
Subaru trunk cannot be opened after a power failure for the following reasons: Linkage rod or lock cylinder problem: If you often use the key to open the trunk lid, it may be due to a broken linkage rod. You should go to a repair shop to have it opened. If you have always used the remote control to open the trunk lid, the lock cylinder may be dirty or rusty. Spraying rust remover into the lock cylinder a few times can help open it. Not unlocked: If the remote key is not used to unlock the trunk, it will be difficult to open. Before opening, it is best to press the unlock button on the key or check if the key battery is dead. Mechanical part failure: The trunk itself may have issues, such as a broken wire or other trunk-related problems that prevent it from opening.

The Subaru's trunk won't open after a power loss mainly because the trunk lock relies on the vehicle's electrical system for power. Once the battery is disconnected, the electronic lock loses power and becomes inoperable, rendering the button or remote control unresponsive. Many Subaru models, such as the Forester or Outback, are designed with an emergency manual trunk release mechanism, typically located inside the trunk or near the rear seats. You can try accessing the rear seats from inside the car, lifting the seat to find a small pull ring or latch hole, and pulling it to mechanically open the trunk. Additionally, check if the issue is caused by a loose battery connection or a completely dead battery; using the spare physical key to insert into the trunk keyhole can also unlock it. If power loss issues recur frequently, it may be necessary to inspect the battery's lifespan or the charging system. During daily driving, familiarizing yourself with your car's emergency release location is crucial for quick resolution in emergencies, avoiding inconvenience and safety hazards. Regular battery maintenance can prevent such failures.

When I first got my Subaru, I encountered the embarrassing situation of not being able to open the trunk due to a power outage. Once, after parking, I wanted to retrieve my luggage, but the button malfunctioned—the battery was drained, causing the trunk's electronic system to fail. Fortunately, a friend told me that Subarus generally have a manual trunk release feature, often located as a small hole or pull ring on the inner trunk wall inside the car. You just need to crawl into the back seat and pull it to open. Alternatively, you can use the physical key that comes with the car to directly unlock the trunk keyhole. Remember, electronic locks are completely useless during a power outage, so battery condition is crucial—older batteries are prone to causing such issues. I recommend owners always keep a spare key outside the car and familiarize themselves with the release location by practicing the operation a few times. Since then, I’ve always kept a key handy and haven’t been stuck again—this little tip has saved me a lot of hassle.

The inability to open a Subaru's trunk after a power outage is typically caused by electronic lock failure. Since the trunk system operates on electricity, power loss causes it to lock and become unresponsive. Many models are equipped with manual trunk emergency release mechanisms, such as hidden pull loops inside the trunk or access holes near the rear seats. Familiarizing yourself with these locations allows you to operate the trunk from inside the vehicle, bypassing the malfunction. For safety purposes, knowing these backup methods can prevent being trapped if urgent trunk access is required.


