How To Open Jeep Compass Trunk From Inside: Quick Guide
Reading Time: 6 minutes If you are inside the cargo area of a U.S.-market Jeep Compass, look for the emergency liftgate release on the inside of the liftgate. Use it only if the liftgate will not open normally or someone is trapped inside. The exact release location and design can vary by model year, so check your Compass owner’s manual before removing a cover or moving a lever.
If you are in the passenger cabin, the rear-seat backs may fold to let you reach the cargo area. Folding the seats does not open the liftgate; you still need to reach and use the emergency release.
Steps to open the liftgate from the cargo area
Use the emergency release only when the vehicle is safely parked. Keep hands and loose clothing clear of the latch, and do not force trim or the liftgate.
- Make sure the Compass is stopped. Set the parking brake. If you can, turn the vehicle off and keep the key with you.
- Reach the cargo area. If you are in the passenger cabin, lower one or both rear-seat backs using the seat-release controls described in your owner’s manual. Move into the cargo area only if it is safe to do so.
- Find the release on the inside of the liftgate. Look near the latch area for a small access cover or a lever marked for emergency release. Its shape and position can differ by model year.
- Open the access cover, if your model has one. Use your fingers if possible. Do not pry off a large trim panel.
- Move or pull the release as shown in your manual. The release should disengage the latch. Do not guess at the direction or force it.
- Push the liftgate outward. If it does not move, stop and check for an obstruction or a latch that is still engaged.
The liftgate is open when the latch has released and the door swings outward. Once outside, keep the vehicle parked until you know why the normal release did not work.
If you are in the cabin, not the cargo area
The emergency release is on the liftgate, so someone sitting in the cabin may need to reach it through the rear of the vehicle. Lowering the rear seats can create a path to the cargo area, but seat designs and release controls vary by year.
Check your owner’s manual for the correct way to fold the rear seats. Move items that could block the path, and do not climb over sharp or unstable cargo. If the seats will not fold or the cargo area cannot be reached safely, call for roadside help rather than forcing a seat or trim panel.
Why the liftgate may not open
If the inside release does not work, first check for a simple blockage. Then look for signs of a latch, electrical, or power problem. The cause may vary with the liftgate setup on your Compass.
| What you notice | Possible cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The liftgate starts to move, then stops | Cargo may be pressing against it | Move the cargo away from the door and try again |
| The release feels loose or does not move the latch | The release linkage may be disconnected or damaged | Stop pulling; arrange a repair |
| The latch will not release | The latch may be jammed or faulty | Do not force the door; contact roadside assistance or a repair shop |
| A button or key fob does not release the liftgate | The vehicle battery, key fob, wiring, or liftgate system may have a fault | Check the owner’s manual for model-specific checks |
| The liftgate opens only partway or will not stay open | A support or power-liftgate issue may be present | Keep clear of the door and have it inspected |
These signs do not confirm a specific fault. A mechanic may need to inspect the latch, wiring, or liftgate supports to find the cause.
Safety and model-year limits
Use the emergency release to get out of the cargo area, not as a routine way to open the trunk. Keep the vehicle stopped, and never test the release while the vehicle is moving.
Do not force the liftgate, pry off large interior panels, or put your fingers near the latch while someone operates an outside release. If the door is under pressure from cargo, move the items only if it is safe. If the liftgate is damaged, stuck, or will not stay open, do not stand under it.
Jeep Compass controls can vary by model year and equipment. The owner’s manual for your specific vehicle is the best guide to the release location and operation. U.S. owner’s manuals are available through the official Mopar owner resources; search by your model year.
Key takeaways
- The emergency liftgate release is inside the liftgate, but its design can vary by model year.
- If you are in the cabin, folding the rear seats may let you reach the cargo area; it does not open the liftgate.
- Use the emergency release only while the Compass is safely parked.
- If the release will not work, avoid forcing the door or trim. Get roadside or repair help.
FAQs
Does every Jeep Compass have an emergency liftgate release?
Many Compass owner’s manuals describe an emergency release inside the liftgate, but the exact design and instructions can vary. Check the manual for your model year before trying to remove a cover or move a lever.
Can I open the Jeep Compass trunk from the back seat?
Not with the rear-seat controls alone. You may be able to fold the seats and reach the cargo area, then use the emergency release on the inside of the liftgate.
Can I use the emergency release if the battery is dead?
An emergency release may work without power if it operates mechanically, but the setup can vary by year. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. If the liftgate stays shut, do not force it.
What should I do if the liftgate release is broken?
Avoid pulling harder or removing large trim panels. Call roadside assistance or a repair shop and explain that the liftgate will not release from inside.
Is it safe to travel with a Jeep Compass liftgate open?
Do not drive with the liftgate open unless your owner’s manual specifically permits it for a defined use. An open liftgate can let exhaust enter the cabin and can leave cargo unsecured. Close and latch the liftgate before driving.
Next step
Find the owner’s manual for your Compass model year and confirm the emergency-release location before you need it. If the liftgate is stuck now, keep the vehicle parked and contact roadside assistance if the release does not work.
