An automated vehicle cargo door system comprises a cargo door comprising a plurality of panels hingeably assembled to one another, a pair of door tracks, a plurality of wheels rollingly assembling the door to the door tracks, a drive motor, a linear motion controller operably engaged with the drive motor, and a linkage removably engaging the linear motion controller and the cargo door. A release mechanism comprises an operational component located external to a vehicle cargo area. The release mechanism is in operative communication with the linkage, wherein the linkage can be disengaged from the linear motion controller by the release mechanism, thus allowing a user to open the cargo door should the motor become inoperable.