I have a 1999V Volvo S80 but I believe that the same problem can affect V70s. The nearside rear passenger door handle has failed and unfortunately the childproof lock was engaged, meaning that I cannot open the car from the inside. The outside door handle simply does not engage with the lock in the usual way - it acts as if the locks were operative. This happened after the door had only partially closed and I closed it by pushing on the door itself. The doors were all unlocked at that time.

I have been told that the only solution is to remove the door skin to access the lock - this will mean a new door skin at £250, as well as labour and presumably a respray!

Has any other Volvo owner had this unfortunate experience - surely there should be some clever technical fix without all this dismantling?

I would be really grateful for any advice on this one.