I have 2 1997 OBW's. The rear hatch won't open on one. Any suggestions on how to get it open? TIA

It's funny you ask, as I JUST fixed the one on our car.

 

What usually happens is the handle doesn't return all the way, and when you unlock the car the rear lock won't unlock because the handle isn't fully returned.

 

The handle needs to be cleaned and lubricated regularly. I clean it at the car wash and then spray it with white lithium.

 

Try that first and if it doesn't fix it we can explore other options.

Just a complement to 99obw answer.

Lock the hatch, push on the handle all the way towards the hatch, unlock only then, pull on the handle. If it works, do what 99obw told you to do.

Thanks much for the quick responses. I will check it out

And if it doesn't work, do a search for "hatch latch" and follow the great instructions posted by Commuter for replacing the whole rusted mess. I managed it on my 96 Legacy, and I'm a mechanical moron.

I've noticed the same thing with my '01- gonna have to look for that thread...

 

Seems to be a very common problem.