How to Open Nissan Rogue Trunk from Inside

Opening the trunk from inside your Nissan Rogue is simple once you know the right steps. Whether you’re using the interior release lever, key fob, or manual override, this guide covers every method for different model years and situations.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the interior trunk release lever: Found on the driver’s side floor near the door, usually marked with a trunk icon.
• Use the key fob for remote access: Press and hold the trunk button on your key fob for 1–2 seconds to open the trunk remotely.
• Understand model year differences: Older models (2014–2016) may have a pull-handle, while newer ones (2017+) use an electronic button.
• Know the manual override option: In case of power failure, use the physical key in the trunk’s keyhole or emergency release inside the trunk.
• Ensure child safety locks are off: If the trunk won’t open, check that rear seat child safety locks aren’t engaged.
• Keep the battery charged: A dead 12V battery can prevent electronic trunk release from working.
• Practice safe trunk access: Always ensure the area behind the vehicle is clear before opening the trunk.

How to Open Nissan Rogue Trunk from Inside: A Complete Guide

So, you’re sitting in your Nissan Rogue, maybe just parked after a long day, and you need to grab something from the trunk—but you don’t want to get out of the car. Maybe it’s raining, or you’re in a hurry, or you just prefer the convenience of staying inside. Whatever the reason, knowing how to open the Nissan Rogue trunk from inside is a handy skill that every owner should have.

The good news? It’s easier than you might think. Most modern Nissan Rogues come equipped with an interior trunk release mechanism, designed specifically for situations like this. Whether you’re driving a 2014 model or a brand-new 2024 Rogue, there are reliable ways to access your trunk without stepping outside. However, the exact method can vary slightly depending on your vehicle’s year, trim level, and whether it has keyless entry or a traditional key fob.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every possible way to open your Nissan Rogue trunk from inside—step by step. We’ll cover the standard interior release lever, the key fob method, manual overrides, and even troubleshooting tips if something goes wrong. By the end, you’ll feel confident handling any trunk access situation, whether you’re at home, in a parking garage, or on a road trip.

Understanding Your Nissan Rogue’s Trunk Release System

Before diving into the how-to steps, it helps to understand how the trunk release system works in your Nissan Rogue. The system is designed for convenience and safety, allowing drivers and passengers to access the trunk without needing to exit the vehicle. Most models use an electronic release system that’s tied to the car’s central locking and power systems.

The primary method for opening the trunk from inside is through a dedicated release lever or button located inside the cabin. This lever is typically found on the driver’s side, near the footwell or lower dashboard area. When activated, it sends an electronic signal to the trunk latch, releasing it so the trunk can be lifted open.

In addition to the interior lever, many Nissan Rogues also support remote trunk release via the key fob. This feature allows you to open the trunk from up to 10–20 feet away, which is especially useful when your hands are full. Some higher-end trims even include hands-free power liftgate functionality, where you can open the trunk by waving your foot under the rear bumper—though this isn’t an “inside” method, it’s worth mentioning as a related convenience feature.

It’s also important to note that the trunk release system is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system. That means if your 12V battery is dead or disconnected, the electronic release may not work. In such cases, you’ll need to rely on manual methods, which we’ll cover later.

How the Interior Release Lever Works

The interior trunk release lever is the most common and straightforward way to open the trunk from inside your Nissan Rogue. This lever is usually located on the driver’s side, just above the floor mat and near the door sill. It’s often marked with a small icon that looks like an open trunk or a car with a raised rear door.

To use it, simply pull the lever toward you. You’ll hear a soft *click* as the trunk latch disengages. Once released, you can then go to the back of the vehicle and lift the trunk open manually. The lever is spring-loaded, so it will return to its original position after you let go.

This method works on nearly all Nissan Rogue models from 2014 onward, including the S, SV, and SL trims. It’s a mechanical-electrical hybrid—pulling the lever sends an electronic signal to the trunk actuator, which then unlocks the latch. Because it’s electronically controlled, it won’t work if the car is completely powered off or if the battery is dead.

One tip: if you’re having trouble finding the lever, try looking just to the left of the driver’s seat, near the door. It’s often tucked slightly under the edge of the dashboard or carpet. Some owners have reported it being hard to spot at first, especially if the car has dark interior trim.

Key Fob Remote Trunk Release

Another popular way to open the trunk from inside—or even from outside—the car is by using the key fob. Most Nissan Rogue key fobs have a dedicated button for the trunk, usually labeled with a trunk icon or the word “TRUNK.” This button is typically located on the side or back of the fob, separate from the lock and unlock buttons.

To use it, press and hold the trunk button for about 1–2 seconds. You’ll hear the trunk latch release, and the trunk will pop open slightly. Then, you can walk to the back and lift it the rest of the way. This method is especially useful when your hands are full with groceries, luggage, or kids.

Keep in mind that the key fob method requires the car to be unlocked. If the vehicle is locked, the trunk won’t open—even if you press the button. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized access. So, make sure your doors are unlocked first, either by pressing the unlock button on the fob or using the keyless entry system.

Also, the range of the key fob is limited. You’ll need to be within about 10–20 feet of the vehicle for the signal to work reliably. If you’re too far away, the trunk won’t respond. And again, like the interior lever, this method depends on the car’s electrical system. A dead battery will prevent the key fob from working.

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

Now that you understand the basics, let’s walk through the actual steps to open your Nissan Rogue trunk from inside. We’ll break it down into clear, easy-to-follow instructions that apply to most models.

Step 1: Ensure the Vehicle is Unlocked

Before attempting to open the trunk, make sure your Nissan Rogue is unlocked. If the doors are locked, the trunk release system—whether interior lever or key fob—will not activate. This is a safety feature designed to prevent theft or accidental opening.

You can unlock the car using the key fob, the keyless entry pad on the door handle, or by pressing the unlock button inside the vehicle. Once the doors are unlocked, the trunk release system becomes active.

Step 2: Locate the Interior Trunk Release Lever

Sit in the driver’s seat and look down near the floor on the left side, close to the door. You’re looking for a small lever, usually made of plastic, with a trunk icon on or near it. It may be recessed slightly into the carpet or dashboard trim.

If you can’t find it right away, try running your hand along the edge of the floor mat near the door. Some owners have described it as being “hidden” or “blended in” with the interior design. On some models, it’s a pull-handle that you tug toward you; on others, it’s a button you press.

Step 3: Activate the Release

Once you’ve found the lever, pull it firmly toward you. You should hear a distinct *click* as the trunk latch disengages. The lever will spring back into place after you release it.

If nothing happens, don’t panic. Try pulling it again, making sure you’re applying enough force. Sometimes dust or debris can build up around the mechanism, making it stick. A gentle wiggle or second pull usually does the trick.

Step 4: Open the Trunk Manually

After the latch releases, walk to the back of the vehicle and lift the trunk door. Most Nissan Rogues have a gas-strut-assisted liftgate, so it should open smoothly with minimal effort. If your Rogue has a power liftgate (available on higher trims), it may open automatically once the latch is released—just stand back and let it do its thing.

Alternative: Use the Key Fob

If you prefer not to get out of your seat, you can also use the key fob. Make sure you’re within range (about 10–20 feet), press and hold the trunk button for 1–2 seconds, and listen for the release click. Then, go to the back and lift the trunk open.

This method is great if you’re already holding something or if you’re in a tight parking space where getting out is inconvenient.

Troubleshooting Common Trunk Release Issues

Even with a well-designed system, things can go wrong. If your trunk won’t open from inside, don’t worry—there are usually simple fixes. Here are some common issues and how to solve them.

The Trunk Won’t Open at All

If pulling the interior lever or pressing the key fob button does nothing, the first thing to check is the battery. A dead or weak 12V battery can disable the electronic trunk release. Try starting the car—if it won’t start, the battery is likely the culprit. Jump-start the vehicle or replace the battery, and the trunk release should return to normal.

Another possibility is a blown fuse. The trunk release system is protected by a fuse in the fuse box, usually located under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. Check your owner’s manual for the exact location and fuse number. If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the same amperage.

The Lever Feels Stuck or Stiff

Over time, dust, dirt, or moisture can accumulate around the interior release lever, causing it to stick. Try spraying a small amount of silicone lubricant around the lever mechanism. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can attract more dirt.

If the lever is physically damaged—cracked, bent, or broken—it may need to be replaced. This is a job best left to a professional mechanic or Nissan service center.

Child Safety Locks Are Engaged

If you’ve recently transported children in the back seat, it’s possible that the child safety locks were activated. These locks prevent the rear doors from being opened from the inside, but they can sometimes interfere with trunk access if the rear seats fold down into the trunk area.

Check the rear door locks to ensure they’re not engaged. If they are, disengage them and try the trunk release again.

Manual Override: When Electronics Fail

In rare cases—such as a total power failure or broken release mechanism—you may need to use the manual override. Most Nissan Rogues have a physical keyhole on the trunk lid, usually near the license plate. Insert your physical key and turn it to unlock the trunk.

Additionally, if you can access the trunk from inside (e.g., by folding down the rear seats), there’s often an emergency release lever inside the trunk itself. This is a glow-in-the-dark handle designed for situations where someone is accidentally locked inside. Pull it to open the trunk from the inside.

Model Year Differences and Trim Variations

Not all Nissan Rogues are created equal when it comes to trunk release systems. The method you use may vary depending on your model year and trim level.

2014–2016 Nissan Rogue

These earlier models typically feature a pull-handle style interior release lever located on the driver’s side floor. It’s a mechanical lever that directly activates the trunk latch. Some base models may not have a key fob trunk release, so the interior lever is your only option.

2017–2020 Nissan Rogue

Starting in 2017, Nissan updated the interior design and added more electronic features. The interior release lever became more standardized, and most trims now include key fob trunk release. Higher trims (like the SL) may also offer a power liftgate with hands-free access.

2021–2024 Nissan Rogue

The latest models feature a more streamlined interior with updated electronics. The trunk release lever is still present, but some trims now use a button instead of a pull-handle. The key fob and power liftgate options are more widely available, and some models even include smartphone app integration for remote trunk access.

Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. Nissan frequently updates features, so what works on a 2015 Rogue might not apply to a 2023 model.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

While opening the trunk from inside is convenient, it’s important to do it safely. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Check Your Surroundings

Before opening the trunk, make sure the area behind your vehicle is clear. Look for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles. Opening the trunk suddenly can create a hazard, especially in busy parking lots.

Use the Interior Release Responsibly

The interior trunk release is meant for driver and passenger convenience, not for frequent use by children. Teach kids not to play with the lever, and ensure child safety locks are engaged when transporting young passengers.

Keep the Battery Maintained

Since the trunk release relies on the car’s electrical system, regular battery maintenance is key. If you notice slow engine cranking or dim lights, have your battery tested. A weak battery can leave you stranded—literally—if you can’t open the trunk.

Test the System Regularly

Make it a habit to test the trunk release every few months. Pull the lever or press the key fob button to ensure it’s working properly. This simple check can save you from frustration later.

Conclusion

Knowing how to open the Nissan Rogue trunk from inside is more than just a convenience—it’s a practical skill that can save time, keep you dry, and make your daily drives smoother. Whether you’re using the interior release lever, the key fob, or a manual override, the process is straightforward once you know where to look and what to do.

From understanding the mechanics behind the system to troubleshooting common issues, this guide has covered everything you need to confidently access your trunk from the comfort of your driver’s seat. Remember to check your model year, keep your battery healthy, and always prioritize safety when opening the trunk.

With these tips in hand, you’ll never have to fumble with keys or step out into the rain again. Your Nissan Rogue is designed for ease and comfort—make the most of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open the Nissan Rogue trunk from inside if the battery is dead?

No, the electronic trunk release won’t work if the 12V battery is completely dead. However, you can use the physical key in the trunk’s keyhole or access the emergency release inside the trunk if the rear seats are folded down.

Where is the interior trunk release lever located?

The interior trunk release lever is typically found on the driver’s side, near the floor and close to the door. Look for a small lever or button marked with a trunk icon, often tucked under the carpet or dashboard trim.

Why won’t my key fob open the trunk?

If the key fob isn’t working, check that the car is unlocked and that you’re within range (10–20 feet). A dead key fob battery or a weak car battery can also prevent the signal from being received.

Do all Nissan Rogue models have an interior trunk release?

Yes, all Nissan Rogue models from 2014 onward include an interior trunk release mechanism, though the design (lever vs. button) may vary by year and trim.

Can children open the trunk from inside?

Yes, if they can reach the interior release lever. To prevent accidental opening, use the child safety locks on the rear doors and supervise young passengers.

What should I do if the trunk release lever is stuck?

Try gently wiggling the lever or applying a small amount of silicone lubricant. If it remains stuck or damaged, have it inspected by a Nissan service technician to avoid further issues.