hatchback trim removal
I have some problems with my rear wiper too. It doesn't clean the glass over the range. I tried to see what was wrong so I removed the panel. I wasn't able to remedy the situation but I can tell you about removing that panel:
A trim tool should be used. As I remember, start at the top (towards roof and around the glass) and work those clips first and then work your way down. Don't forget the screws on that dangling strap handle, and I think another underneath that small oval cover-plate on the sill. On mine, '99 4 door, the bottom was stuck so I pulled hard in frustration. I found that there are molded in hangers, like hooks, that hang the bottom portion to the metal. So be careful not to break these as I did! I Shoe-gooed mine back together, but that took time. So, once you remove the upper fasteners with a trim tool (I used a Stanley Wonderbar with tape on it before I bought a trim tool) you will want to slide the panel upwards and out; this is not shown or talked about in the Haynes manual, unfortunately/////