Release handle broke with door in latched closed position

Normal handle replacemnt would have been by removeing the screws on the inside panel to release the front panel and permit access to the handle location.

The door being latched closed required aceesing from the exterior by removing all of the outer screws and outide panel, removing all of the interior components and then reaching the latch from outside. A most difficult process. Some other plastic clips were broken in this process.

Once the door latch was released, normal acces was easily gained and replacing the handle was relatively easy. After everything was reinstalled, the top outside pane was loose because the broken clips no longer held the panel in place. A self tapping screw, although visable but not too noticeable, holds the panel secure.

The unit is over 11 years old and plastic is not very durable. The handle was subject to being broken by normal everyday useage. A metal part would have been much better a design for this item.