[41panelmark]

Thanks everyone. Here is what I found.

I figured out what the problem was once I removed the panel and looked inside. Turns out that the small screw that holds the door handle on had come loose allowing the square stock to come out of the hole on the other end. So it was not stripped or damaged inside after all.

I did lube all working parts while inside before reassembling everything. I also had a bit of trouble getting the window trim and vent back into place but eventually won that war.