How to open 1991 gmc safari when rear door latch broke

SOURCE: latch on rear door(right) broken,cannot open door 1994 gmc safari

For my 2003 Safari, there were two screws in the trim panel at the bottom of the door that can be removed when it is closed.

Metal clips were used to fasten the trim to the door, I was able to carefully pry the trim away from the door .... there were 4 or 5 metal clips on the side pillar and maybe three on the top.

One of the clips was at about the bottom of the window, the hole in the door that the clip fits in is big enough to get a screwdriver into. With a screwdriver, I was able to push the bar down which opened the door. If you have problems: (1) Make sure it is unlocked. (2) make sure to push lightly on the door to open it (it will not open on it's own).

SOURCE: rear door latch 1993 GMC Safari stuck

Mine had the dual doors on the back. The passenger side would open but the drivers side refused. I went to a wrecking yard and took a close look at how these doors are constructed. I realized that if I was to use a box cutter or very sharp knife I could cut the carpet liner on the inside of the door on three sides only, thereby leaving the carpet as a flap to cover the access hole. In order to get the correct location to make the cut it would be best if you can go to a Pick n Pull or somethimg similar to take a look at some of these Safaris or Astros to figure out the l;ocation of the access hole before making the cut. Once the carpert is cut you can reach inside the door and access the actuator rods that control the catches. In My case the rods had become straightened out over time and were no longer pulling the latches to release them. I only had to bend the rods by hand slightly and it now works like it did on day one. If it ever gets stuck again I have a very simple access panel so that I can do the same thing again. If you are careful in making the cut you can close it up and it is hardly noticeable.