Parts for your 2010 Honda Civic-Gas struts

2010 Honda Civic gas struts — what’s fitted and what’s not

For most 2010 Honda Civic models sold in Australia and New Zealand (FD sedan, FG coupe and Hybrid), gas struts are not used on the bonnet or the boot. The bonnet is supported by a manual prop rod, and the boot lid is counterbalanced by torsion bars. Only the hatchback-bodied Civic of the era (e.g., FN2 Type R in select markets) uses gas-charged tailgate struts. This is confirmed by Honda technical publications: the 2006–2011 Civic Owner’s Manual shows a bonnet support rod procedure, the Factory Service Manual Body section details torsion bars for the boot, and the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue lists tailgate “stay” (gas strut) only for hatch variants, not for sedans/coupes.

Why didn’t Honda fit gas struts to the 2010 Civic sedan/coupe? It’s a mix of practicality and engineering priorities:

• Packaging and weight: torsion bars and a prop rod are lighter and free up space around the hinges.
• Cost and reliability: fewer pressurised components means lower cost and one less wear item to leak or fade.
• Serviceability: simple, proven hardware that’s easy to adjust or replace without special tools.

What owners can do as part of regular servicing: even without gas struts, a few quick checks keep things tidy. Lightly lubricate hinge pivots and the prop-rod clip with a plastic-safe spray, ensure the prop rod’s grommet is intact, and confirm the boot opens smoothly and stays up without excessive force. If the boot feels heavy or snaps shut, the torsion bars may need adjustment (this is a workshop task due to stored spring energy). Always place the bonnet securely on the prop rod before working, and be mindful of wind.

Got a hatch-backed FN2 Type R? That tailgate does run gas struts. Typical signs they’re due include the tailgate drifting down, needing a shoulder to lift it, or oily mist on the strut body. Replacement is straightforward, usually two clips per side, replace in pairs, and support the tailgate while working. Quality aftermarket struts are fine, but match the correct part number and force rating for safe operation. In hot-cold climates or high‑use cars, expect 5–10 years/80–150,000 km before noticeable fade.

Technical sources referenced: 2010 Civic Owner’s Manual (bonnet prop-rod instructions), Honda Civic 2006–2011 Factory Service Manual (Body—Bonnet/Boot/Tailgate), Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (FD/FG—no gas “stay” listed, FN2—tailgate “stay, gas”).

Popular questions

Does a 2010 Honda Civic have gas struts on the bonnet or boot?
For AU/NZ sedans and coupes, no—bonnet uses a prop rod and the boot uses torsion bars. Only hatch/tailgate models (like the FN2 Type R) use gas-charged struts on the tailgate.

Can gas struts be retrofitted to the bonnet?
Yes, aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist. They add brackets at the hinge and guard. Choose a kit designed for the 8th‑gen Civic to avoid panel stress, fit them with care, and always check bonnet alignment and lifting effort after installation.

How do I know if my Civic hatch tailgate struts need replacing?
If the tailgate won’t stay up, drops in cooler weather, or shows oil weep on the strut body, they’re due. Replace in pairs, support the tailgate during the swap, and match the correct force rating for safe, smooth opening.