This sounds like a bad solenoid for the power locks. There is a slight possibility that it is shorting as you pull up/ turn the key. If that is the case, disconnect the battery, and turn the key to unlock AND pull on the knob.

If that doesn't work, you MIGHT be lucky enough with a slim jim to dislodge the rod that connects the solenoid to the latch, then unlock manually. Odds are very slim, however, you are more likely to just bend or disconnect all the rods, not just the one you want. These can usually be straightened and reconnected without a lot of expense (once you are inside the door).

If that doesn't work, you will need to find a way to get inside the door while it is closed. We had a similar thing happen to a Previa at our dealership; we actually consulted the upholstery shop next door to see what he thought could be repaired after tearing the panel off. We proceded to cut through a cloth portion of the panel after the upholstery shop brought over fabric samples for the customer to approve the repair.

If it was me, I would try to find a replacement door panel from a junkyard, then proceed to remove the old as carefully as possible.

If your replacement panel cost over $300-$400 dollars (unlikely) it might be worth considering cutting through the metal on the outside, then having it welded back in and repainted. (Drastic, consider this only if a panel is absolutely impossible to find or repair). Get a quote from a body shop first.

Good luck.

Nate