Can I tighten the lift gate door latch on my 2014 subaru outback? It squeaks and carries on like I'm carrying a load of Styrofoam around.

Was your car in an accident? I have a 2010 Subaru Outback and have never heard any noises like that in my car. Did you purchase your car new?

Yes, I purchased the car brand new and it now has 35,000 miles on it, as I am a soccer Mom to two boys. My car has never been in a wreck of any kind. This annoying squeak/rattle started really bugging me about 2 months ago or so, but I am so busy, I just never ran it into the shop. I'm hoping for a quick tightening of a bolt somewhere.

Laurie, check out the following, it could be one of several things, 1) make sure that the middle seat back, cargo cover and tie downs are secure. 2) check the tailgate latch and ensure that its not rattling around when you drive , 3) check for any seat belt that might be causing this noise. Good luck.

Other than that, I imagine that you like the car? Do you have the Four or Six cylinder with the automatic transmission?

Laurie, did you find the source of the noise?

It is definitely the back lift gate door. I can stand behind the car and push down on it when it is already shut and I can hear the squeaky noise.

I would take to the dealership and see if they can help you. Your car is pretty new. I mean, they have an interest in keeping you happy. They likely service your car and ultimately want you to consider getting another Outback. My 2010 does that have any problem, it's 4 years older than your model and has 70,000 miles. Yes, I understand how annoying that noise would be while your driving.

Thanks folks, I am still under warranty and took it into the dealership . The lift gate needed adjustment and they ordered a new seal.

Laurie, that's great! Enjoy your car, I sure do. Do you have the 2.5 Four cylinder with the CVT transmission? I have it and love it. Great fuel mileage and responsive engine.

Yes, the same one. I have to travel an extremely steep grade through snow and ice to get to work everyday all winter and it never spins a wheel. I feel very safe in my car!

Laurie, thanks. I noticed that in the Subaru Outback owner's manual these cars cannot use chains in the snow. I've heard that in the mountains, authorities just wave these cars past check points. Also, it's great to hear that despite the fact that you live in the mountains, you find the Four cylinder engine has enough power. Initially when I went looking for this car I imagined needing the H6 engine, but, after I went for a test drive I thought the car had plenty of power for my needs. We have a small teardrop trailer that tow with our Outback and have taken that to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. So, we've had some experience in the mountains with this car and it seemed fine to me as well. But, I don't live in the mountains. Here's a picture of our trailer with the car. The trailer is only 900 pounds fully loaded and made of fiberglass composite material. Since the Outback can tow 2,700 pounds, this is easy for the car. I discovered that the larger engine can only tow 3,000 pounds so its only a marginal difference of an extra 300 pounds tow capacity.

Oh, your Outback is blue, too! So is mine. It's true, I've come to Snoqualmie Pass, when chains were required. All traffic was stopped and the State Patrol had a check point set up looking for violators. I was waved on through without chains. I didn't have my studded tires on yet either and we made it just fine. Yep, a good car in the snow for sure. Cute trailer. Reminds me of the little fiberglass Scamp trailer that my Mom used to have.