On most Acura models, the interior hood release is located on the driver's side under the dashboard, and the exterior primary latch sits at the front edge of the hood behind the grille.
That combination lets you open the hood: first release inside, then the exterior catch to fully lift the hood. The precise location can vary slightly by model (TLX, MDX, RDX, ILX, NSX), but the general layout is consistent across recent years.
Inside the car: the hood release lever
Most Acura models share a common interior setup. The hood release lever is found on the driver’s side, beneath the dash toward the left side near the kick panel.
Below are the typical steps to access the hood after pulling the interior latch.
- Locate the hood release lever on the driver's side under the dash, near the left kick panel or door jamb. It is usually labeled with a hood icon.
- Pull or lift the lever firmly; you should hear a pop indicating the hood latch inside the engine bay has released.
- Return to the front of the vehicle; the hood should lift slightly, exposing the exterior safety latch you must release next.
The interior release is designed to free the primary latch so you can access the exterior mechanism without forcing the hood.
Outside the car: the exterior hood latch
The exterior latch is located at the front edge of the hood, typically centered behind the grille or near the Acura emblem.
Use care to locate the small latch or lever under the hood edge; releasing it will disengage the primary latch so you can lift the hood fully. If your Acura uses gas-filled struts, the hood will stay open on its own; some older models may use a prop rod that you must secure if present.
- Stand in front of the car and look at the center of the hood edge under the grille to find the exterior latch.
- Release the safety catch by pushing or lifting the latch as directed by the hardware on your model (you may need to slide a small lever or press a tab).
- Open the hood with both hands; it will rise and be held by the gas struts, or, on older models, by a prop rod. Secure if needed before working inside the engine bay.
Once the exterior latch is released, you can fully raise the hood and access the engine compartment for maintenance or inspection.
Model-specific notes
TLX and MDX (recent years)
In TLX and MDX models from the mid-2010s onward, the interior hood release sits on the driver’s side under the dash, with the exterior latch centered at the front edge of the hood behind the grille.
RDX and ILX (recent years)
RDX and ILX follow the same general layout as TLX and MDX; however, some trims may adjust the precise interior strap location. Always check behind the grille for the exterior latch and feel for the interior lever near the left kick panel.
Older or specialty Acura models
Almost all Acura models maintain the two-latch system: interior release lever inside and exterior hood latch at the front. If your model seems different or you cannot locate the latches, consult the owner's manual or contact a dealer for model-specific guidance.
Summary
To locate and operate the hood latch on an Acura, start with the interior release on the driver’s side under the dash, then move to the front edge of the hood to release the exterior latch and lift the hood. This two-step process is consistent across most Acura models, including TLX, MDX, RDX, ILX and NSX. When in doubt, refer to your owner's manual or contact a dealer for model-specific instructions.