The hood release is located on the driver’s side under the dashboard near the kick panel. Pull the interior lever to pop the hood, then go to the front to release the secondary latch and lift the hood fully.
In most Pilot models, the interior hood release sits low in the left footwell, tucked beneath the dash. It’s a small lever with a hood icon that you pull toward you to pop the latch.
Locating the latch from inside the cabin
To access the hood release, sit in the driver’s seat and look toward the lower left area of the dash. You’ll feel a small lever directly above the carpeted kick panel. The lever is typically labeled with a stylized hood symbol for quick recognition.
How to open the hood: step-by-step
Follow these steps to safely locate and open the hood on most Honda Pilot models:
- Ensure the vehicle is off, in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual), and the parking brake is engaged.
- Reach under the dash on the driver’s left side and pull the interior hood release lever toward you to release the latch.
- Then go to the front of the car and feel for the secondary latch at the center edge of the hood (near the grille).
- Slide or lift the secondary latch to release it while lifting the hood with your other hand.
- Lift the hood to its open position. On most Pilots, the hood is held up by gas struts, so no prop rod is required.
With the hood open, visually inspect the area around the hood edge and the gas struts for any signs of wear. If the hood does not stay open or the lever is difficult to pull, a mechanical check may be needed.
Model-year variations
While the basic location remains consistent, you can encounter small differences across generations. If you can’t locate the lever, refer to your model year’s owner’s manual for the exact illustration and instructions.
First generation (2003–2008)
In early Pilot models, the interior hood release was mounted low on the left side of the dash near the kick panel, similar to later generations.
Second generation (2009–2015)
The lever kept the same general position, but some trims used a small cover panel that could be removed to access the release.
Third generation (2016–present)
Newer pilots retain the same left-side dash location, with a clearly marked hood symbol and straightforward access from the driver’s seat.
Summary
In short, look to the driver’s side under the dash near the kick panel for the hood release. Pull the interior latch to pop the hood, then release the front center latch and lift. The hood is typically supported by gas struts, so you should be able to lift it with minimal effort. If you still can’t find the release, check the owner’s manual or contact a Honda dealer for assistance.