I recently read in your column about someone who had problems with creaking noises from the rear of their Subaru Forester. I had similar noises in my 2007 model a few years ago, which my helpful local dealer fixed by closing the cargo blind. I felt a bit silly but was relieved that there was no expensive repair bill.
It's always a good idea to check for a simple answer before assuming it's going to be an expensive fix. Can save red faces all round.