A door release latch is prone to break when the latch has not opened all the way, causing it to snap shut while the door is still open. If the door is subsequently shut with a moderate amount of force, the outside of the latch when it slams against the door striker can fault. The result might leave the door no longer closing or releasing properly. Changing the door release latch on a Hyundai Elantra is actually fairly easily, but getting to the latch without ruining your door panel does require some finesse.
Unscrew the door lock button on the inside of the door.
Pull down gently on the armrest and remove the two screws.
Unscrew the inside door handle trim.
Remove the window handle by pushing in on the panel and then pulling out the clip.
Unscrew the outside mirror mounting cover, followed by the mount and mirror.
Remove the weather stripping. Sometimes scraping it off with a chisel or knife is necessary.
Slide the door panel remover around the sides of the panel to locate the clips. When you find a clip, gently pop it out of place. If your car is older, the panel may be weathered so you should take care not to pull the clip out of the panel.
Disconnect the speaker wire.
Unscrew the door latch from the door.
Disconnect the latch from the door handle rod and the safety lock rod.
Make sure the new latch is open.
Reattach the safety lock rod and the door handle rod. Some doors may not have the safety lock rod; in either case, take care not to bend the rods.
Fasten the latch back to the door frame and make sure it opens and shuts correctly.
Put the door panel and hardware back on.
