A vehicle door system includes a door inner panel interconnected to a door outer panel to form an outer space therebetween. The inner panel includes a sealed through-hole interconnecting the outer space with an inner space situated on an opposite (inner) side of the inner panel. A door lock device is disposed in the inner space and is operable to open and close the door. A door outside handle is attached to the door outer panel and is operatively connected to the door lock device by a connecting structure which extends through the through-hole. A hood element is secured to the inner panel and situated in the outer space for covering the through-hole to prevent moisture and other external substances from reaching the through-hole.