You're standing in the driveway, maybe at a gas station, or worse, on the side of a highway. You need to check the oil or jump a battery, and suddenly, that simple task feels like solving a Rubik's Cube. It's frustrating. We've all been there, tugging at the plastic bits under the steering wheel and hoping something clicks. Honestly, learning how to open the hood of a Subaru Crosstrek is one of those things you think you know until you’re actually staring at the grille and nothing is moving.
The Crosstrek is a beast of a machine, built for the dirt and the daily commute alike, but Subaru’s engineers tucked the releases away just enough to make you second-guess yourself. It isn't just about pulling a lever. There’s a specific rhythm to it. If you pull too hard or miss the secondary latch, you’re just going to end up with sore fingers and a closed car. Let's get it open.
Finding the Interior Release Lever
First things first. Get inside the driver's side. You don't need the keys in the ignition for this, which is a plus if your battery is totally flat. Most people expect the lever to be right on the dashboard or maybe near the fuel door release. Nope.
On the Subaru Crosstrek, specifically models ranging from the first generation (2012–2017) through the newest 2024 and 2025 iterations, the hood release is located on the lower left-hand side of the driver’s footwell. It’s a small, black plastic handle. Usually, it has a little icon of a car with the hood popped up. If it’s dark, you might need a flashlight or your phone's screen to see it.
Reach down. Feel for that plastic tab. Give it a firm, steady pull toward you. You should hear a distinct thud or clunk. That’s the sound of the primary latch disengaging. If you don't hear that sound, the cable might be stuck, or you didn't pull hard enough. Don't yank it like you're trying to start a lawnmower, though. It’s plastic. It can snap.
💡 You might also like: Human DNA Found in Hot Dogs: What Really Happened and Why You Shouldn’t Panic
The Trick to the Secondary Safety Latch
Now, walk to the front of the car. The hood should be slightly raised, maybe by half an inch or so. But if you try to lift it now, it won't budge. This is the safety latch doing its job. It’s designed so that if your primary latch fails while you’re doing 70 mph on the interstate, the hood doesn't fly up and smash your windshield.
This is where most people get stuck. You're sliding your fingers into that narrow gap, feeling around like you’re searching for a lost coin.
For the Crosstrek, the lever is almost always located just slightly to the left of the center (if you are facing the car). It’s not a button. It’s a horizontal lever. Slide your hand in, palm down, and feel for a flat metal or plastic tab. Once you find it, you need to push it to the right (toward the driver's side of the vehicle).
Why It Might Feel Stuck
Sometimes, road salt, grit, or dried mud gets into that latch mechanism. The Crosstrek is an outdoorsy car; it sees things. If the lever feels stiff, don't force it. Try pressing down on the hood slightly with your other hand while you move the lever. This takes the pressure off the hook and usually lets it slide freely.
📖 Related: The Gospel of Matthew: What Most People Get Wrong About the First Book of the New Testament
Propping It Up Without a Headache
Once the secondary latch is released, lift the hood all the way up. On most Crosstrek models, you don't have fancy hydraulic struts. You have a good old-fashioned prop rod. It’s usually tucked along the front radiator support or along the side of the engine bay.
Look for the long metal rod. Unclip it. Now, look at the underside of the hood itself. There will be a specific hole, often marked with an arrow or a reinforced metal rim. Insert the end of the prop rod there. Make sure it's secure.
It sounds basic, but I’ve seen people try to stick the rod into random holes in the hood lining. That’s a great way to have the hood fall on your head. Not fun. Ensure the rod is seated firmly in the designated slot before you let go.
Troubleshooting Common Latch Issues
What if you pull the interior handle and nothing happens? It’s rare, but it happens. Usually, it’s one of three things.
👉 See also: God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: The True Story Behind the Phrase Most People Get Wrong
- Stretched Cable: Over years of use, the metal cable that connects the interior handle to the exterior latch can stretch. You might need a friend to press down on the hood while you pull the interior lever to get it to pop.
- Frozen Latch: If you live in a place like Minnesota or Maine, ice is your enemy. Moisture gets into the latch and freezes it solid. A little bit of de-icer or a hair dryer (if you can reach an outlet) usually fixes this.
- Rust and Grime: If you haven't opened your hood in two years, the hinge might just be seized.
Subaru owners often swear by a quick spray of lithium grease or WD-40 Specialist Protective White Lithium Grease on the latch assembly once a year. Just a quick squirt keeps the mechanism moving smoothly. It’s one of those five-minute maintenance tasks that saves you a massive headache later.
Closing the Hood Properly
Closing it is just as important as opening it. Don't be that person who gently lowers the hood and then tries to press it shut with their palms. You’ll dent the aluminum. Subaru hoods, especially on newer Crosstreks, are designed to be relatively lightweight.
The "Drop Method" is the way to go. Lower the hood until it's about 12 inches from being closed. Make sure your hands are clear. Then, just let it go. The weight of the hood should be enough to engage both the primary and secondary latches. Give it a little tug upward to make sure it’s actually locked. If it wiggles, it’s not fully shut. Open it and try again with a bit more height.
Essential Next Steps for Crosstrek Maintenance
Knowing how to open the hood of a Subaru Crosstrek is just the entry point. Once you're in there, there are a few things you should check immediately, especially if you're prepping for a road trip or dealing with a warning light.
- Check the Oil: Subaru Boxer engines are unique, but the dipstick is usually bright yellow and easy to spot. Pull it out, wipe it, reinsert, and check the level.
- Top off the Washer Fluid: The reservoir is usually on the right side with a blue cap. If you're heading into winter, make sure you're using a fluid rated for sub-zero temperatures.
- Inspect the Battery: Look for white, crusty buildup on the terminals. This is corrosion. A mixture of baking soda and water with an old toothbrush can clean that right up—just make sure the car is off.
- Look for Rodent Damage: It sounds weird, but mice love the soy-based wiring insulation in modern cars. If you see chewed wires or "nesting" material (leaves/twigs) near the battery, you need to address that before it causes an electrical short.
Keep a small rag and maybe a pair of disposable gloves in your glovebox or the center console. You never know when you'll need to dive under the hood, and being able to do it without ruining your clothes makes the whole experience much less stressful. Clean the latch area periodically with a damp cloth to prevent grit buildup, and you'll likely never have a problem with a stuck hood again.