Where to Find the Hood Release on a Honda

The hood release in most Honda vehicles is a small lever with a hood icon located low on the driver’s side, near the left knee or footwell; pull it once to pop the hood, then reach under the front edge of the hood to slide the secondary safety latch and lift. This two-step setup is consistent across recent Honda models, though exact placement of the under-hood latch can be slightly left or right of center.

How Honda’s Hood Releases Work

Honda uses a two-stage system to prevent the hood from opening while driving: an interior release lever and a secondary safety latch under the hood’s leading edge. Knowing both locations is key to opening the hood quickly and safely.

Step-by-Step: Opening the Hood on Most Hondas

The following steps outline the typical process you’ll use on modern Honda sedans, SUVs, vans, and trucks.

1. Sit in the driver’s seat and locate the interior hood release lever low on the left side, near the door/kick panel or under the dashboard. Look for a lever marked with a hood icon.
2. Pull the lever once. You should hear the hood pop slightly and lift a fraction of an inch.
3. Go to the front of the vehicle and slide your fingers under the front edge of the hood, near the center (sometimes slightly to the left or right of center). Feel for a spring-loaded safety latch.
4. Move the latch sideways (direction varies by model, usually toward the driver’s side) or lift it upward, then raise the hood.
5. Support the hood with the prop rod (typically clipped along the front edge or underside of the hood) and insert it into the marked hole. Some newer or higher-trim Hondas use gas struts and do not require a prop rod.

These steps cover the vast majority of Hondas; if your latch feels different, the motion is still a simple slide or lift of a spring tab while you raise the hood.

Typical Locations by Popular Honda Models

While the overall process is the same, these are common patterns for interior levers and the secondary latch across Honda’s lineup.

• Civic (all recent generations): Interior lever low on the driver’s left kick panel; secondary latch under the front edge, around the center line, sometimes slightly offset.
• Accord: Interior lever low left of the steering column near the door; secondary latch near the center of the grille/hood seam.
• CR‑V and HR‑V: Interior lever at the driver’s left footwell; secondary latch slightly left- or right-of-center under the hood’s leading edge.
• Pilot and Passport: Interior lever low on the driver’s side; secondary latch near the center, accessible just above the emblem area.
• Odyssey: Interior lever low by the driver’s door jamb; secondary latch near centerline at the hood’s front lip.
• Ridgeline: Interior lever at the driver’s left knee area; secondary latch near the center of the hood front edge.
• Older Hondas: Lever still near the driver’s lower dash/kick panel; secondary latch almost always centered.
• Right-hand-drive markets: The lever remains on the driver’s side of the cabin (right side), positioned similarly low near the door/kick panel.

If your model differs slightly, the lever will still be on the driver’s side inside the cabin, and the safety latch will be under the hood’s front edge within a hand’s width of center.

If You Can’t Find or Operate the Release

Quick checks

Before assuming something is broken, try these common-sense checks to locate or free the hood releases.

• Use a flashlight to scan the driver’s left kick panel and under-dash area for a lever with a hood icon.
• Don’t confuse it with the fuel door or trunk releases; those are often adjacent and clearly labeled.
• Slide the driver’s seat back and crouch; some levers sit very low against the carpeted trim.
• At the hood, feel along the center 12–18 inches of the front edge; the safety latch is a small spring tab.
• If the latch feels stiff, press the hood down gently with one hand while moving the latch with the other to relieve tension.

These tips usually resolve simple “can’t find it” or “feels stuck” issues without tools.

When the cable or latch is stuck

If the hood still won’t open, the cable or latch may be dry, dirty, or out of adjustment. Try the following in order.

• Have a helper pull and hold the interior lever while you press down and release on the hood’s front edge to free the catch.
• Gently wiggle the grille/hood edge while sliding the safety latch; avoid prying hard to prevent damage.
• Spray a light penetrating lubricant through the grille toward the latch mechanism, then try again after a few minutes.
• From below, remove the front lower splash shield (if accessible) to reach and trip the latch directly.
• If the interior cable has snapped, you may be able to grasp the latch arm with long-nose pliers through the grille opening to release it.
• If none of these work, seek a qualified technician to avoid bending the hood or grille.

Persistent resistance usually points to a dry or misaligned latch; once opened, clean and lubricate the latch and cable end to prevent recurrence.

Safety Notes

Opening and supporting the hood safely protects you and the vehicle. Keep these points in mind.

• Never drive with the hood ajar; ensure it clicks fully shut and tug upward to confirm.
• Use the prop rod correctly or confirm gas struts hold firmly before letting go.
• Avoid hot components; let the engine cool if you’re checking coolant or hoses.
• Keep fingers clear of latch pinch points when lowering the hood.
• After service, clean and lightly lubricate the latch to maintain smooth operation.

Taking a moment to set the hood securely prevents accidental closures and protects hands and components.

Summary

On nearly all Hondas, the hood release lever is low on the driver’s side near the left knee/footwell; pull it once, then slide the secondary safety latch under the hood’s front edge—usually near the center—to lift the hood. If the latch is hard to find or stuck, use gentle pressure on the hood, a flashlight, and light lubrication as needed, and secure the hood with the prop rod or struts before working under it.

How do I open the hood of my Honda?

To open the hood of a Honda, first pull the release lever located on the lower left side of the dashboard, near the driver’s seat. Then, go to the front of the car, locate the secondary safety latch under the edge of the hood (often just to the left of center), and push or pull it to the side to release the hood. Finally, lift the hood to the desired height, securing it with the support rod or allowing the hydraulic struts to hold it open.
 
Step-by-step guide:

1. Park the vehicle: Ensure the car is on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged. 
2. Find the interior release lever: Look under the dashboard on the driver’s side, near the pedals. The lever is often marked with an image of a hood. 
3. Pull the lever: Pull the lever toward you to release the primary latch. The hood should pop up slightly. 
4. Locate the secondary latch: Go to the front of the vehicle and reach under the edge of the hood, typically on the driver’s side, slightly to the left of the center. 
5. Release the secondary latch: Push or pull the small lever or tab to the side (usually to the right or toward the driver’s side). 
6. Lift the hood: With the latch released, lift the hood fully. 
7. Secure the hood: Insert the support rod into its designated slot, or allow the gas struts to hold the hood open. 

Tips:

• If the hood doesn’t pop up after pulling the lever, gently tap the hood from the inside while pulling the lever again, which can help release a stuck latch. 
• When closing the hood, remove the support rod from the clamp, stow it, and then gently lower the hood. 

Where is the hood release on a Honda CRV?

To open the hood of a Honda CR-V, first, pull the primary release lever located inside the driver’s side footwell, typically near the left side of the dashboard. Then, move to the front of the car and slide your hand under the center of the hood to locate and pull or push the secondary safety latch. This will release the hood, allowing you to lift it open.
 
This video shows how to open the hood of a Honda CR-V: 1mCambridge Centre HondaYouTube · Aug 8, 2023
Steps to Open the Hood

1. 1. Locate the primary lever: . Opens in new tabSit in the driver’s seat and look down at the lower corner of the dashboard, on the left side of your feet. 
2. 2. Pull the lever: . Opens in new tabFind the lever, which often has an icon of a car with its hood open, and pull it toward you to unlatch the hood slightly. 
3. 3. Find the secondary latch: . Opens in new tabGo to the front of the vehicle. 
4. 4. Release the safety catch: . Opens in new tabReach under the hood, between the hood and the grille, and find the secondary latch. 
5. 5. Lift the hood: . Opens in new tabPush or pull this secondary latch to unhook it, then lift the hood to open it fully. 
6. 6. Secure the hood: . Opens in new tabNewer models use hydraulic supports, which will hold the hood up automatically. Older models may require a prop rod to keep the hood open. 

Important Tips

• Set the parking brake: Always ensure the vehicle is on a level surface with the parking brake set before opening the hood. 
• Check for the icon: The primary release lever often has a small picture of a car with its hood open. 
• Be gentle: If the hood doesn’t pop open, try pushing down on the front of the hood while pulling the lever. 

Where is the hood release button located?

The hood release lever is typically located inside the car, near the driver’s side, under the dashboard or in the kick panel area. Once located, pull the lever to release the hood, which will then pop open slightly. You will then need to go to the front of the car and manually lift the hood and secure it with a prop rod. 
This video demonstrates how to locate and activate the hood release lever inside the car: 30sGenuine Automotive & Diesel One, LLCYouTube · May 2, 2024
Detailed Steps:

1. Locate the hood release lever: It’s usually found near the driver’s side, either under the dashboard or in the kick panel area. Some cars may have it under the steering wheel. 
2. Pull the lever: Once you’ve located the lever, pull it firmly to activate the hood latch. 
3. Go to the front of the car: The hood will pop open slightly. 
4. Release the secondary latch: You’ll need to locate a second latch, usually a small lever or tab under the hood, near the front center. 
5. Lift the hood: Once the secondary latch is released, you can fully lift the hood. 
6. Secure with the prop rod: Most cars have a prop rod that you can use to hold the hood open. Find its location and secure it. 

This video shows how to find and operate the hood latch located at the front of the car: 1mGet There FasterYouTube · Feb 28, 2022

Where is the hood latch on a Honda Accord?

To open the hood of a Honda Accord, pull the primary release handle located in the cabin on the driver’s side, near the left foot. Then, go to the front of the vehicle, slide your hand under the hood, find the secondary safety latch in the center, and pull or push it to the side to release the hood completely.
 
Steps to Open the Hood

1. Set the parking brake: and park on a level surface for accurate fluid readings. 
2. Open the driver’s door: and locate the hood release handle. 
3. Pull the release handle: towards you to pop the hood slightly. 
4. Go to the front of the vehicle: and look under the front edge of the hood. 
5. Find the secondary safety latch—: it is often to the left of the center or near the Honda logo. 
6. Slide your hand: under the hood and find the latch. 
7. Push the latch lever: up or to the side to unlatch the hood. 
8. Lift the hood: and secure it with the support rod.