Parts for your 2016 Subaru Legacy-Gas struts

2016 Subaru Legacy gas-struts: what’s fitted and what’s not

For the 2016 Subaru Legacy (sixth generation, MY15–MY17 sedan), factory gas-struts are not used on either the bonnet or the boot. Subaru’s own documentation confirms this layout: the 2016 Legacy Owner’s Manual specifies a support/prop rod for holding the bonnet open, and the Subaru Service Manual Body section shows the sedan’s boot lid is counterbalanced by torsion bars rather than lift supports. The Body Repair Manual for 2015MY Legacy/Outback also illustrates the same arrangements. These are Subaru technical sources accessed via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS), covering the Front Hood and Trunk Lid sections.

Why no gas-struts on this model? It comes down to design choices that suit a medium sedan:

• Boot geometry and weight are well managed with torsion bars, which are compact and durable.
• A prop rod is lighter, cheaper and simple, reducing cost and mass without compromising service access.
• Safety and reliability in hot/cold climates: mechanical springs and a rod aren’t affected by gas charge loss.
• Packaging: the sedan’s hinges and inner panels don’t need the reinforcement required for strut rams.

What does that mean for servicing? There are no factory gas-struts to replace on a 2016 Legacy sedan. Instead, a good workshop will:

• Check the bonnet prop rod, clip and grommets so the rod locks in firmly and doesn’t rattle.
• Inspect bonnet and boot hinges for smooth movement, apply suitable lubricant to pivots, and check fastener torque.
• Assess boot torsion bars for corrosion or damage and confirm the boot opens and stays up as intended. Adjustment or removal should be left to trained technicians due to stored spring energy.
• Look over weather seals and alignment to prevent water ingress and wind noise.

Keen on convenience? Aftermarket bonnet gas-strut kits exist for the 2016 Legacy sedan. They’re not Subaru factory parts, so quality and fit vary. Any retrofit should be vehicle-specific, use existing mounting points where possible, and be installed carefully to avoid bending hinges or misaligning panel gaps. If the car to hand is actually an Outback (the wagon/SUV twin), that model does use gas lift supports on the rear tailgate from factory—different body, different hardware.

Technical references: Subaru 2016 Legacy Owner’s Manual (Maintenance and Service – Engine compartment/bonnet support rod), Subaru Service Manual (Body – Front Hood, Body – Trunk Lid/Rear Gate), and Subaru Body Repair Manual, 2015MY Legacy/Outback, as published via Subaru Technical Information System (STIS).

Popular questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have gas-struts on the bonnet or boot?
No. The 2016 Legacy sedan uses a manual prop rod for the bonnet and torsion bars for the boot lid. This setup is documented in Subaru’s Owner’s Manual and Service Manual for the model range.

Can gas-struts be retrofitted to a 2016 Legacy?
Yes, bonnet strut kits are available aftermarket. Choose a model-specific kit, follow torque specs, and avoid drilling where not specified. Poorly fitted struts can stress hinges or distort the bonnet. If unsure, have a qualified technician fit and check alignment.

What should be checked during servicing if there are no gas-struts?
Have the prop rod and clip inspected, hinges lubricated, and boot torsion bars checked for condition and correct lift/hold. Confirm seals and panel gaps are right, so the boot and bonnet close cleanly and keep out water.