Brake Light Problems of Subaru Legacy

I recently noticed that some elements of my rear hatch on my Subaru Legacy wagon were not working. Specifically, the lights that illuminate the license plate, the rear defroster, center brake light, hatch locking mechanism, and radio antenna were not working. An inspection of the area where the wires enter the hatch door from the body of the vehicle reveals that several of the wires in the harness were broken completely with some wires in various states of deterioration. I believe this is an unusual failure and not a typical wear item. I am concerned as I have lost the ability to properly lock and secure my vehicle, to clear frost and ice from the rear glass for proper visibility, lost the ability to illuminate my license plate which could result in being pulled over by law enforcement. Over time, continued deterioration will result in the inability to use my rear wiper and reverse lights. They're seems to be a defect with the wiring used in this area. It was not capable of withstanding normal use repetitions of opening and closing the hatch door. There are many members of the Subaru Legacy and outback communities that have had this issue occur. I believe that this will happen to all Subaru Legacy or outback models 05-09 given enough time.

See all problems of the 2005 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

Wires that go to the rear hatch for the wiper and third brake light are severed after repeated opening/closing of rear hatch and affect the functionality.

Rear windshield wiper stopped working causing very limited visibility out of rear window during inclement weather. I discovered the connecting harness on the passenger side rear that controls the rear wiper and brake lights damaged where it passes from the car body to rear tailgate. The grommett does not seem to be serving its purpose and the wiring harness does not seem durable enough. This can create a very dangerous combination.

This 2005 Subaru Legacy is a station wagon with power door locks, the back lift gate wiring harness on the passenger side has torn the electrical wires within the flexible boot mounted on the top of the car between the body and the rear hatch. As a result it is no longer possible to lock and secure the rear hatch back door of the station wagon. The wires within the wiring harness are just to short and have ripped themselves apart in addition the rear high mount brake light is also no longer functioning.