So, the door actuator on the driver side of my wife's '12 RX started to go out about 2-3 months. It all started when I noticed the interior door handle felt sticky as if it wasn't engaging the door actuator sufficiently to unhinge the locking mechanism from the fixed door latch (the chrome piece) on the body of the vehicle.

I ordered the door actuator and it was replaced by TN Inspired. After it was installed, we noticed essentially the same problem- the locking mechanism is still sticky...actually more now and the only conclusion we reached is that the door itself is misaligned so that the locking mechanism is sitting slightly lower than the latch causing the locking mechanism is stick and making the door somewhat difficult to both, open and close the door (requires excessive force). The remote locking and unlocking seems to be working for now but I know it's only a matter of time before this misalignment stresses it out and it goes out again.

We tried removing the bolts to the fixed door latch (the chrome piece) to see if it could be adjusted but even after hitting with an impact gun, we were unable to remove the bolts.

Has anyone experienced this problem? If so, what was the fix?

Can anyone offer any suggestions? I'd like to try to fix it on my own rather than take into the body shop only to later find out it was a very easy fix.

Thanks in advance.

 

Just go to youtube and look up Toyota door adjustment. Then when you fail to get it properly adjusted, get a few body shop estimates. I bet it would cost under $100.