How to Open a Subaru Forester Trunk from Inside

Opening the trunk from inside your Subaru Forester is simple once you know where to look. Whether you’re dealing with a power outage, remote failure, or just want to access your cargo area safely, this guide covers every method—from manual releases to emergency levers—so you’re never stuck.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the interior trunk release lever: Found on the driver’s side footwell or under the dashboard, this manual lever allows you to open the trunk without using the key fob or exterior button.
• Use the key fob as a backup: If the interior lever isn’t accessible, the key fob’s trunk button can often be used even when the car is off, depending on the model year.
• Check for child safety locks: Some Forester models have rear door child locks that may affect trunk access—ensure they’re disengaged if passengers are inside.
• Emergency trunk release cord: In newer models (2014+), an interior glow-in-the-dark pull cord is located inside the trunk itself—critical if someone is accidentally locked inside.
• Battery or electrical issues may disable electronic releases: If the car battery is dead, the power trunk release won’t work—always know the manual override method.
• Model year matters: Trunk release mechanisms vary slightly between 2009–2024 Forester models—always consult your owner’s manual for specifics.
• Safety first: Never leave children or pets unattended in the vehicle, and test the interior release regularly to ensure it’s functional.

Why Knowing How to Open a Subaru Forester Trunk From Inside Matters

Imagine this: you’ve just loaded up your Subaru Forester after a weekend camping trip. The sun is setting, the kids are tired, and you’re ready to head home. You press the trunk release button on your key fob—nothing happens. Maybe the battery in the fob is dead. Maybe the car’s electrical system is acting up. Or worse—what if a child or pet accidentally gets locked inside the trunk?

In moments like these, knowing how to open a Subaru Forester trunk from inside isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. It’s about safety, preparedness, and peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with a malfunctioning remote, a dead battery, or an emergency situation, having multiple ways to access your trunk ensures you’re never truly stuck.

The good news? Subaru has designed the Forester with several built-in solutions for interior trunk access. From manual levers to emergency release cords, the brand prioritizes user safety and practicality. This guide will walk you through every method, tailored to different model years and scenarios, so you can confidently handle any trunk-related challenge.

Understanding Your Subaru Forester’s Trunk Release System

Before diving into the steps, it helps to understand how the trunk release system works in your Subaru Forester. Over the years, Subaru has refined its design, but the core principles remain consistent: provide reliable access through both electronic and manual means.

Most modern Foresters (2009 and newer) come equipped with a power trunk release activated by the key fob, an exterior button near the license plate, or the infotainment system. However, these electronic methods rely on the vehicle’s electrical system. If the battery is dead, the car is off, or there’s a wiring issue, these options may fail.

That’s where the interior manual release comes in. Subaru includes a physical lever or button inside the cabin—typically on the driver’s side—that bypasses the electronics and directly triggers the trunk latch. This mechanical backup is your go-to solution when technology lets you down.

Additionally, newer models (starting around 2014) feature an emergency trunk release cord inside the trunk itself. This bright, glow-in-the-dark pull handle is a lifesaver if someone is accidentally locked inside. It’s a simple but critical safety feature that every Forester owner should know about.

How the Trunk Latch Mechanism Works

At the heart of the system is the trunk latch—a spring-loaded mechanism that holds the trunk closed until released. When you press the key fob button or pull the interior lever, an electrical signal or mechanical cable triggers the latch to disengage, allowing the trunk to pop open.

In manual mode, a cable runs from the interior release lever to the latch. Pulling the lever physically tugs the cable, releasing the lock. This is why the interior method works even when the car is completely powered down.

Understanding this helps you troubleshoot. If the interior lever doesn’t work, the issue might be a broken cable, a disconnected latch, or a mechanical obstruction—not just an electrical problem.

Model Year Variations to Keep in Mind

Not all Foresters are identical when it comes to trunk access. Here’s a quick breakdown:

– 2009–2013 Models: These typically have a manual trunk release lever located on the driver’s side footwell, near the door sill. It’s a small, black or gray plastic lever you pull toward you.
– 2014–2018 Models: Subaru introduced a more refined interior release, often found under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Some trims also added the emergency interior trunk cord.
– 2019–2024 Models: These include the glow-in-the-dark emergency release cord as standard. The interior lever remains in the footwell or under the dash, depending on trim level.

Always check your owner’s manual for exact placement. If you’ve recently purchased a used Forester, it’s worth verifying the release mechanism matches your expectations.

Step-by-Step: How to Open the Trunk from Inside the Cabin

Now that you understand the system, let’s walk through the actual process. The method is straightforward, but location and technique matter.

Locating the Interior Trunk Release Lever

The most common interior release is a small lever, usually found in one of two places:

1. Driver’s Side Footwell: Kneel down and look near the door sill, close to the floor mat. You’re looking for a small, horizontal lever—often black or gray—that you pull toward you. It may be labeled “TRUNK” or have a trunk icon.
2. Under the Dashboard: In some models, especially higher trims, the lever is tucked under the steering column, slightly to the left. It might be recessed or covered by a small panel.

If you can’t find it, don’t panic. Some Foresters have a push-button release instead of a lever. Look for a small, round button with a trunk symbol.

How to Use the Interior Release Lever

Once you’ve located the lever:

1. Ensure the car is unlocked: The interior release only works if the vehicle’s central locking system is disengaged. If the doors are locked, the trunk won’t open—even with the lever.
2. Pull the lever firmly: Grab the lever and pull it toward you in a smooth motion. You should hear a distinct “click” as the latch releases.
3. Lift the trunk: After pulling the lever, go to the back of the car and lift the trunk lid manually. The lever only releases the lock—it doesn’t pop the trunk open like the key fob.

Pro Tip: If the lever feels stiff or doesn’t move, don’t force it. Check if the car is in Park (for automatic transmissions) or if the parking brake is engaged. Some models require these conditions for the release to work.

Using the Key Fob as a Backup

If the interior lever isn’t accessible—say, you’re a passenger or the driver’s seat is blocked—the key fob can still be useful.

Most key fobs have a dedicated trunk button (often marked with an open trunk icon). Press and hold it for 1–2 seconds. On many models, this works even when the car is off, as long as the fob has battery power.

However, if the car battery is completely dead, the key fob may not communicate with the vehicle. In that case, you’ll need to rely on the manual lever.

What If the Lever Doesn’t Work?

If you pull the interior lever and nothing happens, consider these possibilities:

– The car is locked: Double-check that all doors are unlocked. The trunk release is often disabled when the vehicle is secured.
– The parking brake is off: Some Foresters require the parking brake to be engaged for the interior release to function.
– The lever is disconnected: Over time, the cable connecting the lever to the latch can loosen or break. This is rare but possible, especially in older models.
– Child safety locks are engaged: While this typically affects rear doors, some systems may interfere with trunk access if the rear seats are folded or locked.

If none of these resolve the issue, consult a Subaru technician. There may be an electrical fault or mechanical failure requiring professional attention.

Emergency Trunk Release: The Glow-in-the-Dark Lifesaver

One of Subaru’s most thoughtful safety features is the emergency trunk release cord—introduced in 2014 and standard on all newer Foresters. This is a critical tool if someone is accidentally locked inside the trunk.

Where to Find the Emergency Release Cord

Open the trunk from the outside (using the key fob or exterior button). Look inside, near the latch mechanism, for a bright yellow or green pull handle. It’s designed to glow in the dark, making it visible even in total darkness.

The cord is usually attached to the trunk lid and hangs down when the trunk is open. It’s labeled “PULL TO OPEN” or has a similar instruction.

How to Use It

If someone is trapped inside:

1. Instruct them to locate the glow-in-the-dark handle.
2. Have them pull the handle firmly downward.
3. The trunk will pop open immediately, allowing escape.

This feature is especially important for families with young children or pet owners. Never assume the trunk is a safe place to store living beings—even for a short time. But if the worst happens, this cord can be a literal lifesaver.

Testing the Emergency Release

It’s a good idea to test this feature periodically. Open the trunk, locate the cord, and give it a gentle tug to ensure it moves freely. If it feels stuck or doesn’t release the latch, have it inspected by a mechanic.

Also, make sure all passengers—especially kids—know where the cord is and how to use it. Consider showing it to them during a routine safety check.

Troubleshooting Common Trunk Access Issues

Even with multiple release methods, problems can arise. Here’s how to handle the most common issues.

Dead Key Fob Battery

If your key fob stops working, the trunk button won’t respond. Replace the battery (usually a CR2032 coin cell) as soon as possible. Most fobs have a small screw or snap-open compartment on the back.

While you’re at it, keep a spare battery in your glove box. It’s a small investment that can save you from being stranded.

Car Battery Is Dead

A dead car battery disables the power trunk release and may prevent the interior lever from working if the system requires minimal power. In this case:

– Use the manual key to unlock the driver’s door (most Foresters have a physical key hidden in the fob).
– Enter the car and locate the interior trunk lever.
– Pull it to open the trunk.

If the lever still doesn’t work, the issue may be mechanical—check the cable or latch.

Trunk Won’t Stay Open

Sometimes the trunk releases but won’t stay up. This is usually due to weak or damaged gas struts. These hydraulic pistons support the trunk lid when open. If they’re failing, the trunk will sag or fall.

Replacing struts is a DIY-friendly job and costs around $50–$100 for a pair. Look for OEM or high-quality aftermarket options.

Frozen or Stuck Trunk in Winter

In cold climates, the trunk latch can freeze shut. Avoid using excessive force—this can damage the mechanism.

Instead:

– Pour warm (not boiling) water over the latch area.
– Use a de-icer spray designed for car locks.
– Gently wiggle the key fob or interior lever while applying heat.

Prevention is key: keep the latch clean and lightly lubricated with silicone spray in winter months.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

Knowing how to open the trunk is one thing—using that knowledge safely is another. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself and others.

Never Leave Children or Pets in the Trunk

This cannot be stressed enough. The trunk is not a safe space for living beings. Poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, and the risk of accidental locking make it dangerous.

If you must transport items that require trunk storage, use pet carriers or child safety seats designed for the cabin—not the cargo area.

Test the Release Regularly

Make it a habit to test the interior trunk release every few months. Pull the lever, check the emergency cord, and ensure everything works smoothly. This builds muscle memory and ensures reliability when you need it most.

Keep the Area Around the Lever Clear

Don’t store items in the footwell or under the dashboard that could block access to the trunk release. A cluttered cabin can delay access in an emergency.

Educate Your Passengers

If you frequently carry passengers—especially children—show them where the emergency release cord is. Teach them what to do if they ever feel trapped.

Use the Manual Key as a Last Resort

All Subaru Foresters come with a physical key hidden inside the key fob. You can use this to unlock the driver’s door and access the interior release. Keep the fob maintained so the key is easy to remove.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Safe

The Subaru Forester is built for adventure, reliability, and safety. Part of that safety includes knowing how to open the trunk from inside—whether you’re dealing with a dead battery, a malfunctioning remote, or an emergency situation.

By familiarizing yourself with the interior release lever, the emergency cord, and the key fob backup, you’re equipping yourself with the tools to handle almost any scenario. Remember, preparation is key. A few minutes spent learning these methods now can save you time, stress, and potentially even a life down the road.

So take a moment today: locate your trunk release lever, find the emergency cord, and test both. Share this knowledge with your family. Because when it comes to your Subaru Forester, being informed isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open the Subaru Forester trunk from inside if the battery is dead?

Yes, you can. The interior trunk release lever is a mechanical system that doesn’t rely on electrical power. As long as the car is unlocked, pulling the lever will release the trunk latch even with a dead battery.

Where is the interior trunk release located in a 2015 Subaru Forester?

In the 2015 Forester, the interior trunk release lever is typically found on the driver’s side footwell, near the door sill. It’s a small black or gray lever you pull toward you.

What is the glow-in-the-dark cord inside the trunk for?

The glow-in-the-dark cord is an emergency trunk release designed to help someone escape if they’re accidentally locked inside. Pulling it disengages the latch and opens the trunk from the inside.

Why won’t my interior trunk lever work?

Common reasons include the car being locked, the parking brake not being engaged, or a disconnected cable. Ensure the vehicle is unlocked and try again. If it still doesn’t work, have it inspected.

Can passengers open the trunk from the back seat?

No, there is no trunk release button in the rear seats. Only the driver (via the interior lever) or someone with the key fob can open the trunk from inside the cabin.

Is it safe to store pets in the Subaru Forester trunk?

No, it is not safe. The trunk lacks proper ventilation and climate control, and pets can be accidentally locked inside. Always transport pets in the cabin using appropriate carriers.