2019 Subaru Crosstrek Rear Door Panel Removal (Fixing an Oopsie!)

I was testing out a sleeping platform in the back of the Crosstrek when I learned I couldn't get the !&@*# rear door open from the inside of the car! I recently had the back door panel off shooting some wires for a subwoofer install, and must have done something wrong reassembling it.
In this video, I'll quickly walk you thru how to pull off the rear inner door panel, show you where I went wrong with the handle cables, and reinstall the panel. Whole thing is quick and easy.
Always better to learn from someone else's mistakes, so here's a free lesson on me :)

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

Great videos! I also own a 2019 premium crosstrek. I don’t camp or overland but it’s always good to know how to tear something apart. I loved your internal trunk button but under that panel is a release in case the external button breaks!

[@TomtheDilettante]

Thanks for watching! And yup, you're right. That square that I put the button on covers a manually release, but I found it a little cumbersome to use personally. There's something elegant to me about just having a button. And, I'm a dork that can't leave well enough alone :)

[@rwilcox_71]

Once again....thanks so much. Absolutely no vids out there on rear door removal that I could find. I never did my own speaker upgrade. I decided to leave it to the dealer to install.....just wasn't confident messing around with the center console. However, I do want to tackle replacing the rear speakers and doing some sound deadening and your videos will help me there. Your descriptions and shots are very clear. I am certain your channel will grow! Good luck and keep these coming!

[@TomtheDilettante]

Thank you again for watching! Yeah, the center console stuff can be pretty intimidating for sure. Door speakers are nice and easy fortunately. The only thing I don't know yet is if speakers are easily plug and play or if you have to do any connection modification. Anyway, getting to them is basically as I showed for door panel removal. In addition to disconnecting the handle cables (and putting them back correctly :P) there's 1 (at most 2) wire connectors that easily disconnect for the window switches. After that, set the panel aside and you have full access to the speakers. Thanks for the feedback and kind words. If you have any other suggestions, please share and I'll do my best to accommodate.

[@rwilcox_71]

@@TomtheDilettante I will and thanks!

[@kyspence]

Cheers. Now i know how to do it properly.

[@robertobeltramelli4138]

So many viewers in such a short time? Intimidating to me! Nice explanation of this DYI repair! Where did you install your Ham Radio? That should be fun to watch! You are not going to have time for all these activities! I better not get you started in General Aviation! There will be no sleep!

[@TomtheDilettante]

LOL! I'm trying to do a short video on my interior modifications (which will include the Ham Radio) soon. GA is still on my list of pursuits. I just need to win the lottery so I can stop with all this work nonsense and dedicate time to learning and tinkering :)

[@charlesebyjr2925]

Tom so far so GOOD

[@lowbarb]

Will report back next weekend. Have a 2015 and now the side door won’t open. I did get it detailed last week so wonder if they did something 🤔

[@Eric-es4zs]

Great video! Good information to know thanks!

[@TomtheDilettante]

Thank you! May every panel you pop come off without broken pins :)

[@Eric-es4zs]

@@TomtheDilettante No kidding, "it's all about plastic pins these days" LOL

[@sonyaweavil5820]

Thank you!!!

[@TomtheDilettante]

You're welcome :)

[@BiffDangles]

I've got a question that I can't seem to get anyone to answer. Will a regular fast food drink fit in the rear door pocket bottle holder? Like a McDonalds regular cup. I've got a 2021 on reserve and haven't had a chance to find out yet.

[@TomtheDilettante]

Not sure on the '21, though I don't see why the '21 rear cup holder would differ much from my '19. In which case, my answer is "yes...kinda". The holder is wide enough to accommodate the diameter, but the height is another story. I don't use it for cups like McDonald's cups because (1) the height of the cup is a bit tall for the holder such that it contacts one side of the cup (especially the lid) unevenly; and (2) I've had too many cases of those lids popping off on me when the cup or the rim is deformed even the slightest and would not want to risk it. There's a Facebook group called "2018+ Subaru Crosstrek Owners" with a lot of good folks willing to answer questions just like this one. I suggest checking that out and getting more than my single data point just to be sure :) FB Link (I think): facebook.com/groups/160452827844212/?multi_permalinks=879508665938621