Parts for your 2015 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Gas struts

2015 Toyota Vitz / Yaris gas struts – what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2015 Toyota Vitz/Yaris hatch uses gas struts on the rear hatch (back door). The bonnet is held up by a manual prop rod, and the Yaris sedan’s boot typically uses torsion bars rather than gas struts. This fitment is confirmed by Toyota’s body repair information for the back door damper, Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (P13# Vitz/Yaris listing for “Back Door Stay/Lift Support”), and common aftermarket fitment catalogues for 2011–2017 Yaris hatch models. So, for hatch owners, gas struts are very much relevant.

On the Yaris hatch, gas struts support and control the rear hatch as it opens and closes. They’re small, pressurised dampers that counterbalance the hatch weight, preventing it from dropping on someone’s head and making it easy to lift with one hand. Good struts lift smoothly, hold the hatch at full height, and close without a fight.

Like any wear item, they get tired over time—especially with heat, dust, and frequent use. Typical signs it’s time to replace them include:

• Hatch won’t stay up, or sags in wind or cold mornings
• Needing two hands or an extra shove to open
• Oily film or dampness on the rod, or obvious hissing/leaks
• Uneven lifting or clunks at the ball/socket ends

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check the hatch action and the strut rods. Keep the chrome rods clean and dry—don’t grease the rods, as grease attracts grit and can damage the seals. If one strut is weak, replace both together to keep lift and latch alignment even. During replacement, support the hatch securely with a prop or a helper, swap one side at a time, and inspect the ball studs and brackets for play or corrosion. Choose quality, vehicle-specific gas struts with the correct force rating for the 2015 Vitz/Yaris hatch