These instructions apply to the Mitsubishi Outlander Mk3 (GF) 2012-2021.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
If the 12 V battery in your Mitsubishi Outlander (GF, 2012–2021) is flat or disconnected, the tailgate latch won’t release from the button. Mitsubishi builds in an inside liftgate release for exactly this — a hidden lever that opens the tailgate by hand.
How to Open the Tailgate From Inside
- Fold a rear seat down and reach the inside face of the tailgate from the cabin.
- Low in the centre of the tailgate trim, find the small release lid marked with a luggage symbol and flip it open.
- Inside is the latch mechanism. The release is a small white plastic lever down in the recess — but it sits in shadow, so it looks dark and is easy to miss. Push it across with a flat-bladed screwdriver to unlatch the tailgate.
- Push out on the tailgate to open it.
It re-latches normally the next time you close it, so nothing needs resetting.
Why It’s So Hard to Spot
Behind the lid you just see the power-latch assembly, which looks like a mechanism rather than a handle. The release is a small white plastic lever tucked down in the recess — but in the shadow it reads as dark grey, so it’s easy to walk right past. Look for the small pale tab you can push sideways with a screwdriver. (The pink around it is just the housing, not the lever.) If you can’t reach or free it, the alternative is to restore power: jump-start the car and the tailgate button will open the boot as normal.
Do This Safely
On the power tailgate, don’t poke at the latch beyond that release lever — the powered easy-closer can operate and catch your fingers. Make sure no one is standing behind the tailgate before you push it open, and close the little lid again once you’re done so luggage can’t knock the lever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my Outlander tailgate open?
The latch is electric, so a flat or disconnected 12 V battery (or a fault) stops the button working. Use the inside liftgate release, then sort the battery.
Where is the inside liftgate release on the Outlander?
Low in the centre of the tailgate’s inner trim, behind a small lid marked with a luggage symbol — easiest to reach with a rear seat folded. Open the lid and push the release lever inside.
I opened the lid but only see a mechanism — where’s the lever?
It’s there, just easy to miss — the lever is a small white plastic tab that looks dark grey down in the shadow of the recess. Push it sideways with a screwdriver.
My tailgate still won’t open — now what?
If you can’t work the lever, jump-start the car to restore power and use the button. If the button still fails after charging, have the latch checked.
To get the battery sorted, see our Outlander jump-start guide or battery guide. If a warning light is showing, look it up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Mitsubishi. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.