Q: Door handle broke off when I pulled on it normally

asked by on November 07, 2015

It was super embarrassing when I walked out to my little econobox, my 2008 Nissan Versa, and the door handle literally broke off in my hand and the door stayed shut. It was pretty funny, I do admit, but this car only has 60,000 miles on it and I need it to last. Is this a sign that it is falling apart already?

The door handles on most of the cars and trucks built in the last 8 to 10 years have plastic inside and outside door handles. For some reason, the plastic does not hold up very well after 3 or 4 years. Some manufacturers made their handles out of thinner plastic than other manufacturers. These thinner handles have a higher failure rate. The aftermarket handle replacements, and some factory replacements, might offer better quality. My recommendation is to contact a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to get the handle replaced with a high quality replacement.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Is a Vehicle With a Bad Exhaust System Dangerous?
In most states in the USA, if you have an exhaust leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/exhaust-leak), you will fail that state’s annual safety inspection. The vehicle will then be rejected for safety due to exhaust gases such as NOx, carbon monoxide, and many...
Air doesn't get cold enough
There are many components to consider when the air conditioning stops working. The major components are electrical, and blown fuses cut the power. A low refrigerant charge will cause poor function, and a low charge would be very likely due...
2.0L diesel sluggish acceleration
I would suggest checking the MAF sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) for starters, but also check timing to be sure it set properly. This can affect the fuel economy and the acceleration for sure. When the timing is not correct, the combustion cycle...
Car will not start intermittently while in PARK but always starts on NEUTRAL.
Hi there, thank you for writing in and providing a detailed description. I'd be happy to give my insight on what to do next. I would make the same conclusion about the neutral safety switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-neutral-safety-switch). I think Pep Boys...
When I accelerate it has no power. It only goes slowly. I have a code PO700 that has came up.
Hello. Code P0700 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0700-obd-ii-trouble-code-transmission-control-system-malfunction-by-spencer-clayton) is the trouble code for an issue with the vehicle's transmission control system. If the computer detects an issue within the transmission control system it will set off the Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) in order to...
Car intermittently won't start
Hi there. An intermittent no start condition, can be difficult to diagnose. Replacing the fuel filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-filter-replacement) would not hurt anything, especially if it hasn't been replaced in the last 30,000 miles. Diagnostic procedures should be performed, at the time...
I changed the fuel pump and now my gas gauge doesn't work
The fuel level sender on this vehicle is connected to the fuel pump module that goes in the fuel tank. When you were installing the fuel pump module back into the fuel tank you may have inadvertently bent or damaged...
Steering/Axle noise?
This is a common sign of a failing CV joint. A CV (Constant Velocity) joint is a shaft that connects the transmission to the wheels, essentially transferring the power from the drive train directly to the wheels. The CV joint...
Uphill power
As you may have noticed, when the vehicle is in "ECO" mode, there is a significant reduction in power that is intentionally done to reduce emissions into the environment. You can try turning this off and you should notice a...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan Sentra
The The 2012 Nissan Sentra is one of the most versatile sedans in its class. Because it has such a wide variety of options available in its four trims, buyers can choose between a bare-bones version at a very affordable...
2012 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat: Which One Should I Buy?
Sedans are a special class of vehicle: created to provide a comfortable and often luxurious ride to those who have passed beyond the need to stick to the compact class. These slightly larger vehicles offer options the compacts and subcompacts...
How Long Does a Door Lock Switch Last?
There There is no shortage of electrical components in your vehicle today. In fact, so much of it seems to work by buttons and switches, it’s only natural that you run into problems now and then. A door lock switch...