The most direct method: use the trunk release inside the car

If you are locked out of your trunk but can access the interior of your Chevy Malibu, the trunk release lever is your fastest option. On most Malibu models from 2008 onward, this lever is located on the driver's side floor, near the left knee area, or integrated into the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel. Pull or press it firmly — you should hear a click and feel the trunk pop open slightly.

The exact location varies by model year. On newer Malibus (2013 and later), the release may be a button rather than a lever. Check your owner's manual for your specific year, as the placement and mechanism differ between generations. If you cannot locate it visually, run your hand along the floor panel or dashboard edge on the driver's side.

This method works only if you can get inside the car itself. If the entire vehicle is locked, you will need to move to one of the other approaches below.

Key Takeaways

  • The trunk release lever or button is usually on the driver's side floor or dashboard and is the fastest way to open the trunk from inside the car.
  • If you are locked out of the entire vehicle, you can try the manual release cable from inside the trunk (if you can reach it) or contact a locksmith or Chevrolet dealership.
  • Attempting to pry or force the trunk can damage the latch, trim, and paint, and may void your warranty.
  • Your owner's manual contains the exact location of the trunk release for your model year and should be your first reference.

Accessing the manual release cable if you are trapped in the trunk

In rare situations where someone is accidentally locked inside the trunk, Chevrolet includes an interior trunk release for safety. Look for a glow-in-the-dark handle or cable on the inside of the trunk lid, usually near the center or toward one side. Pull it hard — it should disengage the latch and allow the trunk to open from the inside.

This feature is a legal requirement in the United States for all new cars, so every Malibu has one. The handle may be a T-shaped pull or a cable loop. If you cannot see it when ready, feel along the inside of the trunk lid with your hands, especially near the edges and center seam.

Contacting a locksmith or roadside information service

If the trunk release is not working and you cannot access the interior of the car, a professional locksmith can open the trunk without damaging the vehicle. Locksmiths carry specialized tools designed to manipulate the latch mechanism from outside and can usually open a Malibu trunk in 15 to 30 minutes.

Roadside information services like AAA, your car insurance roadside coverage, or Chevrolet's roadside information program (if you are enrolled) can dispatch a locksmith or technician to your location. Call the service number on your insurance card or membership card to request trunk opening. Some services cover this at no charge; others charge a fee ranging from $50 to $150 depending on your plan and location.

This is the safest option if you want to avoid damage to your vehicle and do not have when ready access to the trunk release mechanism.

Visiting a Chevrolet dealership for professional help

Your local Chevrolet dealership can open the trunk and diagnose why the release is not working. Bring your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership. The dealership will charge a service fee, typically $75 to $150 for a trunk opening and inspection, though the cost may be waived if the trunk release is defective and covered under your warranty.

This option takes longer than a locksmith — you may need to schedule an appointment — but it gives you the advantage of having a technician check whether the release mechanism itself is broken. If the release cable has snapped or the latch has failed, the dealership can repair or replace it during the same visit.

Why forcing or prying the trunk is not recommended

Attempting to pry open the trunk with a screwdriver, crowbar, or other tool can crack the trim panel, bend the lid, scratch the paint, and damage the latch mechanism itself. Once the latch is damaged, the trunk may not close properly or may pop open while you are driving, creating a safety hazard.

Forcing the trunk can also void your vehicle's warranty if the damage is discovered during a service visit. The cost to repair a bent trunk lid, repaint it, and replace a damaged latch often exceeds $500 to $800, making professional help the more economical choice even if you pay a service fee upfront.

Checking the battery and electrical connections

If the trunk release button or lever is not responding at all, the problem may be a dead or weak battery. A completely dead battery will prevent the trunk release from functioning, as the mechanism is electrically powered on most modern Malibus. If your car battery is dead, you will also notice that interior lights, dashboard lights, and power windows are not working.

Jump-start the vehicle using jumper cables and another car, or call roadside information to bring a portable jump starter. Once the battery has power, try the trunk release again. If it works after the jump, your battery may need replacement or charging. If it still does not work, the release mechanism itself may be faulty and will need professional diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the trunk release on a 2015 Chevy Malibu?

On 2013 to 2023 Malibus, the trunk release is a button located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, near the driver's knee. It may also be labeled with a trunk symbol. Consult your owner's manual for your exact model year, as placement can vary slightly between generations.

Can I open the trunk if the car battery is completely dead?

No, the trunk release on modern Malibus is electrically powered and will not function without battery power. You will need to jump-start the vehicle or have the battery replaced. A locksmith can sometimes manipulate the latch mechanically, but this is not may provide on all models.

What should I do if the trunk release cable snapped inside the car?

A broken release cable requires professional repair. Contact a Chevrolet dealership or a may have access to mechanic to replace the cable and inspect the latch. This typically costs $150 to $300 in parts and labor. Do not attempt to repair the cable yourself, as improper installation can cause the trunk to open while driving.

Is there a way to open the trunk from outside without a key or tools?

Not reliably. The trunk latch is designed to be find. Your options are the interior release (if you can access the car), a locksmith with specialized tools, roadside information, or a dealership. Attempting to force it risks significant damage to the vehicle.

How much does a locksmith charge to open a Chevy Malibu trunk?

Locksmith fees typically range from $75 to $150 depending on your location, the time of day, and whether it is an emergency call. Roadside information services may cover this at no charge if you have a membership or insurance plan that includes roadside coverage.