Whatever it is, it is not the child proof lock mechanism (if it is working properly of course). I have them set and the doors open from the outside with no issue (powered/manually/via the remote)...
I assume you have the the power doors so make sure they are enabled (switched on) and try opening them with the remote or by pulling the handle as usual if you haven't done so. I know it sounds stupid, but they are heavy when opening w/o power and, if it is very cold or there is snow/freezing rain, the insulation rubber tends to "glue" the doors to the frame, making them feel like they are stuck. It has happened to me twice already during these past rainy/cold weeks, you can ever hear an unsticking noise when opening. I believe this will go away as the rubber's surface starts wearing off
My 2 cents