Hopefully to fix it: (if you do get it)

Take the door panel off, it's a pita with the doors closed, but can be done. One screw on the door handle, two in the cup handle. ON the lower part of the door, use a screwdriver or whatever to pry the lower screw covers off, then unscrew. Leave the light on the door, the ashtray should stay, can't exactly remember on the ashtray. Pry the door off in an out and upward motion, need to get it above the door lock, easier if it's locked. Disconnect the light, if its got one. Peel back the plastic liner being careful of the black tar holding it on, it sticks to everything. Looking at the inside of the door, move the lock and the door handle, you'll see where the door handle is moving the rod to the latch mech. There will be an oval opening moving moving up and down on the door release.

In my case, it's that the door release is not properly moving. I put a healthy amount of grease on both, work the door handle for a couple of pulls to make sure it's good. Leave the panel off the door, check to see if it opens and closes ok before putting the panel back on.

My truck's had this issue for the past 6 or 7 years I've had it, this has become sort of my winter preventive maintanence. May be a different situation in this case, but I doubt the assembly is broke completely, probably just needs some lube.

May be an easy way to get them to knock a few more bucks off the truck. Just be sure if you do get it that you regrease on occasion.