Where to Find the Honda Odyssey’s Hood Release—and How to Open the Hood

On Honda Odyssey models sold in North America from 1999 through 2025, the hood release handle is inside the cabin on the driver’s side, mounted low under the dashboard near the left kick panel/door jamb. Pull this lever—marked with a hood icon—to pop the hood, then reach under the front edge of the hood (near the center above the grille) to move the secondary safety latch and lift the hood. Below, you’ll find model-year specifics, step-by-step opening instructions, and what to try if the latch is stuck.

Where to Look: Location by Model Year

2018–2025 (5th generation)

The hood release handle sits at the lower left edge of the dashboard, just ahead of the driver’s door and close to the left kick panel. It’s a black pull handle with a stylized car/hood icon. After pulling it, walk to the front and operate the secondary latch located under the front lip of the hood near the center.

2011–2017 (4th generation)

Look low on the driver’s side, under the dash near the kick panel and to the left of the steering column, typically a few inches above or forward of the foot-operated parking brake area. Pull the handle until you hear the hood pop, then release the safety catch at the front center of the hood.

2005–2010 (3rd generation)

The release is low and left of the driver’s footwell, near the door jamb. It’s easy to reach when seated; pull firmly to pop the hood. The secondary latch is centered under the front edge of the hood.

1999–2004 (2nd generation)

The lever is in the same general spot: low on the driver’s side beneath the dash by the kick panel. Pull to pop the hood, then work the safety catch at the front center and lift.

Right-hand-drive markets

On right-hand-drive versions (driver on the right), the release handle is in the driver’s footwell on the right side of the cabin, still low under the dashboard near the kick panel.

How to Open the Hood Safely

The following steps apply to all Odyssey generations and will help you open the hood without damaging the latch or cable.

1. Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake. Turn off the engine.
2. Sit in the driver’s seat and locate the hood release handle low under the dash, near the left kick panel. Pull it firmly until you hear the hood pop.
3. Go to the front of the vehicle. Slide your fingers under the front edge of the hood near the center above the grille/H emblem to find the safety latch lever.
4. Move the safety latch in the direction indicated by the small arrow on the latch (commonly upward or to the side) while lifting the hood slightly.
5. Raise the hood fully. If your Odyssey uses a prop rod, secure the rod in the marked hole on the hood. If equipped with gas struts, verify the hood is supported before letting go.

Once open, make sure the hood is securely propped or supported before working in the engine bay. To close, remove the prop rod (if equipped), lower the hood to about 8–12 inches above the latch, and let it drop to latch securely; press down lightly to confirm it’s locked.

If the Hood Won’t Open

If the lever feels stiff, the hood only pops slightly, or the latch seems stuck, these practical checks can help you free it without causing damage.

• Have a helper press down on the hood above the latch while you pull the interior handle, then release together—this can unload a sticky latch.
• Spray a small amount of penetrating lubricant at the latch area through the grille; wait a few minutes and try again.
• Gently push the hood down and release it a few times after pulling the interior lever to encourage the safety catch to free.
• In freezing weather, warm the latch area with safe, moderate heat or pour warm (not boiling) water over the latch to melt ice.
• Verify you’re pulling the correct handle—the hood release has a hood icon. Some vehicles have other nearby levers (e.g., fuel door on older models).
• If the cable is slack or broken, access the latch from underneath or through the grille with a long flat screwdriver to move the latch pawl; if unsure, seek professional help to avoid damaging the grille or latch.

If these steps fail, consult the owner’s manual for your model year and consider a qualified technician—continuing to force the lever or pry the hood can bend the latch or cable bracket.

Summary

The Honda Odyssey’s hood release handle is inside the driver’s footwell under the dashboard, low and to the left near the kick panel. Pull it to pop the hood, then release the secondary latch at the center front edge to raise the hood. The exact lever placement is consistent across 1999–2025 models, with only minor trim-year differences, and the opening process is the same across generations.

How to pop the hood on a 2012 Honda Odyssey?

To open the hood of a 2012 Honda Odyssey, first pull the hood release lever located inside the vehicle, under the dashboard to the left of the driver’s footwell. Then, go to the front of the van and reach under the hood, near the Honda emblem, to find and push the secondary latch to the side to fully open it.
 
This video shows how to open the hood of a Honda Odyssey: 54sVirar AutomotiveYouTube · Jul 18, 2023
Steps to Open the Hood

1. 1. Locate the Interior Release Lever: Open the driver’s door and look down by your left foot. You will find a lever or handle. 
2. 2. Pull the Interior Lever: Pull this handle towards you to release the primary latch. The hood will pop up slightly. 
3. 3. Find the Secondary Latch: Go to the front of the van. Look under the front edge of the hood, specifically near the center and the Honda emblem. 
4. 4. Release the Secondary Latch: Feel for a small lever or latch and push it to the side (towards the driver’s side). 
5. 5. Raise the Hood: With the secondary latch released, you can now lift the hood open. 

Important Reminders

• Always ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface with the parking brake set before attempting to open the hood. 
• Never open the hood while the wiper arms are raised, as they can strike the hood and cause damage. 
• Refer to your 2012 Honda Odyssey’s owner’s manual if you have trouble locating the release handles. 

How do I pop the hood on my 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.

Where is the hood release lever located?

The hood release lever is typically located in the driver’s side footwell, near the kick panel or under the dashboard. It may also be found near the emergency brake lever or integrated into the dashboard. When activated, it releases the hood, allowing it to be opened from the exterior of the vehicle. 
This video shows a typical hood release lever location under the dashboard: 49s2CarProsYouTube · Oct 19, 2012
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Driver’s Side: Most vehicles have the hood release lever on the driver’s side for easy access. 
• Location: You’ll usually find it near the kick panel, under the dashboard, or integrated into the dashboard itself. 
• Markings: The lever often has a small hood symbol to indicate its function. 
• Secondary Latch: Once the interior lever is pulled, there’s usually a secondary latch underneath the hood, near the front, that needs to be released to fully open the hood. 
• Consult your owner’s manual: If you’re having trouble finding the hood release lever, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions. 

This video explains how to find and use the secondary latch under the hood: 42sCheck It Out !!!YouTube · Apr 5, 2025

Where is the hood release on my Honda Odyssey?

And then place it in that hole right there. That is how you open the hood now suppose you want to close the hood. Back just lift the hood upwards.