OT, Jetta door latch question

[rfkellner at snet.net (Rick Kellner)]

My 91 Jetta four door is experiencing exterior door handle problems and
the cold weather has only accentuated the issue.  The door has become
very difficult to open from the outside using the exterior handle.  The
door opens perfectly using the interior door handle.  Obviously
something has worn down and is not engaging/pulling.  It this typically
an exterior handle problem or the rod connecting to the latch mechanism
on the door jam? 
Thanks, Rick.