What is the reason why the rear door of a Subaru Forester cannot be opened?
2 Answers
The reason why the rear door of a Subaru Forester cannot be opened is that the child lock is engaged. If the door can be opened from the outside but not from the inside, it means the child lock for that door was accidentally activated. Simply disengage the child lock to resolve the issue. Introduction to the child lock: The car child lock, also known as the door lock child safety feature, is located on the rear door locks. When you open the rear door, there is a small lever (safety mechanism) below the door lock. Move the lever toward the end with the child icon, then close the door. At this point, the door cannot be opened from the inside but can only be opened from the outside. Function of the child lock: Its purpose is to prevent active and unaware children from opening the door while the vehicle is in motion, thereby avoiding danger. In this case, the door can only be opened from the outside by an adult after the vehicle has stopped.
Recently, my Subaru Forester's rear door has also been having trouble opening, which is quite annoying. The most common issue is the child lock being activated. There's a small toggle switch on the edge of the door—if it's flipped to the locked position, the door won't open from the inside. Many owners forget to check this. Secondly, the door hinges might have deformed due to long-term use or rough roads, causing the door to jam. This is especially true for the Forester, which often runs off-road, where dirt and gravel can accumulate in the gaps, so regular cleaning is necessary. Additionally, if the door lock mechanism is rusted or stuck, a bit of lubricant spray might help, but avoid pulling hard to prevent further damage. Also, low battery power can affect the remote signal—try using the manual keyhole to unlock. If all else fails, I recommend checking the wiring under the car. Sometimes, rodents chew through the wires, causing a short circuit, which can be a hassle to fix and may require professional help. Regular maintenance with attention to dust and water protection can save a lot of trouble.
