Where is the trunk release on a Honda Civic?

The trunk is typically opened by the key fob’s trunk button, or from inside the trunk via an emergency release; some newer Civics also offer a power trunk button in the cabin. Exact location depends on year and trim.

This article explains where to find each option on common Civics and how to use them, with notes on variations by generation and equipment, and what to do if the trunk won’t open.

Common locations to release the trunk

Key fob trunk button

Most Honda Civics allow you to open the trunk remotely by pressing the trunk icon on the key fob. In some models you may need a single press or a long press, and a quick flash of the lights on the car may confirm the trunk is releasing. If the key fob battery is low, the trunk may not respond and you can use an alternative method.

Interior trunk release inside the trunk

There is usually an emergency release handle inside the trunk, often located on the left-side panel near the latch. It is designed to be visible in low light (sometimes glow-in-the-dark) and used if the trunk cannot be opened from the outside or if the latch is stuck. Pulling it will release the trunk from inside.

Power trunk or cabin button (where equipped)

On some higher trims or models with a power trunk feature, there may be a trunk release button on the driver's door panel, center console, or near the instrument cluster. This button provides an in-cabin way to pop the trunk or engage an automatic open/close function if equipped. If your Civic doesn’t have power trunk support, this option will not be present.

If you’re unsure which options your Civic has, check the owner's manual or your vehicle’s infotainment/settings menu for trunk-related controls.

Model-year and trim variations

Honda’s Civic line has evolved across generations, and trunk release options can vary by year and trim level. The following overview highlights typical configurations you may encounter.

• Key fob trunk release: Standard on most Civics; press the trunk icon on the key fob to pop the trunk.


• Interior trunk release: An emergency release handle inside the trunk lid area (left side near the latch) on many models.


• Power trunk or cabin button: Available on some higher trims or models equipped with a power trunk feature; location varies by year and trim (driver’s door panel or center console in some cases).

If you are not sure which options your Civic has, consult the owner's manual or Honda's support site for your exact model year and trim.

What to do if the trunk won’t open

First, try the primary methods (key fob, then the interior trunk release). If the trunk still won’t open, consider these steps:

1. Check the key fob battery and try using the trunk release again.


2. Ensure the trunk isn’t physically locked from inside or by a child safety lock that affects the trunk latch.


3. Inspect the emergency release inside the trunk if accessible; ensure it isn’t obstructed or jammed.


4. If equipped, try the in-cabin power trunk switch or door-panel control.


5. Contact a Honda dealership or roadside assistance if the trunk remains stuck, as there may be a mechanical fault or fuse issue.

In any case, manuals and dealer support provide year- and trim-specific guidance to avoid forcing the latch or damaging the release mechanism.

Summary

For most Honda Civics, you’ll open the trunk with the key fob, through the interior trunk emergency release, or (on some trims) via a power trunk switch in the cabin. The exact location and availability depend on the vehicle’s generation and options, so always refer to your owner’s manual or contact Honda support if you’re unsure.

How do I open the trunk of my Honda Civic?

The manual release for the trunk is located on the driver's. Side back seat remove this cover by popping it off with the key. Then depending on the model pull the lever. Or put the key into the slot.

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 do I open my trunk from the inside?

Depending on the vehicle, you may have a button or manual lever inside the cabin that can pop the trunk, possibly even inside the glovebox. Look for a pull-up lever on the floor to the left of the driver's seat. Some vehicles also have hidden trunk-release latches behind the seats, or in the doors or armrests.

Where is the trunk button on a Honda Civic 2025?

Push up the release button on the trunk lid after the doors are unlocked. Even if the trunk is locked, you can open the trunk if you carry the keyless remote. Some exterior lights flash twice and the beeper sounds once.