Parts for your 2009 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Gas struts

2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, gas struts are used on the 2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris hatch. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the XP90 series (Vitz/Yaris NCP9#/KSP90/SCP90, 2005–2010) lists “Stay Assembly, Back Door” (gas-filled lift supports) on the rear hatch, and Toyota’s Repair Manual/TIS covers removal and installation of the back door stay. The bonnet on this model uses a simple support rod, not gas struts, as shown in the Hood section of the same manual. Aftermarket catalogues for 2009 Yaris hatchbacks also list tailgate lift supports, confirming fitment.

On the 2009 Vitz/Yaris, the gas struts are the self-contained, gas-charged supports that lift and hold the rear hatch up. They make opening the hatch easy and keep it safely in place while loading the weekly shop, footy gear, or the pram. Over time, seals wear and the internal pressure drops, so the hatch may rise slowly, only open part-way, or even drop unexpectedly — not ideal in a southerly with your hands full.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the hatch a quick check. Open it fully and see if it stays put, in cold mornings a weak strut often shows up first. Look for oil misting on the strut body, listen for hissy leaks, and note any binding or jerky movement. These struts are sealed units, so when they’re tired, replacement is the go — there’s no practical re-gassing for this model.

Best practice is to replace them in pairs so the lift and hold are even. It’s a quick job: support the hatch securely (a mate’s shoulder or a prop), flick the retaining clips at the ball sockets, pop the old struts off, and press the new ones on. No grease on the rod — just keep it clean. A light wipe with a dry cloth is all they need, oils and silicone sprays can damage the seals and shorten life.

Quality matters. Choose struts matched to the XP90 hatch weight, especially if the car has a spoiler or added accessories on the glass. Expect a lifespan of 5–10 years depending on climate and use. During routine services, a simple functional check will help avoid a surprise bump on the head in the Bunnings car park. While the bonnet on this Yaris uses a prop rod (so no bonnet gas struts to worry about), the rear hatch struts do the heavy lifting day in, day out — and when they’re fresh, the tailgate feels brand new.

• Common signs they’re due: hatch sags or won’t stay up, slow opening (worse in cold), oil film on the strut, or creaks and binding.
• Do: replace in pairs, support the hatch, keep rods clean. Don’t: lubricate the shaft or use vise-grips on it.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris gas struts

Does the 2009 Yaris/Vitz bonnet have gas struts?
No — the bonnet uses a support rod on this generation. Only the rear hatch uses gas struts (back door stay assemblies). That’s why bonnet “struts” aren’t listed for the XP90 Yaris/Vitz in Toyota’s service info.

How often should tailgate gas struts be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval, but many last 5–10 years. Replace them when the hatch won’t stay up, opens sluggishly, or shows oil misting. Always do both sides together to restore balanced lift and hold.

Can the original struts be re-gassed?
Not practically for this model. The OE and most aftermarket units are sealed, the reliable fix is replacement with correctly rated new struts. It’s a quick, affordable job that restores safe, smooth operation.