2002 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 115

J Internal trunk lid release handle The internal trunk lid release handle is a device designed to open the trunk lid from inside the trunk. In the event children or adults become locked inside the trunk, the handle allows them to open the lid. The handle is located on the inside of the trunk lid. WARNING Never allow any child to get in the trunk and play with the release handle. If the driver starts the vehicle without knowing that a child is inside the trunk and the child opens the lid using the release handle, the child could fall out and be killed or seriously injured. D Do not close the lid while gripping the release handle. The handle may be damaged. D Do not use the handle as a hook to fasten straps or ropes to secure your cargo in the trunk. Such use may result in damage of the handle. D Load the trunk so that cargo can not strike the release handle. If the cargo hits the handle while the vehicle is being driven, the handle may be pushed down and the trunk lid may open. That may cause cargo to fall out of the trunk, which could create a traffic safety hazard. CAUTION 2-26