Parts for your 2014 Subaru Impreza-Gas struts

2014 Subaru Impreza gas struts: what’s fitted and how to look after them

For the 2014 Subaru Impreza, gas struts are relevant to the 5‑door hatch’s rear gate, but not to the bonnet or the 4‑door sedan’s boot. Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for the GP/GJ series (MY2014) specifies a prop rod for the bonnet and gas‑filled stays on the hatch’s rear gate, while the sedan uses torsion bars for the boot lid. This is backed by Subaru Genuine Parts catalogues listing “rear gate stay” assemblies for GP hatch models and torsion spring components for GJ sedans, and by major lift‑support catalogues (e.g., Monroe Max‑Lift and StrongArm) that list rear gate struts for 2012–2016 Impreza hatchbacks.

On hatch models, the gas struts do the heavy lifting—literally. They counterbalance the rear gate, help it rise smoothly, hold it up safely, and keep movement controlled on the way down. That means easier loading, less strain on hinges, and no surprise head knocks when it’s windy or cold.

As part of routine servicing on a 2014 Impreza hatch, it’s smart to give the rear gate struts a quick check. Look for oily film around the shaft seals, listen for squeaks or hiss, and test whether the gate starts to sag, needs a helping hand to open, or drops faster in cold weather. Any of these are signs the nitrogen charge has weakened or the seals are past their best.

• Keep the chrome shafts clean—wipe off grit and avoid silicone or petroleum sprays on the seals.
• Replace in pairs to keep lift and damping even left to right.
• Support the hatch with a prop before removing struts, don’t compress new struts by hand.
• Install in the same orientation as removed (usually rod down) and torque the ball‑stud fasteners to spec from the service manual.
• Choose struts matched to the GP hatch body code and any accessories (e.g., heavy spoiler) so the force rating is correct.

Most owners will see 5–10 years or well over 100,000 kilometres before performance tails off, but coastal exposure, dust, and temperature swings can shorten that. If you’ve got the 2014 Impreza sedan, there’s no gas strut service for the boot—its torsion bars provide the spring assist—though you should still inspect hinges and latch operation.

Does the 2014 Impreza sedan have gas struts?

No. The GJ sedan uses torsion bars for the boot lid and a prop rod for the bonnet. Only the GP 5‑door hatch uses gas struts on the rear gate.

How long do the hatch gas struts last, and when should they be replaced?

Typically 5–10 years. Replace when the gate won’t stay up, opens slowly, drops in cold weather, or when there’s oil around the seals.

Can 2014 Impreza hatch struts be re‑gassed, or should they just be replaced?

Most OE‑style units are sealed and not serviceable. Replacement with quality, correctly rated struts is the reliable fix.