How to Open Hood on Subaru Crosstrek Easily Like a Pro

Last winter, my friend Sarah stood in a snowy parking lot, confused about how to open the hood on her Subaru Crosstrek. The engine light was on, and she just wanted to check the oil. But the hood wouldn't budge! It's funny how such a small thing can feel so frustrating in the moment. In this article, we'll go step by step so it never happens to you.

Locate the hood release lever inside the Crosstrek → Pull the lever to pop the hood slightly → Move to the front and find the secondary latch → Release it carefully → Lift the hood slowly → Secure it with the hood prop rod properly. Follow these six easy steps every time to safely open and close your Subaru Crosstrek hood without trouble.

Find the Hood Release Lever Inside the Car

The first thing you need to do is find the hood release lever, which is located inside the Subaru Crosstrek. It's usually found near the driver's seat, right below the dashboard, close to where your left leg rests. It has a small icon that looks like a car with its hood open. You may have to bend down a little to spot it clearly.

If you're sitting in the driver's seat, reach down and feel for the lever with your hand. Once you find it, give it a firm but gentle pull. You'll hear a small pop sound coming from the front of the car—that's the hood unlatching slightly. It means the first part is done, and now it's time to go outside.

Sometimes, if your car is older or you haven't opened the hood in a while, the lever might feel a bit stiff. Don't panic. Just give it a steady pull instead of yanking it suddenly. A little patience helps avoid breaking the cable that connects the lever to the latch under the hood.

If the lever doesn't move easily, try wiggling it slightly or pressing it inward before pulling. It might just need a small adjustment to loosen. Once you hear that pop sound, you'll know you're on the right track. It's actually quite satisfying once you get the hang of it.

• Look for the lever with a small car hood icon
• Pull steadily until you hear a pop
• Avoid using too much force if it feels stuck

Locate the Hood Latch at the Front of the Vehicle

Now that the hood is slightly popped open, walk to the front of your Subaru Crosstrek. You'll notice a small gap between the hood and the grille. This is where the secondary latch holds the hood securely in place, even after you've pulled the release lever inside. You need to find this latch to open it fully.

Bend slightly and slide your fingers into that small gap under the center of the hood. You'll feel a metal lever or latch—this is your target. Push or lift it sideways, depending on your model year. You'll feel it move slightly, and that's when you can gently lift the hood upward with your other hand.

If you're doing this for the first time, it might take a moment to find the latch. Sometimes it's positioned a bit off-center, which can be confusing. Don't worry—just feel around slowly until you find a metal tab. You'll get used to its location quickly after doing it once or twice.

When the latch releases, the hood will lift up slightly. Always keep one hand under the hood to guide it and prevent it from slamming back down. It's a good habit that keeps your fingers safe and avoids dents. Safety first, even for something simple like this.

• Find the latch under the hood's front center
• Push or lift it sideways to release
• Keep your hand under the hood as you lift

Lift the Hood Carefully and Secure It

Once the latch is released, it's time to lift the hood completely. Use both hands if possible—one to hold the hood steady and the other to guide it upward. The Subaru Crosstrek hood isn't too heavy, but it can still surprise you if it suddenly drops or slips. Go slow and steady.

You'll notice a metal rod, known as the hood prop, attached inside the engine bay. Pull it up and insert it into the small hole or notch on the underside of the hood. This holds the hood firmly in place while you check your oil, coolant, or other fluids. It's simple but really important for safety.

Many people forget to secure the hood prop properly, and the hood ends up falling unexpectedly. That can be dangerous, especially if your head or hands are under the hood. Always double-check that the rod is firmly seated before you start any inspection. It only takes a second but can save you a lot of pain.

When the hood is secure, take a moment to look around. Notice how the engine bay is arranged and where the main components are. It's helpful for future maintenance and gives you confidence next time you open it. After all, getting familiar with your car makes everything easier.

• Lift the hood slowly with both hands
• Use the hood prop rod for safety
• Check the prop is securely placed

Check Under the Hood Before Closing

Before you close the hood, take a quick look inside. Maybe you're checking your oil level, topping off windshield washer fluid, or just curious about how things look. Make sure you haven't left any tools, rags, or caps loose inside. You'd be surprised how easy it is to forget a small wrench or oil cap.

If you recently did some basic maintenance, double-check that everything is properly tightened. A quick glance can prevent leaks or engine issues later. And if you notice something unusual—like a frayed belt or loose wire—don't ignore it. Small problems can grow fast if left unattended.

Also, make sure the prop rod is still holding the hood securely while you're working. A gust of wind or small bump can sometimes knock it loose. It's rare, but it happens. I once had a hood drop on me because I didn't place the rod properly, and it scared me more than anything.

Finally, remove the prop rod and lower the hood gently to about halfway. Then let it drop the last few inches so it latches properly. Don't push it down with your hands—it could dent the metal. A gentle drop works perfectly every time.

• Look around for tools or loose parts
• Ensure everything is properly closed
• Lower hood gently and let it latch naturally

Test That the Hood Is Fully Closed

After closing the hood, always test to see if it's fully locked. Place both hands on the front edge and press down lightly. If it doesn't move, it's latched correctly. If it bounces or feels loose, it means the latch didn't catch, and you need to repeat the process.

It's common for people to think the hood is shut when it's actually not. Driving with a half-closed hood can be dangerous—it could fly open while driving. So, take a second to make sure it's secure. It's a small check that can prevent a scary situation on the road.

Sometimes dirt or debris can block the latch, especially after rainy or dusty drives. If the hood doesn't close properly, clean around the latch area and try again. You can also lightly lubricate it with a bit of spray to keep it smooth. It's one of those small maintenance tips that make a big difference over time.

After confirming it's closed, step back and look at the hood alignment. It should sit flush with the rest of the body. That's how you know it's safely locked and ready to go. It's always satisfying to finish up right.

• Press lightly on the hood to confirm it's latched
• Clean or lubricate latch if needed
• Check that it sits evenly with the car body

Keep the Hood Mechanism Maintained

To keep your Subaru Crosstrek hood working smoothly, a bit of regular care goes a long way. Over time, dirt and rust can affect the latch or cable, making it harder to open. So, every few months, inspect the latch area and cable connection. If you notice rust, clean it gently with a soft cloth and apply a little lubricant.

If you live in an area with lots of rain or snow, moisture can build up and cause the cable to stiffen. Try pulling the lever occasionally, even if you don't need to open the hood, just to keep it from sticking. It's a small trick that keeps things flexible and avoids surprise problems later.

When washing your car, give the hood edges a quick wipe to remove any grime. You'd be amazed how much dust can sneak into those little spaces. Clean latches and hinges always work smoother, and they prevent that unpleasant squeaky noise some cars get.

If you ever feel the lever getting too hard to pull, don't force it. Have a mechanic check the cable before it snaps. Fixing a stuck cable is much easier than replacing a broken one. A bit of prevention really does make all the difference.

• Clean latch area regularly
• Use a bit of lubricant for smooth function
• Don't force a stiff lever—get it checked early

Final Thoughts

Opening the hood on a Subaru Crosstrek is simple once you know how. With a few careful moves and regular maintenance, you'll handle it with ease. The more familiar you get, the faster it becomes. Always remember—patience and care go a long way when it comes to car maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to open the hood on a Subaru Crosstrek?

Not at all. Once you know where the lever and latch are located, it becomes easy. The first time might feel confusing because the latch under the hood is a bit hidden. But after doing it once, you'll remember it forever. Just take your time, follow the simple sequence, and you'll manage it smoothly. Even if it feels stuck, patience and gentle pressure always help.

Can the hood get stuck if I don't open it often?

Yes, that can happen over time, especially if the latch or cable gets rusty. Moisture, dust, or infrequent use can make the mechanism stiff. A quick pull of the lever once in a while helps prevent this. Also, a light spray of lubricant keeps the parts moving smoothly. It's a simple habit that saves frustration later.

Is it safe to drive if the hood isn't fully closed?

Definitely not. Driving with a partially closed hood can be dangerous. It might fly open while driving, blocking your view completely. Always double-check by pressing down gently on the hood before you start your trip. If it moves or bounces, reopen it and close it properly. Safety is worth that extra second.

Can I open the hood if the release lever feels loose?

If the lever feels too loose, the cable might be stretched or disconnected. Try pulling it slowly while another person presses down slightly on the hood. Sometimes this helps it catch and pop open. If it still doesn't work, don't force it—get a mechanic to inspect the cable before it breaks completely.

Do I need to use tools to open the hood?

No tools are needed. Subaru designed the Crosstrek hood to open by hand using just the release lever and latch. However, if your latch is stuck or rusted, you might need a screwdriver to help lift it carefully. But for everyday use, your hands are enough. It's designed for convenience.

Is it normal for the hood to make a popping sound?

Yes, that pop sound is completely normal. It's the sound of the latch releasing when you pull the lever inside. It means the hood has unlatched slightly and is ready to open. If you don't hear it, the cable may need adjustment. But under normal conditions, that click or pop is exactly what you want to hear.

Can I adjust the hood latch myself?

You can make small adjustments if it's misaligned, but only if you feel confident. Loosen the latch bolts slightly, adjust the position, and retighten. However, if it's not closing securely, it's better to have a mechanic do it. A misaligned latch can cause rattles or even pop open while driving. Better safe than sorry.

Do I need to maintain the hood cable?

Yes, but it's simple. Check it a few times a year, especially if you live in a wet or snowy area. Make sure it's not frayed, rusted, or stretched. Applying a small amount of lubricant where it connects to the lever and latch helps a lot. Regular care keeps the hood opening smoothly for years.