The 3rd (highmount) brake light is shown as being an LED brake light in the owner's manual, and so they don't show how to replace the bulb (since there isn't one...). As a result there's no guidance on replacing the whole assembly, either.

I have noticed that there is a little slot/opening on the lower-left corner of the red plastic - perhaps to let water/condensation out? But it wasn't obvious to me how to remove the piece.

 

I wonder if that opening is for wiper fluid. I can tell it's one whole piece, I'm just wondering on how to get it off.

 

I found out how to do it by downloading the document from the Subaru site:


1 Locate the rear gate upper trim.
(on the inside of the gate/hatch under the light)
2 Release the holding tabs in the trim end.
3 Disconnect the tabs in the center of trim, and remove the rear gate upper trim.
4 Remove the nuts and take out the high-mounted stop light toward vehicle rear.
5 Disconnect the connector and remove the high-mounted stop light.

 

I had to do this this weekend... This thread helped me out. I did a write-up with pictures here for anybody who is interested.

 

Anybody know where you can get an assembly replacement besides the dealer? I'm having trouble finding anything on the internet.

 

subaruonlineparts.com has them (checked using my 2011 as an example but 2010-2014 should be the same). This is actually a dealer but they sell online and at a discount compared to list price.

 

try a local bone yard.
don't over tighten on installation.
put some sealant under the gasket to prevent leaks down the road.

 

try a local bone yard.
don't over tighten on installation.
put some sealant under the gasket to prevent leaks down the road.

↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑

That. Or it will start to leak (or start to leak again). The OEM seal seems to really suck. Clean surfaces very well before you put it on. You can use an outdoor rated or good quality bathroom caulking (comes in multiple colors - I chose black).