The Best Jeep Hood Latches for 2023

The hood latch is one of those unheralded parts of your Jeep that does not get much attention but provides similar protection to you and vehicle. And how does it work? This part of the Jeep serves as a lock which prevents the hood from fluttering or moving and possibly shattering your windshield. However, this portion of the vehicle tends to deteriorate over time and your vehicle needs the best Jeep hood latch as a replacement.

For this reason, we have tested several hood latch available in the market and come up with a thorough review of all of those who passed our test. This review features different information needed to help all of our readers in choosing the right Wrangler hood latch or for the other type of vehicles. We are featuring several products including their features and benefits to serve as a guide in selecting the right one for your vehicle.

Best Jeep Hood Latch Reviews

1. Rugged Ridge Textured Aluminum Hood Catches

It’s a fact that there are a lot of hood latch for Jeep wrangler available in the market but choosing the right one will be easy if you prefer a tried and tested brand. And this is where Rugged Ridge takes pride as one of those companies who have proven to provide trusted and proven Jeep accessories and parts to the buying public.

In this particular Jeep hood latch lock, I was impressed by its quality. Upon inspection, I immediately notice the aluminum construction and stainless steel hardware which shows the durability of the product. It will make the hood latch last longer and withstand the difficult road conditions including the toughest terrain that your Jeep will go through.

I also like the fitting quality of this latch in terms of matching your vehicle’s hood. It is directly proportional which provides a great fit thus reducing hood flutter upon installation. These latches can also be considered as an upgrade to the original one because of their rustproof properties. It will make the hood stay in place even on difficult road conditions.

Another feature of this product that I was impressed with is its easy installation feature. Since the product includes the installation hardware, it will help in making the installation smooth and easy. Even newbie and inexperienced drivers can do the installation with ease.

The only issue I noticed with the Rugged Ridge hood latch is the plastic lab which holds the latch down as I feel that it will be the first one to break. I feel that there is a great opportunity to improve its quality and make it more strong and durable.

2. RT-TCZ Hood Lock Catch Latches

If you are trying to find a locking hood latches for Jeep wrangler that brings a wide array of applications, then this is your best bet. This product can fit on any Jeep Wrangler JK and JL model 2007 – 2018 with 2 doors and unlimited 4 doors. If you have the Sahara, Rubicon, Sahara, and Sports model, then this is an alternative option for you.

What I like the most about this Jeep locking hood latches are its distinct appearance and overall shape. This product was design to give your Jeep a more hip and sporty style. It is your best choice if you want a cool and trendy locking hood for your vehicle.

In terms of quality, these Jeep TJ hood latches are equally impressive. Made with top-notched quality ABS and die-cast electroplated stainless steel, this will ensure the durability and toughness of this product. You will never have a problem with extreme heat conditions and scratches with its ability to resist in these types of situations. Besides, this hood latch will be keeping your hood in place even in difficult road conditions thus reducing the hood movement.

Lastly, I was also impressed by how it is easy to install this Jeep hood latch. There is no need to drill upon installing because you will just directly replace the original latches. The installation hardware is also included providing more convenience to the Jeep owner.

However, the only issue I see in the product is you need some modification to achieve the right fitting. You need to drench the 2 plastics into half to exactly fit the 3 holes of the JK.

3. OMIX Rugged Ridge 11210.07 Hood Catches

When your Jeep TJ hood flutter while on the road, I think it is the best time to replace the TJ hood latches of your vehicle. If you like black colored, OE style, and individual latch, then this will be the best option for you. This is an accessory that is made by one of the most trusted makers of vehicle parts and accessories so expect quality and reliability in the product.

The feature that stands out to me in this product is the easy-installation feature. I mean, this product was made to directly replace the locking Jeep hood latches of your Jeep TJ. The product is a bolt-on solution that has similar mounting points to the original latch making it easy to install. It is such a breeze that you can use basic tools when putting it in your vehicle.

I also like the quality of this vehicle accessory in terms of the materials used. After all, it is made and manufactured with durable materials that provide the toughness and durability of this hood latch. This will make the product withstand hot and humid conditions and even difficult terrain making it last longer while keeping the hood in place.

Meanwhile, this black-colored latch will not only make your hood in place but also improve its appearance. This is one of the best options as a replacement for your locking Jeep hood latches if you are looking for the quality of the product.

However, the only issue I see in this product is it’s sold individually. If you need two or more of this type, then you will need to spend more compared to other latches that come in pairs and sets.

4. RAMPAGE PRODUCTS 7601 Hood Catches

Looking for the Jeep wrangler Jk hood latches that will replace the original latch of your vehicle can be challenging with all the options available in the market. But this challenge can be reduced if you consider this product from Rampage. This high-quality hood latch is custom-designed to serve as a suitable replacement for the original hood latch in your Jeep.

What I like the most about this product is the great fit that it provides to your vehicle. It can be comparable to your original latch because this will serve as its direct replacement. It provides a great fit and all the pre-drilled holes line up perfectly. This product will replace and even upgrade your previous latch and can be installed easily to the factory mounting holes.

In terms of its physical features, I can say that it is also impressive. Made and constructed with OE grade and high-endurance materials making it highly durable and tough. It also can resist corrosion and rust coming from hot and difficult road conditions. I can say that this hood latch is designed to last long and assist your vehicle by keeping the hood in place even on difficult terrain and road conditions.

Meanwhile, another feature that I can proud of is its easy installation property. The installation does not require drilling and can be done using your do-it-yourself skill. It will provide a lot of convenience to the one who will install it.

The only issue I see in the product is the quality of the black coating on the surface of the latch. I feel that it was so poor and may peel off easily especially with the difficult road condition. This downside can certainly be improved by the company.

5. Xprite Aluminum Hood Latches

This hood latch kit from Xprite takes pride in having one of the most durable Jeep wrangler locking hood latch that you can find. It provides the best security to the hood and comes with a tough-looking feature that protects the vehicle from outside threats.

In terms of its quality, I was impressed with this hood latch catch kit. Assembled and made with stainless steel and high-strength aluminum alloy to be one of the most durable and strong latches available. With these qualities, the hood latch comes with rust-proof and scratch-resistant properties to last long even on difficult road conditions while also keeping the hood in place and prevent it from any fluttering.

In terms of its installation, this can be put in your vehicle easily and quickly. With the availability of all the hardware needed, the installer can easily put it in the hood without any sot of modifications or even drilling. The installation can even be done by inexperienced drivers who lack mechanical skills.

These Jeep JL locking hood latches also provide fittings to different types of Jeep JK and JL models. In particular, this hood latch is designed to fit the 2007 – 20018 Jeep Wrangler JK 2 door and the unlimited 4 doors. It also matches with the Jeep Wrangler JL and JLU models of 2018 – 2020.

However, one minor issue I see in this product is the quality of the hardware particularly the locknuts. I feel that it’s of poor quality and has the chance to scrap the paint in the hood. Needs improvement as far as the manufacturing side is concerned.

6. Routen Stainless Steel Hood Catch Latches

This accessory from Routen is one of those Jeep JK locking hood latches that can be a good replacement for your original latch kit. Having these catch kit can be considered as an upgrade to your original catch kit but still maintains the same effectiveness when compared to the previous hood latch. After all, this hood latch is designed to provide a great fit to your Jeep’s factory mounting holes.

In terms of its physical aspect, this product is top-of-the-line. It is manufactured with n e-coated stainless steel that provides anti-scratch and corrosion properties to the surface. This means that the latches can withstand hot conditions and difficult terrain maintaining their quality and keeping the hood in place.

I also like how this hood latch was designed. It will not only provides stability but also improves the sporty look of the vehicle and improve its overall appearance. I also like that the installation is a breeze with no drilling or any modification requirements needed. This feature will provide convenience to the Jeep owner in general.

The only downside I see in this product is the quality of the lock. It needs familiarization in terms of locking and unlocking in the hood especially when newly-installed. Needs improvement on the part of the manufacturer.

7. JeCar Steel Hood Latches

This hood latch from JeCar can be an added option for you as a possible replacement for the original JKU hood latch of your Jeep. We all know the importance of at least matching the quality of your original accessory and this product can perfectly fill the void left by your deteriorating hood latch. This vehicle accessory can fit with Jeep Wrangler 2007 -2021 models particularly the JK JL and Unlimited Rubicon Sahara X Off Road Sport.

I like the quality of this kit when it comes to its physical features. Manufactured with Die Cast e-coated stainless steel, this accessory offers great durability and toughness to withstand the difficult road conditions and their effects such as corrosion and fading. Not only that, it features dedicated metal screws that cannot be easily damaged despite the difficult environment.

Speaking of quality, the durability and toughness of this product mean no hood movement on the road as it helps in keeping it in place even on difficult terrain. This hood latch kit can also enhance the vehicle with its stylish and unique appearance.

I also like the installation process of this product as it does not require any difficult process. Since this latch is a direct replacement for your original accessory, it will fit with ease into the mounting hole of the original hood latch. No need for drilling or any forms of modification upon installation.

The only issue I see in this product is the quality of the locking mechanism. It looks cheap and does not perform as expected. The company should look at improving this part of the product.

8. Smittybilt 7601 Hood Catches

If you are looking for a nice looking hood latch kit, then I would recommend this product from Smittybilt. This accessory takes pride in having one of the cleanest designs of all the latches but also provides the same protection to the hood. This is a good choice if you want to enhance the exterior of your Jeep while keeping the hood in place.

In terms of its durability and toughness, this product has what it takes to last for a long time. It is engineered and manufactured to meet the highest standard that the industry has set in terms of hood protection. After all, this accessory is made with highly durable OEM materials to match the quality of the original latch installed in your vehicle. Furthermore, this particular product was thoroughly tested and was put under extreme and difficult conditions before hitting the market.

I also like how this product looks as it helps in improving the exterior portion of your Jeep. The glossy black finish provides a nice and clean looking view as it not only provides a Jeep hood flutter fix but also enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle.

In terms of the installation, need not worry because installing this hood latch is a walk in the park. There is no need to drill or do some type of modifications during the process which means the installation is so convenient. It also helps that all the necessary hardware is included to make it easy for anyone when putting this product into the hood.

The only issue I see in this product is its weight. Compared to the others, this is comparably lighter but I am not sure whether it can affect the quality of service it provides.

9. Topfire Aluminum Hood Latches

The Topfire hood latch takes pride in having one of the most solid and dependable vehicle accessories in the market. It helps in protecting the vehicle’s hood by eliminating the constant flipping even on the most difficult road conditions such as high winds. For me, this is another great option as a replacement for the original latch once it deteriorates or aged.

Quality-wise, this accessory is top-notched. Armed with aluminum construction, this product has durability and toughness to withstand difficult road conditions and unusual terrain. It comes with scratch and shock-resistant properties to be able to last longer under difficult conditions. Besides, this latch comes with adjustable properties for easy opening and closing.

I also like the easy-installation feature of this product. All you have to do is follow the instruction set by the manufacture and the latch will be installed in no time. No drillings or any forms of modifications are required. All you have to do is remove the original latch and replace it with this product as per the instruction.

Furthermore, this vehicle accessory fits a lot of Jeep Wrangler models including 2007 – 2018 JK and JKU. So if you own a Rubicon Sahara Sport or other similar models and if you want to personalize it, having this latch kit should be a great start.

The only issue I have with this product is the absence of a rubber stopper. Because this part can help in preventing any scratches when the latch touches the hood when installed.

10. Hydraker Hood Latch Look Catches

The Hydraker Hood Latch is another brand that I recommend for your vehicle particularly Jeep Wrangler JK and JKU models 2007 – 2018. Likewise, if you are looking for a Jeep Gladiator locking hood latch, then this is a nice product you can consider. This hood latch offers quality, longevity, and value to anyone who wants to invest it in the vehicle.

What I like the most about this particular catch kit are its durability and longevity. Made with stainless steel and top-notched billet aluminum, this accessory is tough and durable enough to withstand the difficult road conditions it will encounter. Of course, it features heat, corrosion, and scratch-resistant properties to be able to last longer compared to any ordinary catch kit.

With these different features, it will bring a lot of positive impact on your vehicle. This includes stopping the hood flutter even on the most difficult terrain. It will also increase the security features of the car with its lock system. Meanwhile, putting this to your car will enhance the appearance of your vehicle with its unique design thus adding value.

Meanwhile, the installation is relatively easy even for newbies and inexperienced drivers. No need to drill or to do other modifications during the installation process.

The only downside I see in the product is the absence of rubber bumper tabs in the latches. This will protect the surface of the hood from any form of scratches upon installation.

11. APDTY 55176636K2 Hood Latch Rubber Catches

This catch kit is an alternative if you like a rubber design in the latch of your vehicle’s hood. It’s a perfect replacement for Jeep Wrangler models 1997 to 2006 and can serve as a replacement for the original latch. Some of my friends did say that this product is comparable to the original in terms of quality but this all depends on the user.

When inspecting the product, I initially think that this product was soft and did not have durability. After inspection, I was wrong in all honesty. The physical feature of the product combines plastic and rubber design. But these are not just ordinary rubber or plastic as it is made with high-quality materials. The durability and the toughness are still there, to say the least.

I also like the overall features of the product. This latch kit was designed to meet or even exceed the OEM specification of the original kit. The form and the function of this product are comparable if not exceed the quality of the original one that is installed in the vehicle.

When it comes to installation, this product was easy to install in the vehicle. If you are a pro, this is easy because it does not need drilling or any modifications for that matter.

The only issue I see in the product is the missing hardware in the latch kit. Some nuts were missing during the testing that we have done but this is just a minor issue.

12. Sukemichi Hood Locks Latches

The last product we are going to review is not the least of all the products we feature. The Sukimichi hood latches provide the same quality as the others in the market in terms of protecting your hood and the vehicle. This product provides a great fit for Jeep Wrangler JL Sahara and Rubicon models of 2018 – 2020.

Quality-wise, this is a hood latch that I can recommend. This is made of a combination of high-quality rubber and steel materials to provide toughness and durability. Those high-grade materials make the product with anti-rust and fading properties to withstand difficult conditions while on the road.

Because of this feature, this latch kit eliminates fluttering of the hood when on the road. Likewise, it also increases the security of the vehicle with its locking system where no one can open the hood without the latch key. This product is a great upgrade to the original latch installed in your vehicle based on my observation.

Meanwhile, in terms of its installation, the process is a breeze. With no drilling and other modification requirements, putting this to your Jeep is relatively easy. All you have to do is follow the instruction for guidance to be able to install it properly.

However, one downside I see in the product is the presence of hinge bolts at the exterior part of the latch. I’m afraid that a thief with the right tools can have the chance to open the latch and steal something inside the hood. Needs improvement on the part of the manufacturer.

What to Look for When Buying a Jeep Hood Latch

In our product review, we have featured 12 Top Jeep hoods last that we are recommending to all of our readers. Now, to give you the additional information that will help you in choosing the right one for your Jeep, we listed different factors to consider when buying a Jeep hood latch.

Quality of the Material

When choosing a Jeep hood latch, choose something that is manufactured and assembled with high-quality materials. This will ensure that the latch kit you are buying has the toughness and the durability to withstand the difficult condition on the road while keeping the hood in place at the same time. Traditionally, steel and aluminum are the materials being used by premium latch kit manufacturers. If you find these materials on the product, then put the hood latch on your priority list.

The quality of the material also affects the ability of the latch to withstand corrosion, scratches, and other possible effects from the difficult road condition. If you find a product that offers similar anti-corrosion and scratch properties, then this hood latch must be considered. Lastly, a hood latch manufactured with high-grade materials can last longer compared to other regular products.

Ease of Installation

There are a lot of hood latch kits which is difficult to install in the vehicle but there are also others that offer an easy installation feature. This type of hood latch gives you an easier time to do the installation by simply following the guide that the manufacturer is providing. Moreover, this type of hood latch does not require the installer to do any drilling in the hood or do any modifications just to ensure that the hood latch will be installed properly.

Great Fit

This is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing a hood latch for your Jeep. You need to select a hood latch that will fit in the hood of your Jeep. Not all hood latch available in the market can be the right fit for your vehicle and your responsibility is to know what brand of the hood latch will provide similar fittings to the original one installed in the vehicle.

Features and Benefits

These factors are related and must be considered when selecting the right hood latch, The more features the product offers, the more benefits it will give to your vehicle. The hood latch should not only keep the hood in place but also protect our vehicles from outside threats. Features such as the locking system help in upgrading the security of the vehicle. There is also another hood latches kit that enhances the overall appearance of the vehicle with its unique design.

Brand

Although some buyers do not give importance to the brand, for me this is still a factor to be considered. Because choosing a brand that has proven to the industry in manufacturing high-quality parts and accessories can always give you the right hood latch. Most of the time, these companies have the best product to offer in terms of producing top-of-the-line hood latch kit.

What is a Jeep Hood Latch?

A Jeep hood latch is an important part of your vehicle that keeps the hood in place while driving. It will make sure that the hood will not fly around when hitting on difficult off-road terrain that could lead to busting your windshield. When the original hood latch kit ages and deteriorates as time goes by, the need to find a suitable replacement that matches the quality and the specification of the original one should be on top of the priority.

A hood latch can also provide other benefits such as providing protection to the hood and enhancing the exterior of the vehicle. The most important thing is to find the best option that at least matches the quality of the original one that was installed and be the right fit for the Jeep model.

How does It Work?

The Jeep hood latch is responsible for keeping the hood in place and preventing it from fluttering when hitting the road. After some time, you will probably hear your hood making some unnecessary noise and flutters. The reason behind it is the original hood latch has deteriorated and is unable to do what it is supposed to do. The need to find a suitable replacement is important especially to the owner of the Jeep.

The aftermarket options of the products offer different types and varieties but are mostly made with different materials. There are hood latches made with plastic, steel, aluminum, among others. But the most reliable are those made with stainless steel and aluminum because this type offers more durability and toughness. The Jeep hood latch also gives protection to the hood and the vehicle through its locking system which prevents outsiders from opening the hood without permission.

Who is This for?

Jeep hood latch is for Jeep owners who are looking for a replacement for their old and deteriorated original latch installed in the hood of the vehicle. It is also for Jeep owners who are responsible enough to look for a replacement latch that matches the quality of the original one. This is also for owners who want their Jeep to be protected when hitting the road and wants to enhance the exterior of the vehicle by looking for a hood latch that has a unique design.

What are the Different Types of Jeep Hood Latch?

In terms of its physical features, the different hood latch almost looks the same but only different in its design and features. Of course, they also differ in the materials used when manufacturing a particular product. But there is a hood latch that has a keyed lock which offers protection to the hood. This will ensure that no one will open the hood without permission and steal some mechanical parts.

Other types of hood latches feature a fail-safe which protects if the latch will fail in its operation. This type of latch comes with a steel cable that will hold the hold in its place even if the latch will break or damage.

Why do you need a Jeep Hood latch?

A Jeep hood latch is an important accessory of your vehicle that provides safety and security. Of course, the primary benefit of a hood latch is to keep the hood in place and prevent the hood from fluttering. The hood latch also increases the security features of your Jeep with its locking mechanism feature wherein it protects the hood from unauthorized opening. The hood latch also enhances the exterior part of the vehicle with its unique design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Brand of Jeep Hood Latch?

We have recommended and reviewed 12 of the best hood latch that you can get in the market today. But to select the best brand, I can say that the hood latch made by Rugged Ridge, JeCar, Topfire, Rampage, and Routen stands out to me. My selection was purely based on the features and benefits they offer which stands out. But let me say it clear that all of the products we reviewed have passed our test and are highly recommended by our team.

How to Install and Use?

Installation and usage vary from brand to brand. Of course, there are hood latches that are difficult to install and there are products in which the installation is a breeze. The most important thing is to follow the guide step-by-step and be able to install the accessory correctly. Usage of the hood latch also differs between brands depending on the features it offers.

How to Care and Maintain?

Caring for and maintaining a hood latch is the same as taking care of the other parts of the vehicle. Regular cleaning it and removing dirt will come a long way in making the latch stays longer in the hood. It is also important to be very careful in opening or closing it to prevent any breakage or damage especially to hood latches with plastic materials.

How to Take off Jeep Hood Latch?

Removing the Jeep hood latch differ from brand to brand but you need to follow the guide on how to properly remove it from your vehicle. The most important thing is to have the right tools for removal. This will make the process easy as the tools will help in removing the hardware quickly and accurately.

What is the Warranty?

What warranty also differs from brand to brand but the most important thing to you, as a buyer is to know the terms of the warranty. This will serve as the buyer’s protection if in case there are factory defects upon purchase or the product becomes defective after just a few days.

Where to Buy?

You can buy a Jeep hood latch in any vehicle parts and accessories near in your area. But you can also purchase it online in any authorized online shop worldwide. Online stores such as Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, and other primary online stores sell original hood latches that will be delivered directly into your home at your convenience.

Conclusion

We have reviewed 12 of the best Jeep hood latch available in the market. The review and all the information we put were intended to help you, our readers to make the right choice in buying a hood latch for your Jeep. We are certainly hoping that you will purchase the right fit that will have the durability and toughness to last longer in the hood of your vehicle.