2020 Subaru Outback: Rear Hatch

There are five ways to open the rear hatch on the 2020 Subaru Outback. In this video we'll go over all five. (No "that's what she said" jokes in the comments! Ha!)
Note: I do not work for Subaru or a Subaru retailer. I am only an owner and am providing these videos for informational purposes only. Please always refer to your Owners Manual for official information.

[@Ramblequist]

Thanks for showing that switch to rear badge, I was going nuts why it wouldn't work. The switch was on. All good now.

[@guy_o]

I’ve been losing my mind on why it won’t open and didn’t know the unlock first feature. This is incredible, thanks!

[@mhayes2716]

Disabled feature sucks

[@Lgh34474]

Thankyou You are a life saver ! I live far from Suburu dealership and with your great knowledge and instructions I fixed the jammed rear hatch that would Not open At all!!!! Until I watched your video!! On the outback 2019 . You're awesome! Thankyou!!

[@douggoding8431]

I got my 2020 Outback Limited today. I messed around and got it to where the rear gate would only open with the transmitter (key fob?). I watched your video and realized I was not stepping back when I got the long beep after putting my hand in front of the emblem. I went out, did that and now everything works again. I must have triggered some fail save thing. A BIG thank you!!!

[@LightPathWarrior]

I needed to open the inside back panel and manually unlock after the rear hatch wouldn't open, and it worked. That was easy! Thank you!!

[@randywiltshire7550]

5 stars. I have been looking for Clarification on the power rear door. Thank you!! You did a great job!

[@txwagon]

On the top of the hatch proximity switch is a white line along the top. If you see the white line the switch is enabled. When you push the button in the white line is hidden.

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Yes. The challenge for me is that I can't see it in normal seating position because of the ridge that juts out above the buttons. Also, the white line is very hard to see in my particular Outback for some reason. I've found that feeling if the button is flush is the easiest method for me.

[@barbarafisher9317]

Went to look and sure enough there is a white line but you need to be a circus performer to see it!

[@johnberch9638]

Our 123Subaru trainer pointed out the white line as well but I agree their engineers need to come up with a better method - like a light.

[@MisterMister5893]

@@johnberch9638 Too much money. And likely will be another source of parasitic draw. As much as there are reasons to love this brand/car, there is equal reasons to hate it. The longer you own one the more niggles you discover about the car, mostly about the dead battery. Just replaced my OE battery at 55,000KM just barely 3 years old.

[@ArtySkunk]

Thank you for the video! I read the owners manual and I don't think it mentioned that the car needed to be unlocked for the button inside to work. I figured out that if I opened my car door the trunk open button would work but I wasn't making the connection that opening the car door was unlocking the doors which is what was needed.

[@Databyter]

I had a problem with my 2022 hatch not opening and nothing I did would open it. I disconnected the battery, waited 5 minutes, and reconnected. Now it works. There may be other methods to directly reset it, but THIS worked for me today and it took 5 minutes, and I didnt have to manually unlock the hatch from the inside after crawling thru my full cargo space, and removing any panels to get access to the latch release

[@Edu1923]

The manual latch in the back came in clutch. Thanks!

[@DetroitGrrrl]

Thank you so much for all the valuable content you provide. You are so much better than the manual!

[@184876ela]

HELL YOU SAVED MY ASS WITH THESE VIDEOS, I COULDNT FIGURE OUT S*** on THIS CAR

[@Max-wm5pq]

Same. Even the salesman didn't know half this shit.

[@wanglee21]

I didn't know about he rear hit lever inside. Thanks!

[@dekzan]

Gorgeous traditional killer red color

[@MS-zi2ft]

THANK GOD for Your Channel! We just picked up our 20 Outback yesterday and the dealer had no idea how to operate ANYTHING! Great Channel Ryan! ALSO where did u get that Viynal overlay .... Love it!

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Glad you're liking the vids. I got the overlay from Orsini Vinyl. Loved by Subi owners everywhere.

[@MS-zi2ft]

@@SubaruOwnerTips I returned my 2020 Outback to the dealer... I hated the brake pedal that had a hard feeling when 1st depressed. then went away and after 2 min its back! Tried 2 other outbacks and the break pedal did the same thing, Im sure yours does it too but you never noticed it... Check it...

[@184876ela]

ME TOO I WAS GOING CRAZY HOW TO FIGURE ALL THIS TECH STUFF OUT

[@leatherindian]

I didn’t know about the fifth way. Thanks. Nice colour by the way. I’ve got the same model but in brown. Kind of thinking I should have tried red. 😊

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

I think the cinnamon brown is a very rare color. It is good to be different. I'm considering a wrap in something really vibrant. Florescent safety yellow with reflective tape maybe? I don't want anyone to smack in to me. :)

[@MisterMister5893]

Would be nice if it was made more accessible. Forget getting to it if you're packed to the gills for a road trip.

[@maydamole5983]

Super! Very informative. Thank you.

[@TheMARTINGOLF]

On the hands free tailgate button there is a white line at the top of the button when it is activated

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Great point. I've found that the white line indicator has two big challenges. One is that it is impossible to see in the dark. The other is that the trim piece extending out blocks the view of the white line, making it impossible to see the status. Doing it by feel has been the most reliable method I've found.

[@DanielAcostaAZ]

In case it wasn't already mentioned, the dash button to enable the proximity sensor shows a white stripe on top when it is enabled.

[@RustyKnorr]

Have you discovered a way to prevent battery drain from leaving the hatch open? I was crushed to read all of the reports of this being an issue on auto lift gate equipped Subarus. I don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere in my 2021 Outback!

[@ashten2005]

I own a 23' Outback Premium and mine does not have a button on the dash, and the hatch button on my key only locks/unlocks the hatch witch is completly useless.

[@MamaSmalls]

This is amazing and so helpful! Where did you find the license plate frame for the ownership badge? It's perfect!

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

I found it at the Subaru dealership's parts counter. They may have something similar.

[@xmasbanana]

I believe you missed the gate height memory setting

[@tombryant52jumpscoach]

I don't have that 5th-way panel. I have lights there. No way to open the hatch when it's closed

[@EagleOne49]

Thanks for this helpful video. I am now a new subscriber! I have a couple of questions: (1) I noticed your license plate frame. My new 2020 Subaru Outback Touring XT is my 6th Outback. I'd like to celebrate #6 with a new license plate frame; and (2) Are there clear vinyl or mylar coverings for the head unit touch screen and the piano black scratch magnet area around the shifter?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Thanks for subscribing! To answer your questions: 1) The license plate holder is an official Subaru part. Just about any Subaru retailer should be able to get you one. It is part number SOA342L163. 2) Xpel makes a full interior protection kit for the 2020 OB, including screen and shift area protection. You can call them and order just sub-parts of the kit. The SKU number is P3808DC-U. Some folks say that it doesn't fit very well, so keep that in mind. There are also products coming out from NuShield. I would give it a few months for these manufacturers to work out fitment before spending too much money.

[@EagleOne49]

@@SubaruOwnerTips Thanks for the info. I'll wait for the NuSheild products.

[@jefflaudick9487]

@@SubaruOwnerTips ok

[@anniemilliron8575]

Got my 2020 Outback a few weeks ago, and it needs a visit to the car wash. Do you recommend turning off the Hands-Free gate opening before going through an automatic carwash?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Yes! If you don't, you might find your rear gate opening in the car wash. I've had it happen to me before, which is another reason to just always leave it off unless you know you will be using it.

[@cgrsworld]

Question (I cannot find this answer anywhere) : If there is an obstacle in the way (like a dog) is there a sensor that will stop the gate from closing? I've tried to test this with something that can't be hurt, and the gate seems to close pretty strongly before it reverses. My dogs are still getting used to this auto close and I'm terrified one of them might try to jump out while it's closing. Thanks in advance! *I'm subscribed :-)

[@timflaherty2731]

Where did you get the emblem on the back?

[@michaelschneider-]

How the hell is the Stop / Start permanently disabled? Signed, 2020 OB Touring XT .. Vail, Colorado

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

It isn't possible to permanently disable it. See this video for a few tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXPSgaqDfqZ8ecU

[@lgallant]

Yesterday, was packing my 2020 Outback (with power lift gate). To be honest I had a lot of stuff and the hatchback did not want to close. I moved stuff around to make a little more room for the door and tried again. When it got to almost latching, I tried to assist the door by applying slight pressure and it would not latch. I then took some items out but now the door would not latch at all, and any button I pressed just gave me 2 quick beeps. It's like the door's motor had locked out not allowing it to move except manually. I found a video where a guy tried pushing and holding the button under the badge for a few seconds. It didn't work for the guy in the video but it did for me. It seemed to reset the door motor/controller and allowed me to try again. I'm guessing it didn't like all my manual opening and closing trying to fit all the stuff in.

[@davidhumes6969]

Lee, the Dude! I love you! I had a problem putting on and removing a bike rack. You name it, I tried to no avail. I read your comment and viola! You relieved a lot of aggravation! I hope you read this!

[@Lgh34474]

Thanks!

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Thank you so much!

[@gregherman4691]

Rear hatch will work some times, but not often. In the winter it seldom works. All the warning lights come on, Keep eyes on road, when my eyes ARE on the road, low tire pressure warning, tires are just fine. Lane change warning, when I am perfectly centered. Entire info screen blank except time and temp, no reason for it. Back up camera stays on the entire trip to the store. List of problems is very long, this was a short list. So many issues with the 2020 Outback. I took it to the dealer when the hatch would not open and the info screen was blank, tech wrote it down for my appointment next week. At my appointment I was told they could not duplicate any of the issues, car never left their lot. So, Subaru, how are you going to fix all these errors. Even when the tech sees the problems, they still refuse to do anything.....

[@dianamcalister1745]

I need to close the hatch

[@troutstalker4744]

I owned a 2020 xt onyx, and I suspect that my regular driving lights are too bright for on coming traffic, because I get flick with high beam from other drivers. Wondering if other 2020subaru outback owner has this issue. Thanks

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Many have mentioned this. You can try to have your retailer do the "lights releveling" procedure listed in the service manual. It is very easy to do. If you google it, you might want to try doing it yourself. There is also a manual adjustment on the headlight mount if you need to further modify the level. However, no service technician will adjust it. You'll be on your own for that one.

[@casey7616]

Same issue as well! First drive home from the dealer(2020 ouback premium) got flashed 5 times (1 was a cop)lol in a 15 min time frame seems imo the low beams are angled a little to high. Very bright illuminating lights though🤙Nice fog lights as well but switching the fogs to yellow for fog 💯

[@troutstalker4744]

@@casey7616 ya... I totally agree regarding the angle, so I took it to the dealer to check, and the mechanic said theres nothing wrong and promptly charged me for the visit. Lol.. bunch of thieves. Regarding the fog lights, I like your idea. Would you kindly update me , if you manage to changed the color on the fog lights. Please and thank you.

[@casey7616]

@@troutstalker4744 looking more into it an apparently they dealer can check the leveling of the lights on a software diagnostic (assuming what they did to your outback and charge you) there is also a manual mechanical leveling dial for the headlights that only you can do i guess from what i read(may be wrong) but the service techs wont touche that thats all on you hope that helps im going to give it a try for sure and will post if i have luck. Also will update on fogs when i get and try the new ones👌 Hope it helps pal!

[@troutstalker4744]

@@casey7616 I'm assuming they did that diagnostic, at least I hope they did.. anyway I kinda got use to it.. the mechanic from the dealership basically told me to ignore the other drivers. What a tool. Would really appreciate any update regarding this matter. I'm also thinking to give mine a 2 inch lift.. was out and about in the back woods this past summer and this baby performed nicely just a little scraping, but I got subaru's under carriage protector and its all good.

[@bradmacdonald7626]

What about the 6th way - button code entry?

[@boodle014]

I love your emblem mod! Can I ask where you got it? I saw some vinyl decals around, but was concerned they would interfere with the touchless opening. Thanks and great videos!

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Orsini Vinyl

[@ronaldsteiger7562]

Switch is not a proximity feature for tail gate It is memory position for height of hatch ??

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

The memory position for the tail gate is controlled by a software setting, not by a physical button.

[@ronaldsteiger7562]

SubaruOwnerTips got ya thanks Your videos are great and very informative As someone that usually purchases the owners Manuel from the parts department and reads it from cover to cover before I take delievery Watching your videos will save me from that I ordered a Linited XT with all the option packages and accessories I should have it in about 8 weeks I had a 2015 Outback and then got an2017 Forester Touring XT that is now up from lease Waiting for you to do a upgrade of the back up bulbs to brighter LEDs Thanks again for all your hard work

[@ZarifSafiullin]

Hey, What happens if you park very close to the wall in garage? Will proximity sensor and parking sensors recognize that? Thank you

[@zeevberar1663]

Thanks from TEL AVIV they dont offer us this model

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

What trims are available?

[@eyadhamza3147]

Hi, I really need your help! The rear hatch on my new 2021 Outback will randomly decide not to open via any of these methods (except for the 5th method, which I haven't tried yet). I make sure to unlock it first and yet it still does not open. It will sound off 4-5 beeps (2 long then 2-3 short beeps). Any ideas why this is? A couple of times I've had to put my groceries on my second-row seats instead of the trunk because I can't figure it out.

[@christinesuhey5663]

Seriously, thank you!!!

[@jimseeb256]

Great information video. I'm looking on the web and starting to troubleshoot a rear hatch that won't open. I'll start with your method 5 to see if that sparks some sort of reset. Do you have any insight into this problem?

[@stevescramo592]

Why can't Subaru have a ebable/disable button for the power rear lift gate so campers can keep the hatch open without running down the battery??? Power liftgate is annoying!!

[@davidechols4493]

You talked about vinyl overlays on your Subaru logos. Where did you find overlays that fit 2020 Outbacks?

[@davidechols4493]

nvm. just saw the answer below

[@paulsponagle553]

What happens if you get the three beeps and the car is unlocked? Return to dealer?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

I've had this happen to me once. Turns out I had something jammed in to the side of the door and it couldn't open the door. I used the manual override to open the door, ensure the hatch was clear, and that got things working normally again. If it still doesn't work, the dealer may need to look at it.

[@miraslunicko7426]

Thanks for your videos. Does the car get locked if you leave behind your key fob in the car and press the close all button?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

If it can detect your fob, it will not lock. However, I use the MySubaru app with the added features that let you remotely unlock the car. Very handy.

[@Ninety9924]

If battery is dead, how can you open the door, let alone the hatch?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Good question. I've actually had to do this! There is a manual key inside the keyfob. You take out the manual key and open the drivers door. Then, manually unlock the rear doors. Fold down the rear seats. Take everything out of the cargo area so you can crawl in. Locate the manual hatch release I show on the video, then pop it open. If the cargo area is very full, you might be in for a real headache. Admittedly, it is much easier to just get a jump and open the rear hatch. This manual procedure is only needed in rare cases.

[@wdumvill]

Any fix on why your car goes dead if rear hatch is open for two hours

[@NickBeek]

I just picked up my 2020 Limited XT last night. Thanks for all the tips! The hatch sensor disable switch on the dash is also NOT lit up at night on mine. I was wondering if it was on yours?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

It does not light up. I wish there was an indicator light on it.

[@sml206]

NickBeek you can see a line on the top on the button when the button is in the out position letting you know it is in the active state. Not too easy to see, definitely not visible when the button is pushed in.

[@joshhuber130]

Can you do one to explain how to change the door lock settings

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

You bet, I'll put that on the list.

[@goshawk999]

Good video, but it's about one of the most asinine 'non-improvments' in a car's technology. A manually operated hatch works easily, and there is nothing to learn, and almost nothing to go wrong. My 2020 Subaru's automatic hatch is just a pain in the a. - and currently not working.

[@dekzan]

Ty for all vids. Do you know how to reset the oil life, after an oil change ? How to find this in the manual ? I can't find it..maybe not needed. My Limited XT came with 38 psi, manual says 35 front 33 rear.

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Under car info, maintenance tab. There is a gear icon you can use to reset it.

[@The_JL_Podcast]

Did that emblem with the mountains come on your OB?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Orsini Vinyl is well known among Subaru owners for their overlays. Check 'em out.

[@Kalinak57]

Hi, love your videos. Expecting my 2020 Outback Premium with upgrade package in a couple days. I have not seen anything about there being "memory" on the 2020 like my 2016 had. I'm a kayaker and need the memory option when my kayaks are loaded. Have they done something else for the tailgate height variations?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

There is a memory option. It is pretty easy to set up. I regret not including it in this video as several people have asked about it. I may make a second video just on that feature.

[@merrynethery5853]

The rear hatch adjustment is ridiculous and the button is in the wrong place. My ignition is also bad design. My Toyota and Hondas never had issues like this. Buck up Subaru...this Outback is making me nuts.

[@goodshipharmony]

Very helpful video, thank you. But why do Americans preface every action with I'm going to GO AHEAD AND...*insert action here*. Dude, you must have said it like 20 times. But otherwise...thanks 🙂

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Part of it is nerves, and part not having any professional presentation skills. I was also trying to provide cues to the camera man. We had to switch sides carefully to keep things somewhat smooth. My apologies, I agree it is a bit annoying. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@goodshipharmony]

Well kudos to you for your mature reaction to constructive criticism. I think your presentation skills are just fine, I was only pointing out that vocal tic. Get rid of that and it’s a 10/10.

[@wdumvill]

6

[@hoffrun]

Ugh....a bit over engineered .

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

Thank you!

[@daniellamarre5590]

I own a 2020 Limited, and was fooled by the the dash button not knowing that doors has to be unlocked. Thanks from 🇨🇦

[@krisgus1]

Same! 😂 Thanks for the video!

[@pierrec.5516]

I have the same car, limited XT but in tungsten. This is my third Subaru, two Legacy's before this one. I find it uncanny that your videos explain things that took me over a month to figure out! I did use the owner's manual but it is so confusing it is hard to understand (same with my other two Subie's). Overall I really like the car but would really like hard buttons for the engine start/stop and heated seats. At the very least these should be on the main bottom screen and toggle through, no second and third screens, that's to distracting? One last thing, heated steering wheel should heat between 10 and 2 on the wheel. These cars are bought in cold weather areas because they drive great in snow, so heated steering and seats should be easy and efficient.

[@douggoding8431]

They don't tell you the basics and over-explain everything else. I love the car though.

[@micolcavallacci4867]

Hello there, I have an outback 2022, I tried few things/steps that you suggested, and not yet results. Sure I have an extended warranty and I went to Subaru few days ago, they told me that some sort of "chip" or "micro-engine" (which I'm kinda skeptical), have to be replaced it. And I didn't do it yet, because wouldn't have been ready in few days and I'm about to park my car and leave the Country for a couple of month... My question to you, does it sound "right" their response -diagnosis ?

[@paulmandziara8931]

Anyone else having an issue with the equalizer defaulting back to all -0- s everytime you turn vehicle off I was told the equalizer setting remembers your setting with the facial scan or driver key fob PLEASE ADVISE

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Yes, keep setting it! It will eventually remember everything. When I first got the car I had to set it regularly. I've not had to touch the settings in months, remembers everything fine. I am not 100% sure what is going on with this yet, but I'll make a video as soon as I can figure it out.

[@stevek8201]

I noticed I can’t open rear hatch from inside unless I open the door then hit it. My doors aren’t locked.

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

I'm very sorry, but I don't understand the issue you're trying to explain. Could you please describe the issue step-by-step? Perhaps with more details I can help.

[@184876ela]

SAME HERE

[@chengyan3056]

The trunk has zero lighting

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

I agree the lighting could be much better. There are a number of aftermarket parts that improve lighting in the cargo area. One product replaces the manual trunk release cover with an additional light. Many find upgrading the light with a good quality LED does the trick.

[@chengyan3056]

@@SubaruOwnerTips That's interesting! Mind sharing some products here? I usually have to use a flash light at night.

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

@@chengyan3056 Diode Dynamics is a popular supplier among Subaru owners.

[@chuckwagn4192]

Can somebody from Subaru hire this guy already! These videos are worth more than my Onyx XT!

[@lazzaschumer4143]

Very informative. Rear Badge was annoying me until I saw your video - People must have thought I was just giving my car special attention. Good to know the dead battery process as well.

[@BarakTheWonderer]

Thank you :)

[@robertdunn9785]

There is a 6th option which is to set a pin code using the lift gate button.