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How do you open the trunk on a Dodge Durango?

The trunk on a Dodge Durango can be opened in several ways, depending on the model and features. Common options include using the key fob, an exterior liftgate button, or an interior cargo-area switch; some trims also offer a hands-free kick-to-open feature.

Ways to open the trunk

The following methods are typically available on modern Durango models with a power liftgate or standard trunk release. Choose the one that matches your setup.

Key fob: Press the trunk release button on the key fob, or hold it for about 1–2 seconds to trigger the power liftgate. If the fob battery is weak, the system may not respond.

Exterior liftgate button: On the outside of the tailgate, press the button with the liftgate icon to open the trunk. You may need to unlock the doors first.

Interior cargo-area switch: Inside the cargo area, on the left-hand side or near the latch, press the Power Liftgate button to open (and another press to close). Ensure the vehicle is unlocked if required.

Hands-free kick-to-open (if equipped): Some Durango trims include a sensor under the bumper. With the fob nearby, a short kick under the rear bumper will release and open the liftgate.

These options cover most Durango configurations in recent years. If your Durango uses a passive entry system, you may also be able to trigger the liftgate from the interior door handle area or a nearby control when the vehicle is unlocked.

Troubleshooting: what to do if it won't open

If the trunk won't open, try the following steps to diagnose common issues:

Make sure the vehicle is unlocked. Some functions require unlocked doors for the liftgate to operate.

Check the battery. A weak or dead key fob or vehicle battery can prevent the liftgate from responding. Replace the fob battery if needed (common fob battery is CR2032) and recharge or jump the vehicle if the 12V battery is low.

Try alternate methods. Use the exterior tailgate button if the fob isn't working, or try the interior cargo-area switch.

Check access features. Some models allow disabling the liftgate via a switch; ensure the Power Liftgate feature is enabled in the vehicle settings (and not blocked in the user profile).

Emergency release. If necessary, refer to the owner's manual for the emergency manual release location behind or inside the tailgate panel. This should only be used if the power system is nonfunctional.

If none of these steps work, contact a dealer or roadside assistance for service. There is often a service bulletin for power-liftgate issues across model years.

Trunk features by model year and trim

Typical setup across recent Durangos

Most 2019–2024 Dodge Durango models with a Power Liftgate feature include the key fob button, exterior tailgate button, and an interior cargo-area switch. Some lower trims may lack the power liftgate entirely and require manual lifting of the tailgate.

Variations in older models

Earlier Durangos (pre-2014 designs) may rely more on manual opening with a handle on the tailgate, and the availability of a powered trunk can vary by trim and option packages. For precise instructions, consult the owner’s manual for your exact year and trim.

What to do if you lose access

If you’ve misplaced your key fob or the fob is not functioning and you cannot access the trunk from the inside, you’ll need to use the mechanical key or contact roadside assistance. In some Durangos, the mechanical key can be used to manually unlock the tailgate handle or a hidden access point to release the latch.

Summary

Opening the Dodge Durango trunk is typically quick and flexible. Use the key fob, the exterior tailgate button, or the interior cargo-area switch; if equipped, the hands-free kick-to-open feature offers a hands-free option. If problems arise, check that the vehicle is unlocked, the battery and fob are functioning, and consult the owner's manual for the exact location of any emergency or manual-release options. In most cases, these methods cover the range of Durango models in circulation today.

Can you open the trunk from the inside of the trunk?

Yes, you can open a car trunk from inside, either by using a manual release lever/button inside the cabin or by accessing the emergency release handle inside the trunk itself. Most modern cars have an interior release lever on the floor or in the glove box, and all cars made after 2002 are required by law to have a glow-in-the-dark emergency release handle inside the trunk for safety. If the car is older or the electrical release fails, you can often access the trunk by folding down the rear seats to reach the internal emergency release.

This video demonstrates how to open your trunk without a key by folding down the seats: 59sFixITYouTube · Jun 23, 2024
From the cabin

Locate the release: Check for a button or lever on the dashboard, typically to the left of the driver's seat, or inside the glove box.
Use the key fob: Many modern key fobs have a dedicated trunk release button.

From inside the trunk (emergency release)

Locate the handle: All cars made after 2002 must have a glow-in-the-dark emergency release handle inside the trunk lid.
Pull the handle: In an emergency, pull or push the handle to open the trunk.

This video shows how to use the emergency trunk release handle: 32sCars.comYouTube · Jul 21, 2017
If you are locked in the trunk

Fold the seats: If the rear seats are foldable, use the release mechanism inside the cabin to fold them down, crawl into the trunk, and pull the emergency release handle.
Access via the back seat: You may need to use the seat releases to fold the seatbacks down, then crawl into the trunk.
Check the owner's manual: If you cannot find the release, consult your owner's manual for the exact location of the release mechanism or emergency handle.

This video demonstrates how to open your trunk without power by crawling through the back seat: 58sBimmerTechYouTube · Oct 2, 2020

How to open a Dodge Durango trunk from inside?

Your questions, answered. Learn more about the Dodge Durango and how you can put its muscle to work. HOW DO YOU OPEN THE DODGE DURANGO TRUNK FROM INSIDE THE CABIN? To open the trunk of the Dodge Durango, simply press the liftgate button on the center overhead console and the power liftgate will open.

Where is the trunk release button?

The trunk release button is typically found on the driver's side of the vehicle, either on the door panel, near the steering wheel, or as a lever on the floor. It can also be located on the key fob, the trunk lid itself (often a hidden button near the license plate), or inside the trunk on a glow-in-the-dark handle.

This video shows how to open a trunk with a hidden button: 55sAsk Jorge Lopez at Tomball FordYouTube · Feb 5, 2024
Common locations for the trunk release button
This video shows how to open a trunk with the key fob: 1mDIY Life TechYouTube · May 7, 2024

Driver's side: Look for a button on the driver's door panel or a lever on the floor near the driver's seat.
Key fob: Press and hold the trunk button on your key fob to open the trunk. Some cars also have an "intelligent access" feature where you can press a button on the trunk itself if the fob is nearby.
Trunk lid: Some cars have a hidden electronic release button, often located underneath the trunk lid, above the license plate.
Inside the trunk: For safety, all modern cars have a manual release lever inside the trunk. It's often a glow-in-the-dark handle that can be found on the inside of the trunk lid.

This video shows how to open a trunk from the inside: 35sFixITYouTube · Jun 23, 2024
Tips for finding the button

If the electronic release doesn't work, check your owner's manual for the location of the manual release.
If your car has a sedan-style trunk, look for the release next to the fuel door release lever.
For SUVs or hatchbacks, check the rear of the vehicle for an electronic release button, or the driver's door panel for a switch.

How to open the trunk on a Dodge?

Also you can check on the door. Again make sure it's all unlocked. Then we'll go back. And from your back here there's going to be a lever. Right here that you'll just squeeze. And lift.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.