If I recall correctly in my 2005 they were the type of clip that had a center that you pop out with a small flat screwdriver and then the clip comes out. If your clips weren't that type then I wonder if they were replaced with non-oem.

 

I keep a box of these around. They break frequently enough.

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Ah ha! Thnanks!

 

Might want to get a set that comes with the remover tool. I got this and love the tool that came with it:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HNFYRQQ/

 

Wouldn’t an interior panel tool work in conjunction with a screwdriver for removal?

 

Yes as others have said depending on the style of clip, you’ll either need a Phillips or flat head screwdriver to unscrew the center and then a trim removal tool to remove the actual clip. Most of the Subaru clips that “unscrew” require a Phillips but a few require a flat head. The rest just require the use of a trim tool as 7stars points out. You can use a flat head screwdriver but you’ll end up damaging the clip or more importantly what the clip is inserted into like a painted surface. I use one from Lisle.

35400 Door Upholstery Remover

For Plastic Fasteners.

www.lislecorp.com

It’s actually for removing door panels but I use it for all plastic clips. It’s a tool I use frequently. Much less likely to break clips, but still possible. As AWDFTW mentioned, they break frequently and very easily especially on a 15+ year old car.

I agree that it’s a good idea to keep an assortment of different sizes on hand. Subaru uses dozens of different sizes on the same car.

 

Yeah, just buy one of those kits that comes with the metal tool. Harbor Fright may have a set too. they are common and easy to buy.

Funny story about the engine cover, a few day's after bringing the car home from the dealership, I removed the engine cover, lost one of those clips, never put the cover back on. That was back in early July 2004.

 

I've used trim/panel tools for clips and it's either very tedious or it tends to break the clip. Then there's clips that panel tools have a hard time reaching, such as the clips around the wheel wells behind the mud guard holding the front bumper cover against the fender (the wheel well liner retainer and fender liner retainer in this diagram).

I guess a panel tool might work for you, but if you're getting a set of clips I would recommend getting the fastener removal tool. Since I got the tool I've rarely if ever broken a clip, besides the tool being much easier to work with compared to panel tools.