When the power lock on a single door stops responding to the fob or switch, the actuator inside the door is usually worn out. It is a moderate-cost repair and very DIY-friendly on most cars.
Aftermarket actuator $30-$100. OEM latch + actuator $100-$250.
1-1.5 hours per door including panel removal.
| Vehicle Class | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compact car | $140 - $300 | Standalone actuator |
| Sedan | $170 - $380 | Often integrated with latch |
| SUV / Crossover | $200 - $450 | Heavier door, beefier latch |
| Truck | $220 - $480 | Larger door, easy access |
| Luxury / European | $300 - $700 | Latch-integrated, OEM only |
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The small motor inside cycles thousands of times. Worn brushes or stripped plastic gears are the typical failures.
Yes. Manual lock still works. Replace soon to keep the car secure.
Try locking from the key fob and from the inside switch. If neither works on that door, it is the actuator. If only one does not work, it could be a switch or wiring issue.
Sometimes - a stuck actuator can hold the lock circuit on. If your battery dies overnight, this is worth checking.
100,000-150,000 cycles, which is roughly 8-12 years on a daily driver.