Subaru Ascent Trunk Not Opening [Causes + Solution]

The problem with the rear liftgate sensors is the most frequent reason why the Subaru Ascent Trunk Not Opening. Before taking it to a dealership, try a few troubleshooting techniques.

Even though a trunk that won’t open is not necessarily an emergency, it can be unpleasant. Numerous complaints exist that the Subaru Outback trunks are picky or challenging to comprehend, but there is frequently a simple cure.

Subaru Ascent Trunk Not Opening

Your trunk may not open due to problems such as a blown fuse, damaged wiring, or a broken actuator. Faulty latch: If the trunk won’t open, even if you can hear the actuator working when you click the open button on the fob or inside the car, the trunk latch may need to be replaced.

What To Do If Your Subaru Outback Trunk Won’t Open?

There are a few things to try troubleshooting at home before you head to the dealership for assistance.

Most Common Cause: Liftgate Issues

The liftgate sensors or the electric liftgate not properly engaging are the most frequently reported Subaru Outback trunk problems. Most frequently, this calls for the need to reset a sensor. You may only have a defective sensor, so you must visit the dealership for assistance.

But first, let’s go over some specific solutions you can try. If your key fob unlocks your doors but not the trunk and your power liftgate (if you have one), you can solve the issue by physically unlocking the trunk inside. How to do it:

• The back seats may be folded down to reveal the trunk.
• Remove the panel covering the rear gate lock release handle from the center of the trunk using a flathead screwdriver.
• Turn the lever to the right using the screwdriver to open the trunk.

There are two resets to try if your power liftgate won’t engage. First:

• Completely open the trunk manually.
• Halfway manually close the trunk while maintaining pressure on the liftgate close button.
• The power liftgate should gradually slam the door shut.
• Doing so should restart the power liftgate and make it functional once more.

If that doesn’t work, try the following method:

• Fully manually open the liftgate.
• Manually close the trunk nearly all the way, but stop short of closing the latch completely. You want the latch to only partially latch the liftgate, leaving the remaining latching to the power liftgate system.

Finally, try pushing the unlock button on the driver’s side to unlock all of the doors before opening the trunk if you discover that sometimes your trunk will open when you click the liftgate button and other times all you get are three beeps. You can choose to have your trunk unlocked when the car is in the park or only when all doors are unlocked by changing a setting.

Other Possible Causes

Your problem may be more mechanical or electrical if none of those resets or setting adjustments to resolve it. Here are a few typical reasons to watch out for:

• Broken key fob: If you can open the trunk with the car’s button but not the key fob, your fob may die or have an electrical problem.
• Faulty dash switch: If the switch by your steering wheel works to open the trunk, but your fob doesn’t, that switch may have a problem.
• Electrical problem: Your trunk may not open if you have a blown fuse, damaged wiring, or a faulty actuator.
• Broken latch: If you click the open button on the key fob or inside the car and hear the actuator operating, but the trunk won’t open, the latch itself may need to be replaced.

You should take your Outback to a dealership or an auto shop for assistance if you suspect any of these problems; however, determining the specific issue may require additional investigation. You may be able to perform some of the repairs yourself, but first, you must make the proper diagnosis.

How To Manually Open A Subaru Outback Trunk?

One of the troubleshooting techniques above discussed the process for manually opening a Subaru Outback rear liftgate. A flathead screwdriver or something similar is required.

• To access the trunk, fold down the back seats.
• Using the screwdriver, take off the panel at the bottom center of the trunk.
• Turn the lever to the right using the screwdriver to open the trunk.

Problems And Solutions

You’ll need to ascertain the root of the problem before you can address it and get the trunk opened.

Dead Battery

A dead battery always happens when you least expect it! Having a dead battery never occurs at a reasonable time. My friend, you are looking at a dead battery if you are standing outside your car and discover that the entire vehicle won’t open and not only the trunk has shut you out.

Because the doors also have manual locks, having an earlier model Subaru is helpful in this situation. However, the most recent versions do not support manual locks and only have an automatic locking system. If you can get into your car and test the ignition, you’ll see that a dead battery prevents the engine from starting.

What Can I Do?

To begin with, make sure you and your passengers are secure and away from any major streets or traffic. The car battery has to be charged next. Make the cavalry a call now! The best moment to ask your friends and family for favors is now.

They can help you jump-start your automobile and recharge your battery. Jumper cables are a must to always have on hand, but since they are typically kept in the trunk (which you cannot open), this advice is useless. Therefore, be sure to have some jumper cables available when you receive assistance.

Start your friends’ car’s engine, let it run for a while, then reconnect the leads to the battery’s appropriate ports (positive to positive and negative to negative). This should provide your car with enough power to unlock the doors. Start your car once you’re inside, and then you can cut the jumper cords. It would help if you drove your Subaru far after this to help the battery recharge.

If you are familiar with engines and automobiles, consider investigating this cause. Since car batteries often last long, running flat should be rare. You can ensure all power is off before getting out of the car to help. Radio, lights, air conditioning, and other devices might drain your Subaru Outback’s battery, leaving you stranded again.

Failed Trunk Latch/Lock

It’s never a good thing when the trunk latch breaks! This might be the problem if a dead battery has been ruled out. Although it is rare, it can happen to Subaru Outbacks.  Numerous factors can cause locks and latches to malfunction.

The trunk locking mechanism may have been harmed by repeated use, forcefully closing the trunk, or even driving on very rough terrain.  You can experience the following if your latch is broken:

• You will hear a click even when the trunk is still closed after pushing the release button.
• The release button can act erratically.
• When attempting to unlock the trunk, the latch may repeatedly open and close, constantly clicking.

What Can I Do?

A damaged lock needs to be replaced first. To ensure this is the problem, you must first find the locking mechanism. What’s the purpose of mending something that needs to be fixed?  

You’ll need to remove some of the Outback’s paneling to locate the lock and check if it’s stuck or broken. You’ll do better at home or by hiring a pro to look it over because this is a bit of a job.  You will need to purchase and install a new lock if the problem is with the current one.

Key FOB Fault

A key FOB is standard equipment with most cars, and the Subaru Outback is no exception. Your car will open and start when you use the FOB. It is not a battery issue if you discover that your automobile starts without a problem. The trunk latch is likely not broken if you don’t hear it click.

As a result, it may be the FOB itself. Now, a car FOB’s life can be intriguing. It might be squeezed in the back of your trousers or rolling around in your handbag, but these small items are prone to damage. Batteries that need to be changed, loose wiring inside the FOB, or reprogramming are the three main causes of FOB failure.

What Can I Do?

To start, you must figure out what is causing the FOB to malfunction. If you are having trouble with the batteries, I recommend starting with a new one. If that doesn’t work, it could be worthwhile to consult an expert. If you are sure, you can check the wiring or consider resetting the FOB yourself, but if you are unsure, your neighborhood garage can offer assistance.

Cost Of Trunk Repair For A Subaru Outback

The price of restoring your trunk will vary depending on the required repairs and location. Dealerships may repair your trunk for free or at a low cost in some circumstances where no parts are required, and the required service is minor, such as when you must carry out the proper reset method.

Costs for more extensive repairs, such as replacing a latch, range from $150 to $250. A new latch typically costs around $75 at an auto shop or dealership, and the labor to replace it will cost between $100 and $200. Similar costs might be anticipated when replacing a trunk lock actuator or diagnosing and repairing various electrical issues.

Your Subaru Outback trunk repair won’t likely cost too much. The only exception is if the repair of your trunk is part of more serious damage, such as when you need to replace your entire door after an accident. In these situations, the repair may run over $1,000, which is the price of the liftgate. Think about adding before you get into this scenario.

Conclusion

There are several potential reasons why the Subaru Ascent Trunk Not Opening, including a dead battery, a broken keys fob, or even a jammed latch. It is quick and simple to diagnose each of the three problems, allowing you to deal with having them fixed and getting back on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions