Parts for your 2016 Subaru Impreza-Gas struts

2016 Subaru Impreza gas struts: what they do and when to replace them

Based on the Subaru Workshop/Service Manual (GP/GJ chassis, Body section), Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, and major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., Stabilus/Monroe listings), gas struts are fitted to the rear liftgate on the 2016 Subaru Impreza hatch (GP). The 2016 Impreza sedan (GJ) boot uses torsion bars rather than gas struts, and the bonnet on both body styles uses a prop rod from factory.

On the hatch, those gas-charged struts are the unsung heroes that take the weight of the tailgate and hold it safely up. They’re nitrogen-filled dampers that control the lift and slow the last bit of travel so the hatch doesn’t slam. When they’re healthy, opening the hatch feels light and easy, and it stays put even on a breezy day at the beach or on a sloped driveway.

There’s no scheduled interval to replace gas struts, they’re a replace-on-condition item. Over time, seals wear and pressure drops, especially in colder climates. If the hatch won’t stay up, opens sluggishly, or needs a shoulder bump to get moving, the struts are due. A light mist of oil around the rod, uneven lifting side-to-side, or a knocking sound are other giveaways.

• Replace in pairs. Mixing an old strut with a new one twists the tailgate and shortens the life of both.
• Match the exact part number or force rating. The wrong force can make the hatch hard to close or fail to hold open.
• Support the hatch before removal. Use a prop or a mate to hold it up, those clips release quickly.
• Don’t puncture or heat a strut. They’re high-pressure units and can be dangerous if tampered with.

For the 2016 Impreza sedan owner wondering where their “boot struts” are—there aren’t any. Subaru uses torsion rods on the boot lid because it’s lighter and the geometry suits spring assist. If the boot action feels weak or uneven, the fix is usually rod adjustment or hinge/stop rubbers, not gas struts. Likewise, the bonnet relies on a simple prop rod, aftermarket gas-strut kits exist, but stick with quality hardware and proper mounting points to avoid panel misalignment.

Keeping the hatch struts in good nick is all about safety and convenience. If they’re tired, swapping them out is a quick win that restores that factory-fresh, one-hand lift.

• Do 2016 Subaru Imprezas have gas struts?
  Hatch models (GP) do—on the rear liftgate. Sedans (GJ) don’t use gas struts on the boot, and neither body style has factory gas struts on the bonnet.
• How often should the gas struts be replaced?
  There’s no fixed interval. Replace them when the hatch won’t hold itself up, opens slowly, or shows oil misting. Many last 5–10 years depending on use and climate.
• Can just one gas strut be replaced?
  It’s best to replace both. A single new strut can twist the hatch, stress the hinges, and wear out faster.