Hood Ajar Warning
The hood is not fully latched — it can fly open at speed and block your view entirely.
What it means
The hood latch switch reports the hood isn't secured. A hood that opens at highway speed smashes back against the windshield — this is a genuine stop-now warning, not a courtesy reminder.
Can you keep driving?
Pull over as soon as safe and re-latch it: press down firmly over the latch until it clicks, then tug the front edge to confirm it's caught. If it won't stay latched, do not drive — the latch or cable needs repair.
What to do now
- 1
Stop, close the hood firmly (drop from ~12 inches or press hard over the latch), and tug to verify.
- 2
Check for obstructions in the latch.
- 3
If the light stays on with the hood confirmed latched, the switch is faulty — drive carefully and have it replaced.
Likely causes
- • Hood closed gently but not latched (most common)
- • Debris or ice in the latch
- • Stretched release cable or failed latch
- • Faulty hood switch (light on with hood secure)
Typical fix cost
$0 to re-latch; $100–$300 for a latch or cable
Ranges reflect mainstream US parts-and-labor pricing; your vehicle and region will vary.