Parts for your 2013 Honda Odyssey-Gas struts

2013 Honda Odyssey gas struts — what’s fitted and how to look after them

Based on technical sources, the 2013 Honda Odyssey is fitted with gas-charged lift supports (gas struts) on the rear tailgate, including models with a power tailgate. The bonnet on this model uses a prop rod rather than gas struts, and the sliding doors are cable/motor-driven without struts. Technical references: Honda Odyssey 2011–2017 Service Manual (Body – Tailgate/Power Tailgate sections describing gas-pressurised lift supports), American Honda Parts Catalogue (EPC) listings for “Stay, Tailgate L/R (Gas Spring)” for 2013 Odyssey, and aftermarket fitment catalogues (e.g., Stabilus/Monroe/StrongArm) specifying tailgate lift supports for 2011–2017 Odyssey.

On a 2013 Odyssey, the tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting — literally. They counterbalance the weight of the rear door so it opens easily, stays up safely, and closes smoothly. On vehicles with a power tailgate, those struts work alongside the electric actuator, they’re not just along for the ride. When they’re healthy, you’ll notice a confident, even rise and a secure hold at full height, with no shudders or sagging.

Over time, seals age and a bit of nitrogen bleeds off, which means the tailgate can start dropping, especially in cold weather. Common signs it’s time for new struts include: the door won’t stay up on its own, it lifts slowly or unevenly, you hear creaks or clicks at the ball joints, or there’s an oily film on the strut shaft.

Best practice is to replace Odyssey tailgate struts in pairs. That keeps the lift and hold balanced and avoids overloading one side or the power actuator. During replacement, always support the tailgate securely (a prop or helper is a must), swap one side at a time, and don’t twist the strut body. Check the ball studs and brackets for wear and torque them to spec. If your Odyssey has a power tailgate, reinitialise/calibrate it after fitment and cycle it fully a few times to teach the limits.

As part of routine servicing, a quick gas-strut check is easy: wipe the chrome shafts with a soft cloth, don’t lubricate them (oil attracts grit and damages seals), inspect for leaks, and test hold strength by pausing the tailgate mid-travel. In hot Aussie and Kiwi summers or in coastal areas, expect a shorter service life, many owners see 5–10 years from a quality OE-equivalent strut. Choosing reputable, nitrogen-charged replacements that match Odyssey-specific force ratings keeps the tailgate safe, the power motor happy, and day-to-day use effortless.

Technical sources referenced

• Honda Odyssey 2011–2017 Service Manual: Body – Tailgate and Power Tailgate sections (lift support/gas-pressurised stay usage and replacement)
• American Honda EPC/Parts Catalogue: 2013 Odyssey “Stay, Tailgate” (LH/RH gas spring) listings
• Aftermarket application catalogues (e.g., Stabilus Lift-O-Mat, Monroe Max-Lift, StrongArm) specifying tailgate lift supports for 2011–2017 Odyssey

Popular questions about 2013 Honda Odyssey gas struts

Do all 2013 Odyssey models use gas struts on the tailgate?
Yes. Both manual and power tailgate variants use a pair of gas-charged lift supports to balance and hold the door. The power versions add an electric actuator, but the gas struts still do the stabilising and much of the lifting.

Does the 2013 Odyssey bonnet have gas struts?
No. The bonnet uses a simple prop rod. Only the rear tailgate gets gas struts from factory on this model.

Should gas struts be replaced in pairs?
Absolutely. Replacing both sides keeps lift force even, protects the hinges and the power actuator (if fitted), and restores proper hold at full height. Mixing old and new can cause twist, noise, or premature failure.