NHTSA Complaint #11466358 — 2021 SUBARU ASCENT

April 25, 2022: The trunk/liftgate of the vehicle failed to detect an obstruction and closed without retracting when it came in contact with an individual's head. The impact caused a head injury, blackout, and concussion, and resulted in permanent damage to an individual (6' 2" - 190lbs). Subaru’s stated that an inspection of the vehicle was performed on May 19th and informed me that “the vehicle is operating as designed…and has met all federal specifications,” and that their inspection concluded that this is “no manufacturing defect.” Prior to the inspection, Subaru requested signed consent to inspect the vehicle's internal data which I provided. When I requested a copy of the report, Subaru informed me of their policy not to share this information despite the vehicle "operating as designed." One of the first things that we learn about computers is “Garbage in, garbage out.” My position is that if Subaru’s computers are not programmed to look for issues pertaining to incidents that contradict their message of superior safety features, then their computers will not find issues that do not reflect their preferred image. No warning messages or symptoms prior to this occurrence. Subaru's response is included in this report.