Front Plastic door is cracked and needs replacement.

It's the frame

The parts are available from appliance parts houses. They do sell to the general public. I did one a few months ago. I think the outside door was around $30. It is not a difficult job. Just know that you have to take the entire door apart to do the job. 20-30 minutes.

The outer door frame CAN be replaced if you like. You can view an exploded view diagram at searspartsdirect.com. Just type in your model number and locate item 10 under the "Door" parts listing. The part comes in various colors so make sure you select the correct one.

The door can be easily removed by opening it all the way and lifting straight up at the hinges. The door will come off the hinge pins and can be laid on a flat surface for easier access. Place a layer of towels under the door to prevent damage to the door.

You will need to remove the door handle to get the outer door frame off. To access the door handle mounting screws on MOST microwave ovens, you have to remove the inner door panel that goes around the perimeter of the glass. You can use a small screwdriver to carefully pry the plastic up and work your way slowly around the perimiter of the glass. Most microwave ovens also have grooves in the panel that you can insert the screwdriver into. Use care not to pry against the glass. The glass is tempered and also has an RF shield that prevents harmful microwaves from potentially harming the consumer. If you break the glass, you may need to purchase a new door.

The door handle screws are located behind the inner panel. Remove the door handle and and locate any screws that may be securing the outer door (front) frame in place. Once you install the new outer door frame, re-install the door handle and carefully re-insert the inner door panel. Gradually work your way around the perimeter of the door glass and make sure it snaps back into place.

If you have questions about this repair, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

To answer your initial question, the microwave should continue to be safe to use as long as the inner door seal and door glass are intact. Make absolutely sure you reinstall the door components back together properly. Not doing so will render the oven unsafe to use. Refer to the web site I provided as a reference for how the door components go back together.

NOTE: This part is listed a bit cheaper at appliancepartspros.com. Use the part number from the first website I mentioned as your search criteria.

Sounds to me like the door needs to be replaced.

Remove two screws on top at front in order to remove plastic front vent grill. Then the door lifts off pin hinges. Lay door flat on surface. Plastic trim snaps off with gentle prying (start at bottom middle and bottom hinge side). Then remove six screws holding notched metal section with door latch. This piece will also snap out (several visible clips holding it around edges). Then remove door handle screws, Replace handle and reverse process to put back together.

Normally you have to separate the door panels (as shown in the attached photo) and then you'll see the previously hidden screw(s) you need to remove.

Or you can watch a YouTube video (not a video I made) that demonstrates how it's done.

In some cases, you then have to gently rotate the handle to unlock it.

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

To access the door handle mounting screws, you have to remove the inner door panel that goes around the perimeter of the glass. You can use a small screwdriver to simply pry the plastic up and work your way gradually around the perimiter of the glass. Most microwave ovens have grooves in the panel that you can insert the screwdriver into. Use care not to pry against the glass. The glass is tempered and also has an RF shield that prevents harmful microwaves from potentially harming the consumer. If you break the glass, you will need to purchase a new door.

The door handle screws are located behind the inner panel. Simply remove the broken handle and install the new one. Re-insert the inner door panel carefully and gradually work your way around the perimeter of the door glass and make sure it snaps back into place.

If you have questions, please let me know. I hope you find this information helpful.

If this is and Over the Range micro, the exhaust fan needs to run ANYTIME the cooktop is on. They make things for quantity and not quality, so the plastic has little tolerance for heat. Running the fan, diminishes heat off the front of the unit. Also, the micro MUST be at leat 24" off the cooktop.

Around the inside door there should be a plastic piece of trim right around the window. Take a flat screwdriver and pry it up all the way around. They do break kind of easy but it is a snap fit. Once thats off you can see the rest of the screws and snaps.

You need to use the entire correct model number at their site, but you can find a helpful exploded view PDF diagram by searching for "Repair Part" at the GE parts site: http://www.geappliances.com/shop/prts/ Normally you can separate the door panels without removing the door. I've included a diagram from a Sharp model that might help. If you do have to remove the door, you have to be sure you reinstall it exactly where and how it was, or you may get microwave leakage. You should definititely mark the locations of all the hardware before disassembly.