[cardoc]

If it is the way I think it is, before the change up (04/05), you can get a screwdriver in the latch assembly and release it, then repair the seat.

Get in from the rear and you should see the latch for the seat about 8" down against the wheel hump in the same line as the rear shoulder belt.

 

[cardoc]

Probably remove the back cover. I haven't had to take one apart.

Here's and exploded view, kinda.

 

[cardoc]

100s of thousands of miles put on my Outbacks and I have never had a pull knob come loose or break.

This just may be a first and you've succeeded in repair without replacement parts. Free repair is a good repair. :29: