep or RAM vehicle exhibits any of the door latch, handle, or ajar issues described, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized dealership. Describe the symptoms thoroughly to the service advisor. The dealership technicians will use this and other relevant service information to diagnose and repair the problem.

NHTSA ID: 11012884