Parts for your 2011 Subaru Impreza-Gas struts

2011 Subaru Impreza gas struts: what’s fitted and how to look after them

Based on Subaru technical sources, gas struts are used on the 2011 Subaru Impreza hatch (5‑door) to support the rear liftgate, and are not used on the bonnet or on most sedan (4‑door) boots of this generation. The Subaru Service Manual for the GE/GH/GV series (Body section – Rear Gate) details removal/installation of the “rear gate stay” (gas‑charged strut) on hatch models. The same manuals show a prop rod for the bonnet, and torsion bars for many sedan boots. Subaru’s parts catalogue for 2008–2011 Impreza further lists “Stay Assembly – Rear Gate” for 5‑door variants only. The 2011 Owner’s Manual also notes a support rod for the bonnet, not gas struts.

For hatch owners, those rear gas struts quietly do the heavy lifting: they counterbalance the tailgate so it opens smoothly and stays put, even in a stiff Wellington breeze or a hot Perth arvo. They’re nitrogen‑charged with a light oil film for lubrication, and they’re matched in length and force to the Impreza’s tailgate weight.

Like any wear item, they lose pressure over time. Expect 5–10 years in typical Aussie/Kiwi conditions, with faster ageing in high heat or if the car lives outdoors. A good workshop will check them at service intervals by measuring opening effort and holding force, especially in colder weather where weak struts show up first.

• Signs they’re due: the hatch sags, won’t lift the last bit, closes by itself in wind, opens sluggishly in the cold, or you can see oil misting at the rod seal.
• Service tips: keep the chrome rods clean and dry, don’t grease or paint them. Avoid using the hatch as a handle to pull yourself up. Replace the pair together to keep even lift.
• Replacement advice: choose OE‑equivalent struts matched for force and stroke, confirm end fittings and ball size. Support the hatch safely with a prop, swap one side at a time, and ensure the rod points down in the fitted orientation as designed.

If a strut is bent, leaking, or creaking, it’s time. They’re sealed units—don’t try to re‑gas them. Disposal should follow workshop safety procedures, never heat or puncture a charged strut.

Bonnet note: the 2011 Impreza uses a prop rod. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist, but ensure they’re engineered for the GE/GH/GV body and won’t stress the bonnet frame.

Popular questions

How long do the rear hatch gas struts last on a 2011 Impreza?

Typically 5–10 years. Heat, dust, and constant use shorten life, while garage parking and gentle operation help them last. If the hatch won’t stay up or slows in cold weather, plan a replacement pair.

Can bonnet struts be fitted to a 2011 Impreza?

From factory, the bonnet uses a prop rod. Quality aftermarket kits can add gas struts, but they must suit the GE/GH/GV body and bonnet structure. Poorly designed kits can warp the bonnet or foul hinges.

Do the sedan models have gas struts?

Most 2011 Impreza sedans use torsion bars on the boot, not gas struts. If a sedan boot feels heavy or won’t stay up, the fix usually involves the torsion bars or hinges rather than gas struts.