Where is the hood release on a 2014 Subaru Outback?

The hood release for a 2014 Subaru Outback is located inside the car, on the driver’s side, in the footwell area. Pull the interior lever to pop the hood, then release the secondary latch at the front edge to fully open it.

Understanding the exact spot and the steps to open the hood can save a few minutes when you’re checking fluids or performing routine maintenance. This guide explains where to look inside the cabin and how to complete the process at the front of the vehicle.

Inside-the-Cabin Hood Release

Where to find it

The interior hood release lever is located on the driver’s side, in the lower dash/kick panel area, near the left side of the driver’s footwell. It’s a small lever with a hood icon that you pull toward you to pop the hood slightly.

• Inside the cabin, look low on the dash to the left of the steering column, near the door sill and the driver’s footwell.


• Identify the small lever labeled with a hood icon; grasp it firmly and pull upward.


• When you pull the lever, you should hear the hood pop slightly, indicating the primary latch has released.

This completes the interior portion of the release; you still need to finish opening the hood at the front edge.

Opening the Hood at the Front

With the interior release popped, you must release the secondary latch located at the center of the front edge of the hood.

• Walk to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary latch along the hood’s trailing edge, near the grille.


• Feel for the latch handle or lever and operate it to release the hood’s secondary catch.


• Once released, lift the hood with one hand and, if your Outback uses a prop rod or hood stay, secure it to keep the hood open.

Be mindful of the hood’s support mechanism. Some 2014 Outback models use gas struts to hold the hood open, while others may rely on a prop rod. If you encounter a prop rod, lift it from its clip and insert it into the designated hold-open hole to keep the hood elevated.

Summary

For a 2014 Subaru Outback, start with the interior hood release on the driver’s side kick panel, then finish by releasing the front center latch. The hood is then raised and supported by its chosen mechanism (gas struts or a prop rod). With this knowledge, you can access the engine compartment without unnecessary hassle.

How do I pop the hood on a 2014 Subaru Outback?

Now to open up the hood of the Subaru. Forester what I'm going to do is I'm going to look under here near the pedals.

How to lift a Subaru hood?

To open a Subaru hood, first pull the primary release lever inside the car, located on the lower left side of the dashboard. Then, go to the front of the vehicle, find the secondary latch under the hood's front lip (often near the Subaru emblem), and push it to the side before lifting the hood completely.
 
Step 1: Release the primary latch 

• Open the driver's side door and look for the hood release lever inside the car. 
• It is typically on the dashboard, to the left of the steering column, near the footwell. 
• The lever is often marked with an image of an open hood. 
• Pull the lever toward you to release the primary latch. You should hear a click when it's released. 

You can watch this video to see how to release the primary latch: 28sPeltier Subaru YouTube · Jan 14, 2025
Step 2: Release the secondary latch 

• Go to the front of the car. The secondary latch is located under the hood's front edge, usually above the Subaru emblem. 
• Insert your hand and slide your fingers to the side to find the small lever. 
• Push this secondary lever to the left while simultaneously lifting the hood with your other hand. 

This video shows how to release the secondary latch: 42sCarnivautoYouTube · Aug 15, 2025
Step 3: Open the hood 

• With the secondary latch disengaged, lift the hood up. 
• Secure it using the support rod or hydraulic arms, depending on your model. 
• If you have a prop rod, insert it into its designated slot to keep the hood propped open. 

Where is the hood release on a Subaru Outback?

The Subaru Outback has two hood release levers: a primary one located inside the driver's side footwell under the dashboard, and a secondary one at the front of the vehicle, just above the Subaru emblem on the grille.
 
Step 1: Open the hood release inside the cabin 

• Open the driver's side door and look under the dashboard to the left of the steering column.
• Find the lever marked with a picture of an open hood and pull it towards you to release the primary latch. 

This video shows how to find and pull the hood release lever inside the car: 44sWilsonville SubaruYouTube · Sep 22, 2023
Step 2: Release the secondary latch at the front of the car 

• Go to the front of the Outback and locate the Subaru emblem on the grille. 
• Reach under the front edge of the hood, just above the emblem, and find the secondary release lever. 
• Push this lever to the left to fully disengage the latch. 
• Lift the hood up and open it. You may need to prop it up with the support rod. 

You can watch this video to see how to release the secondary latch and open the hood: 59sFIX STUFF MAKE STUFFYouTube · Sep 17, 2025

Where is the hood release lever located?

The hood release lever is typically found inside the vehicle, on the driver's side, near the kick panel or under the dashboard. It's often a lever with a picture of a car and an open hood on it. You may need to pull or push it to partially release the latch, then find a secondary latch underneath the front of the hood to open it fully.
 
This video shows how to find the hood release lever inside the car: 30sGenuine Automotive & Diesel One, LLCYouTube · May 2, 2024
Step-by-step guide

1. Locate the primary release lever: Check the area to the left of the driver's seat, near the floor and the emergency brake. It could be mounted on the side panel (kick panel) or on the dashboard. Some vehicles have the lever mounted directly in the dash. 
2. Identify the lever: The lever may be marked with an icon of a car with its hood open or the word "Hood". 
3. Pull the lever: Pull the lever until you hear a click, which indicates the hood has partially released. 
4. Find the secondary latch: Go to the front of the vehicle, locate the gap between the hood and the grille, and find the secondary latch. This is usually a small lever or bar in the center, near the edge of the hood. 
5. Open the hood: While applying gentle pressure to the hood to lift it, push or pull the secondary latch to disengage it. 
6. Support the hood: Once the hood is open, use the prop rod to support it, if your vehicle has one. 

This video shows how to find the secondary latch underneath the hood: 55sCheck It Out !!!YouTube · Apr 5, 2025
Troubleshooting

• If the primary lever is not working: The cable may have become disconnected. Consult your owner's manual or a professional. You may be able to access the latch with a long screwdriver or wire, but do so with caution. 
• If you can't find the secondary latch: Feel around the underside of the hood, especially near the center. You may be able to feel the lever or bar with your hand. 

This video shows how to open the hood when the release cable is broken: 46sAJ “Figgy” PierceYouTube · Sep 24, 2015