So I’ve replaced my drivers door latch twice now and it needs to be replaced again all within the past 9 months. First time it wouldn’t lock and I had to use the key to lock it. Second time it thought the door was always open and now it won’t unlock unles it’s done manually.

I noticed when I replaced it last time that the latch assembly was wet. That got me thinking it’s probably supposed to be dry in there and that’s what’s causing the failure. Is there supposed to be a weather shield in the door that keeps the latch dry? Or is the window supposed to seal tightly at the bottom preventing water from getting in there?

Any other thoughts on this? Am I missing something obvious?