The hood release in a 2018 Honda CR-V is located inside the cabin on the driver’s side footwell. Pull the hood-release lever (marked with a hood icon) to pop the hood, then go to the front to release the secondary latch and lift the hood. The hood is held open by gas-filled struts, not a traditional prop rod.
Inside the cabin: locating and using the interior hood release
Use these steps to locate and operate the interior hood release before you head to the front of the vehicle.
- Find the hood-release lever on the driver’s side of the footwell, near the kick panel, to the left of the steering column. It’s a small lever with a hood icon.
- Pull the lever outward. You should hear a light click or pop as the hood is released from the primary latch.
- If the hood does not pop, re-check that you are pulling the correct lever and that you are pulling firmly enough to release the latch.
After the interior latch is released, proceed to the front of the vehicle to access the secondary latch.
Front latch: releasing and opening the hood
From the front, locate the center latch under the leading edge of the hood. This is the secondary latch that keeps the hood closed even after the interior release.
- Slide your hand under the hood edge at the center to find the secondary latch release.
- Push or lift the latch to release it while supporting the hood with your other hand.
- Raise the hood slowly and let the built-in gas struts hold it in the open position.
Note that 2018 CR-V models use gas-filled struts to hold the hood up; there is typically no separate prop rod to prop the hood.
Safety and operation tips
Follow these precautions to stay safe while working with the hood open.
- Ensure the engine is cool before touching components under the hood.
- Keep hands and clothing clear of the hinges and latch areas when opening or closing the hood.
- Make sure the hood is fully latched before driving.
If you encounter a stuck lever or a hood that won’t latch properly, consult a professional technician or the owner’s manual for guidance.
Summary
In a 2018 Honda CR-V, the hood release starts from inside the driver’s side footwell, with a second latch located at the front center under the hood. The hood is held open by gas struts, and safety steps should be followed whenever performing maintenance under the hood.