Subaru Outback rear hatch latch issue not resolved after battery disconnect and reconnect on Subaru Outback

Some Subaru Outback owners report experiencing persistent rear hatch latch issues even after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. These problems may arise despite attempts to reset the electronic rear latch mechanism by holding the exterior latch button for 10 seconds, which is intended to re-lock the latch for normal operation. Additionally, some owners find that the system requires proper initialization by ensuring the rear gate is fully closed, yet this does not always resolve the malfunction. It is crucial for owners to identify the underlying causes of the latch issues, as neglecting them can lead to more significant problems in the future. Some have also reported needing to inspect the keyless entry system, which may involve checking the battery in the remote or the associated fuse, as a lack of response from the key fob could indicate the need for a reset or repair.