I know that the push button start models have a touch sensitive spot on the outside door handle that locks the car, does the key based ignition have that?

 

Nope.

 

You should set up your PIN code access so you can still unlock it in situations like that. That button is located on the rear hatch door.

 

In the US, I think the PIN access is only on the Limited trim. If they had the key in the ignition, then they don't have the Limited trim.

EDIT: The comparison part of Subaru's website makes it sound like PIN access is only on the Limited. The manual makes no mention of it being an optional feature... So I might be wrong.

 

Then I have no ideas. Hopefully someone else can solve this.

 

The car shouldn't lock with the key inside. Mine doesn't. I've tried. Whether the key is in the ignition or not, the doors won't lock with the key inside the car.

 

Unless you disable the FOB, even by accident. I can lock my doors with the keys (FOB) inside. I did that just to test it out. Even had a scary moment, where I was able to unlock the car, but still couldn't start it (FOB was disabled). Quick check in the manual allowed me to rectify that.

 

We are talking about key model which doesn't have a FOB.

With the key in the ignition, the button on your door shouldn't allow you to lock. It will pop back unlock if you try. Therefore you can only lock it from the outside if:

When you close the door, the button on the door got triggered and lock the doors

While you were outside, something interfered with the lock button on your key/simulated the lock signal from your key

You have another key and press the lock from the outside.

The anti-lock mechanism is broken and doesn't stop you from locking the door with the key in the ignition.