Subaru Outback Hatch Won't Open – Need Help!

Technical Discussions
1

I’m having a frustrating issue with my Subaru Outback hatch not opening, and I’m hoping someone here can help me troubleshoot the problem.

Symptoms I’ve Noticed

  • Hatch won’t open at all – I press the button on the key fob, and nothing happens.
  • Occasional beeping – Sometimes, I hear a beeping noise when I try to open it.
  • Manual release doesn’t work – Tried using the manual release inside the car, but still no luck.

What I’ve Tried So Far

  • Checked the battery in the key fob – The fob seems to be working fine for the other locks.
  • Checked the fuses – I looked at the fuses related to the hatch and they seem intact.
  • Looked for obstructions – I didn’t see anything blocking the hatch, and it seems to be properly aligned.

Questions

  1. Has anyone experienced something similar?
  2. Could this be an electronic issue, or might it be something with the actual latch mechanism?
  3. Are there any specific model years that have similar issues or common fixes?

Recommendations Sought

I would greatly appreciate any guidance on how to diagnose and fix this problem. If you’ve had a similar issue, please share your experience and any tips you can offer. I’m looking for something practical and straightforward, as I’d like to solve this on my own if possible. Thank you for your help!

P.S. I’ve got a 2018 model, but if anyone has insights from different years, I’m all ears!

4 Likes
2

I had the same issue with my Subaru Outback! Usually, it’s a mechanical failure with the latch or sometimes a blown fuse affecting the hatch’s electrical system.

3

What a coincidence! I thought I was alone. Have you checked your key fob battery? That’s a common culprit too.

4

Good point, ifoley! If the remote isn’t working, you might also try using the physical key to see if the hatch responds. Sometimes it’s just a simple fix.

8 Likes
5

That’s a smart idea. I’ve also read that the wiring to the hatch can get worn out. Has anyone experienced that?

6

I’ve dealt with the wiring issues before, but it was a hassle. The motor itself can also fail, which may require replacement. Just something to consider.

7

That sounds serious! How much did it cost you to replace? I’m trying to gauge whether I should fix it or just live without a hatch.

8

It was around $300. Not cheap, but better than risking it completely failing while I need it. Just make sure you get a reliable mechanic!

9

Oof, that’s steep. What about DIY fixing? Anyone tried to tackle this issue without the help of a pro?

10

I attempted it once! Let’s just say I have a slight dent now. If you’re handy, it could be a fun project. Just watch some YouTube tutorials first!

11

Haha, I think I’ll leave the heavy lifting to a mechanic. Sometimes, knowledge is power! But how do I find a good one?

12

Ask around for local recommendations, or check reviews online. Quality counts, especially when it comes to fixing electrical components!

13

Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely look into it. Let’s hope my hatch opens before I need to call someone!

14

If your Subaru Outback hatch won’t open, first check the fuses. A blown fuse could prevent the hatch from functioning. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact fuse location.

15

Great tip, pjames! Also, remember to try the manual release mechanism inside the vehicle. It can sometimes do the trick if the electrical system is faulty.

16

In addition to the manual release, don’t forget to test your key fob! Maybe the battery is dead. A simple replacement might save you a lot of hassle.

17

Absolutely, ofinley! I’ve had issues where the fob was the culprit. It’s a good place to start as fobs can drain surprisingly fast.

8 Likes
18

Also, check if there’s any obstruction around the hatch area. Sometimes, dirt or debris can cause issues, so give it a good clean!

19

Very true, batesmindy! I had a similar issue where a hidden mud pile blocked the latch mechanism. Don’t underestimate the power of a clean!

20

Has anyone ever dealt with a faulty hatch lock? I wonder if that could be a hidden cause of this issue.