The plastic link member of the rear side window latching pivot failed/broke/fractured when the window was latched closed. This occurred on both the driver and passenger side windows within about 2 months of each other at the end of 2005. It is apparent to me that this is a design defect as it occurred in both latches on a vehicle that is only 4 years old. The pin pressed into the mechanism, through the hole in the plastic link, is a split spring pin with a zig-zag 'tooth" pattern along the slit in the pin. I believe the "teeth" in this pin create a stress point on the inner diameter of the molded hole through the plastic link causing the link to fracture when the latch is closed as intended. The dealer from whom the vehicle was purchased has refused to replace the failed parts.

- Nashua, NH, USA