October 9, 201510 yr the handle broke off and pretty rusty.the hatch is closed.best way to get hatch open and repair.i have a new handle
October 9, 201510 yr What year/model? Try and grab a piece of the handle that broke with needle-nose pliers and pull (makes sure hatch is unlocked). If there's nothing left of the handle stem to grab, climb back into the hatch and carefully pull the plastic panel off, starting at the window as it's easier to get fingers between the plastic and the glass. Technically, you don't even need to pull the entire thing. Just enough that you can get your had behind it. Use a light if you pull it back a bit and look for the rod the handle was connected to (it might be laying loose or possibly fell to the bottom) and pull on it. Hatch should open. If you can't find the rod, you know the striker latch is at the bottom of hatch, so you'll have to reach down and find the lever for it and pull. The plastic panel is just held on with barbed upholstery tabs (at least it is on 95'-98' Legacy wagons). Make sure they are inserted back into their slots (if you remove the entire thing) and align with the holes and press. Make sure al holes are aligned or it'll bend the tab and panel won't sit flush. If you break/loose and of the barbed tabs, you can replacements at Auto Zone. Just take one of yours with you so you know to get the correct ones.
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