Best Automotive Exterior Door Handles in 2022

Last update: November 26, 2022

Tailgate Handle Liftgate Latch Handle with Keyhole | for 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra | Replaces# 69090-0C010 69090-0C030-C0 Review:


A 2004 Tundra double cab has this tailgate handle that I fitted.All you have to do to detach the plastic liner from your tailgate is remove the eight Torx head screws.The liner should ideally be taken off with the tailgate down.By removing the liner and a metal cover once the liner has been removed, you can access the handle.Two clips that hold the rod arms in place must be unclipped (I actually did this by hand) and the two 10mm bolts holding the tailgate handle must be unscrewed in order to remove the vehicle.Only the retaining clip holding the keyed lock in place needs to be removed in order to use it. The keyed lock may be inserted into your handle after the clip has been removed, and it is then secured with the retention clip that was included with your new tailgate handle.While reading another review, someone mentioned that not all of the hardware needed to install the lock had been sent. I'm not sure what he or she was referring to because there is no hardware needed; everything is already in place.Just follow the same steps to reinstall.It took roughly 10-15 minutes to complete the process from beginning to end, and a YouTube video was not necessary or required.A good product all around. I'm glad I can open my tailgate once more.



T1A Tailgate Handle and Bezel Replacement for 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, Rod Clips Included, Also Fits 1500, 2500, 3500 HD Pickup Truck, Black Color, T1A-15228539 & T1A-15997911 Review:


It took me less than 15 minutes to complete this replacement handle and bezel installation, which is a perfect replica of the original. I wanted to get this from a dealer, so I looked up the pricing of the handle and bezel on a Chevrolet dealer's website. It was about $45. I decided to check Amazon at that point, not really expecting it to be there, but I saw it posted there for $15.57 with free shipping if I had Amazon Prime.I did not find this to be the case, despite other reviewers complaining that the bezel was cheap and the clips broke easily while being installed. The bottom of the bezel is inserted first, followed by the top, where the clips are, to attach the bezel. The clips will likely be broken if you attempt to pop the top of the bezel into place by using the heel of your hand or the side of your fist. I greased the clips to remove any friction, then I gently pushed the top piece of the bezel—where the clips are—with only my fingertip pressure, and it snapped into place. This new handle and bezel come highly recommended.



Dorman 77261 Driver Side Replacement Exterior Door Handle Review:


Compared to the GM replacement, the Doorman product appeared to be constructed from a less fragile plastic. Even if the Doorman was more expensive, I would still choose it over the GM product. The 2003–2006 Silverado door panel comes off with 3 screws, one below the slider lock, one under the inside door handle, and one in the middle beneath a round cap. This information is beneficial for novice installers. Since this panel doesn't have any fasteners that push in, you should be able to raise it straight up and remove it. There are set screws behind the panel that hold the controls in place if your doors have power locks. The window regulator must typically be removed in order to complete the installation. Although you don't need to take it apart, you will need to unfold the regulator and release the set bolt keeping the glass in place. By gently sliding the regulator to the left, all bolts will be visible. With my 1/4" drive ratchet, I personally utilized a 10mm socket, swivel, and 12" extension. You could position a 10mm wrench with your small arms. The bolts should be treated in a spray oil, such as WD40, because they are metal studs on plastic and will split the door handle if they don't come out easily. The door panel also contains 3 nuts, and one of them is hidden by a black cap on the edge of the door. Even though I have a lot of experience with auto maintenance, the replacement in my case only took a few minutes.



T1A Tailgate Handle Bezel Replacement for 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, Also Fits 1500, 2500, 3500 HD Pickup Truck, Black Color, T1A-15228539 Review:


My old bezel somehow fell off on the way. The prior owner had applied a half pound of silicone in the hole as a temporary patch to keep the old bezel in place. I removed the outdated silicone and inserted this $6 bezel. Works flawlessly. Simply press down on the top and insert it into the hole after inserting the bottom pegs. If you proceed in this manner, no tabs will be broken. Before installing, don't forget to remove the 2 foam tabs' backing. Price is unbeatable, and it looks fantastic.



Dorman 80545 Chevrolet/GMC Passenger Side Replacement Front Exterior Door Handle Review:


In the end, it succeeds. It fit great, and I just installed it. The gasket is soft plastic rather than rubber, as someone has noted, but if the latching mechanism functions, I'm not as concerned about the gasket. The mechanism itself appears to be more durable than the one from the GM factory. Of course, to argue that Roseanne Barr is more athletic than Rosie O'Donnell is absurd, but I'm hopeful it will hold up better than the original. The plastic tabs that the pin on the latch mechanism spins through appear to be the main source of the issue. These must be made of metal. As far as I can tell, none of the aftermarket parts are made of metal, although this handle's plastic appears to be a little bit thicker, which will be helpful.Oh, and here's a statement for GM: This is only one of several mechanisms in this truck that are constructed of the world's cheapest, smallest plastic. There is also the bead on the end of the door locking cable coming from the inside handle, the upper console latch, the lower console latch, and the upper console latch (for which Dorman provides a great replacement). Chevrolet cut corners on mechanisms that receive a lot of wear and are used every day in order to save a few dollars on a car that costs tens of thousands of dollars. BS, says I. It's untrue. If General Manager ever sees this, kiss my butt. You are pushing me into Ford's arms. Ford hasn't suckered me yet, but Chrysler stinks more than you do. I wonder if companies produce inferior interior components to save a few dollars and make thousands of dollars off of people who are unable to complete the task themselves, like you do. I understand what you're doing, and while it might help you save a little money, it's a bad idea. as a rock? Yes, a brittle rock.



Fits 99-07 Silverado Sierra Tail Gate Handle Bezel Cover Textured Black Review:


If your tailgate latch on a Chevy truck from this year range hasn't broken yet, it soon will. When the plastic latch rod clips become brittle and worn, you must remove this trim in order to pull the latch rod and open the tailgate. Write a book if you can find out how to take the trim off without damaging it. I tried it on a 99, a 01, and a 07, and each time I damaged the trim. This item fits perfectly, appears factory-made, and after a year, mine still looks fantastic (though dirty). Additionally, it contains a self-adhesive strip to prevent vibration (I used rubbing alcohol to clean the painted surface before sticking in place) Regarding the plastic clips, you may get a lot of them on Amazon or in the Help! section of the parts store. Dorman 75450 includes everything you need for both sides, so don't simply replace the broken one. I should have purchased a six pack rather than purchasing this three times. I could provide the excess to all the men who are commuting without their trim!



T1A Exterior Tailgate Handle Replacement for 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna, Also Fits 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia, All metal, T1A-69090-08010 Review:


Many positive and negative reviews caught my eye. I was unsure on whether or not I ought to purchase this one. It does take some time, but it's well worth it, so I'd suggest viewing some tutorial videos on YouTube. I could tell that it was made entirely of metal and appeared to be quite solid. The factory original's plastic portion cracked, and this unit has replaced it with metal. WD-40 was applied to all the locks and cables while I had everything apart. I can understand how this would "bend," as other reviewers have noted, but after having it and using it for a few months, if it does, it's probably because the lock is rusted out and needs lubrication. At least this one seems to open throughout the winter months while the old one would not, at least not without shattering, which is what did.This was a wise purchase.



99-06 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra Extended Cab Rear Door handle LH - Driver side Review:


Last year, I purchased a 2002 Silverado that had a damaged extended door handle on the driver's side. I put it on after purchasing an aftermarket replacement that is identical to this one. After I replaced it, I discovered that it required a lot of effort to open the expanded door. For it to barely unhinge and open, I had to pull it all the way. I was aware that the replacement will eventually fail as well. Sure enough, after only a few months, it shattered. I made the decision to conduct some research before I got another one, only for it to also last a few months. I heard that the top and bottom door latches should be sprayed with WD-40 inside the door where the handle attaches to prevent them from becoming clogged with time and making it difficult to open the door (hence the broken handles). Before installing this door handle, I did exactly that, and the expanded door now opens smoothly. It is a MUST to spray the door latches before installing the new handle if you want it to last longer than a few months if you plan on changing your extended door handle, which I assume you do because you are probably reading this review.



T1A Exterior Door Handle Replacement for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma, Fits Outside Front Left Driver’s Side, Black Color, T1A-69220-35020 Review:


I got this because my door handle had been causing me problems for a while. I disassembled the door and discovered that the handle was not the issue at all. The pressed-in nut on the opposite side had also come loose, as had the retaining bolt that was closest to the latch mechanism. The huge rod retention clip has also deteriorated significantly due to the additional wear caused by the handle's looseness. The original handle wasn't truly broken, though. I decided to clean up the old handle and use it again since the new handle is plastic and the old handle is chrome metal. I cleaned, lubricated, and bonded the pressed-on nut into the handle of the door latch mechanism. I then used the new clip that was on the new handle on the old handle. The bolts received a dab of Loctite, so perhaps they won't lose their strength for another 325,000 miles. The time it took to disassemble and reassemble everything was about an hour. The door operates flawlessly, and I'll keep the replacement handle around just in case. Considering how poorly constructed it is in comparison to the original bot, it might hold up if necessary.