RX330 2004 rear gate will only open with the key, not with hand latch.

SOURCE: Latch for hatch of my '07 Subaru is closed with gate open

Unfortunately, you will have to remove the panel of the door, Use flathead screwdriver to pry open. It is very likely the spring fell off.

SOURCE: rear door lactch will not open but other doors do

I have the same issue on my 2002 Escape. I hear the cylinder motors engaging on the doors but not the liftgate so all I can assume is the wiring loom on the passenger side upper corner of the liftgate needs attention. That is where the wiring is for the door motor that releases the window and gate. I will post again after I solve this. 6/28/2009

SOURCE: rear tail gate will not open

how to i open a stuck lift garte on a ford winstar 2000 lock broken too

SOURCE: rx330 won't open rear gate

Inside the glove box on the left side there is an on/off switch, which m,ay have been bumped off thereby shutting off the power controls to the hatch. Check that first. Then press the unlock button on your key twice, then test all 3 power hatch buttons to test them, one each on lower left dash by the gas cap door release, one on fob and the one at the hatch. If they still do not work it is possible your door may need to be 'initialized" by your dealer due to power failure. I have seen this with seats and windows but never with the rear door....

SOURCE: 2004 ford freestar rear hatch latch broken

have you fixed yours yet? mine started doing this last year