Where Is the Honda Hood Latch? How to Find and Release It on Most Models

On most Honda vehicles, the primary hood release lever is inside the cabin on the driver’s side, low under the dash near the kick panel or door jamb; pull it to pop the hood. Then, at the front of the vehicle, reach under the slightly raised hood and operate the secondary safety latch—typically centered above the grille near the Honda “H” emblem—to fully lift the hood. This setup applies to recent Civics, Accords, CR‑Vs, HR‑Vs, Pilots, Passports, Odysseys, Ridgelines, and most older Hondas, with minor location and motion differences by model and market (left- vs right-hand drive).

Step-by-Step: Opening a Honda Hood

The following steps cover the vast majority of Honda models sold in the last three decades, including Civic, Accord, CR‑V, HR‑V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Fit, Insight, and Clarity.

1. Park safely, set the parking brake, and switch the ignition off.
2. Find the interior hood release lever. In left-hand-drive markets, it’s usually to the lower left of the steering column, near the driver’s kick panel or door jamb, marked with a hood icon.
3. Pull the lever firmly until you hear a pop and see the hood rise slightly.
4. Go to the front of the vehicle. Slide your fingers under the front edge of the hood above the grille. Locate the secondary safety latch—typically at the center or slightly to the left—and push it sideways (often to the left) or lift it up, depending on model.
5. Lift the hood. Use the prop rod if equipped (commonly clipped near the front right of the bay) or let the gas struts hold the hood on newer models.
6. To close, lower the hood to about 8–12 inches above the latch and let it drop so it catches. Press down gently at the front to confirm it’s fully latched and flush.

These steps prevent damage to the latch and ensure the hood is secure before driving.

Where Exactly Is the Interior Lever? Common Locations

While the basic placement is consistent, small variations exist by body style, model year, and market. Use these cues if you’re hunting for the lever.

• Left-hand-drive cars (U.S./Canada): Low on the driver’s side, left of the steering wheel, near the kick panel or door jamb; sometimes just ahead of the seat rail on the floor edge.
• CR‑V and HR‑V (recent years): Under the left side of the dash near the fuel door release; look for a hood icon on a black handle.
• Odyssey, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: Lower left dash by the driver’s knee area, sometimes just to the left of the footrest; often near other small switches.
• Older Civics/Accords (1990s–2000s): Small black handle tucked in the left kick panel pocket close to the door sill.
• Right-hand-drive markets (UK, Japan, Australia): Mirrored placement—low on the driver’s side near the right kick panel and door jamb.
• If you still can’t spot it: Look for a lever with a hood icon near the fuel door lever, or consult the model’s owner’s manual for an exact diagram.

If the lever blends into dark trim, a flashlight helps; feeling along the panel edge often finds the handle quickly.

Finding and Releasing the Secondary Safety Latch

The safety latch prevents the hood from flying up if the primary latch fails. It’s always at the front edge of the hood, but the motion to release it varies slightly by model.

• Location: Typically just above the grille, behind or near the Honda “H” emblem; reach under the slightly raised hood lip after pulling the interior lever.
• Civic and Accord (approx. 2012–2025): Latch is near center; push the lever to the left while lifting the hood.
• CR‑V (2017–2024) and HR‑V (2016–2025): Latch tab may lift upward rather than sideways; look for a small metal or yellow-marked tab.
• Odyssey (2011–2025) and Pilot (2016–2025): Latch is near center; push sideways (often toward the passenger side) to release.
• Ridgeline (2017–2024): Latch sits slightly left of center; push left to free it.

If the latch feels sticky, a short burst of penetrating lubricant on the mechanism—applied carefully through the grille—can help on an older vehicle.

Model-Specific Notes

Civic

Interior lever: driver’s left kick panel area; safety latch near center, typically push left. Hatchbacks and sedans are the same. Newer generations often have gas struts on higher trims.

Accord

Interior lever: low left dash near door jamb; safety latch near center; push left. Consistent across recent generations.

CR‑V

Interior lever: left of steering column near fuel door lever; safety latch often lifts up. Space behind grille is tight—feel for the tab.

HR‑V/Fit

Interior lever: low left dash/kick panel; safety latch typically center and lifts up or pushes left depending on year.

Pilot/Passport

Interior lever: left knee area; safety latch near center, push sideways. Hood is heavier—ensure it’s fully supported.

Odyssey

Interior lever: low left dash near driver’s door; safety latch near center, push sideways toward passenger side on many years.

Ridgeline

Interior lever: driver’s lower left dash; safety latch slightly left of center, push left while lifting.

Troubleshooting if the Hood Won’t Open

If the hood doesn’t pop after pulling the interior lever or the safety latch won’t budge, try these remedies before calling for service.

1. Have a helper press down on the hood’s front edge while you pull the interior lever, then release—this can free a sticky primary latch.
2. Pull the interior lever firmly until you hear the pop; verify the cable is moving by feeling for resistance.
3. Spray a small amount of penetrating oil onto the latch through the grille; wait a few minutes and try again.
4. If the cable is stretched: pull the interior lever with one hand and tug the exposed cable sheathing forward with pliers at the lever base (gently).
5. If the cable has snapped: access the latch from below with the car securely raised, or through the grille/emblem area, and manually trip the latch—consult a service manual to avoid damage.
6. In freezing weather: warm the latch area to thaw ice; do not pry the hood, which can bend the aluminum panel.

Persistent issues usually point to a frayed cable or corroded latch—both are inexpensive fixes but may require professional access if the hood is stuck closed.

Safety and Maintenance Tips

Keeping the hood latch clean and functional prevents stuck-hood scenarios and ensures safety at speed.

• Clean and lubricate the latch mechanism annually with white lithium grease after washing or servicing.
• Confirm the hood is fully latched after closing—check for flush alignment and give a gentle tug.
• Inspect the prop rod clip or struts periodically; weak struts should be replaced promptly.
• After a front-end collision or grille replacement, have the latch alignment checked.
• If your dashboard shows a hood-ajar warning, stop and re-latch the hood before driving.

Basic care helps avoid both nuisance issues and potential safety hazards.

Summary

The Honda hood latch is a two-part system: pull the interior lever low on the driver’s side to pop the hood, then release the safety latch at the front center above the grille to lift it. Placement and motion are nearly universal across modern Hondas, with minor differences by model and market. If the latch sticks, use lubrication and the “press-down-and-pull” trick, and service the latch and cable if problems persist.

Where is the hood release latch located?

The hood release latch is typically located inside the vehicle, near the driver’s side dashboard, often on the left side or under the steering wheel. It may be a lever or a button. You’ll need to pull the lever or press the button to release the hood from inside, and then go to the front of the car to find the secondary latch under the hood to fully open it. 
This video demonstrates how to locate the hood release lever in a typical car: 38sLearned From DadYouTube · Aug 10, 2024
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Locate the internal release: Look for a lever or button, often near the driver’s side kick panel or under the dashboard, close to where your left foot would be. 
2. Activate the release: Pull the lever or press the button to disengage the primary hood latch. 
3. Find the secondary latch: Go to the front of the car. The hood will likely pop up slightly. You’ll need to locate and release a secondary latch, usually under the hood, near the center or grille area, to fully open it. 
4. Lift the hood: With the secondary latch released, you can now fully lift the hood. 

Where is the hood latch on a Honda CRV?

To open the hood of a Honda CR-V, first pull the interior release lever located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Then, go to the front of the vehicle and, under the hood near the Honda emblem, locate a smaller secondary latch to the left. Slide your fingers in and push the latch to the right to release it, and then you can lift the hood open. 
Step-by-step instructions:

1. Locate the Interior Latch: Open the driver’s side door and look down in the driver’s footwell area. You will find a lever, often marked with a hood icon, to the left. 
2. Pull the Lever: Pull this lever toward you to release the hood from the latch. You should hear a pop, indicating the hood is unlatched from the interior. 
3. Go to the Front of the Car: Walk to the front of the vehicle and stand in the center. 
4. Find the Secondary Latch: Slide your hand between the hood and the front grille. Feel for a small lever under the hood, just to the left of the Honda emblem. 
5. Release the Latch: With your fingers, push this secondary latch to the right. 
6. Open the Hood: While pushing the secondary latch, lift the hood up. 
7. Secure the Prop Rod: Lift the hood completely, and then secure the prop rod in its designated slot to keep the hood open. 

How to unlatch a Honda hood?

Slip your left hand under the hood. And move the lever to the right then just lift up the hood grab the support rod by the foam rubber handle. And insert it to the receptacle in the hood.

Where is the hood latch for a Honda?

Pull the handle twice to fully unlatch the hood. There’s no need to look for a latch under the hood. To close the hood lower it partway and use medium force with both hands to close it.