Parts for your 2017 Ford Kuga-Gas struts

2017 Ford Kuga gas struts

Based on Ford’s technical material, gas struts are indeed used on the 2017 Ford Kuga. The Ford Workshop Manual (Section 501-03: Body Closures) specifies liftgate support struts for the Kuga/Escape platform, and the Ford Owner’s Manual for this model year shows the bonnet held by a prop rod rather than struts. That means gas-charged struts are fitted to the tailgate/boot on the 2017 Kuga, while the bonnet does not use them.

On a 2017 Ford Kuga, the tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting—literally. They help raise the boot smoothly, hold it up safely, and control how it comes down so there’s no slam. Over time, the internal gas pressure drops and seals wear, especially in colder weather, and the tailgate can start to sag or feel heavier to lift.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to give the boot struts a quick once-over. Look for oil misting or wetness on the shafts, listen for creaks, and check how the tailgate behaves:

• Lifts slowly or won’t stay up—particularly worse in cold weather
• Uneven rise or tailgate dropping the last third of travel
• Visible leaks or pitted/dirty chrome shafts

Keep the shafts clean—just wipe with a soft cloth. Don’t lubricate them with grease or silicone, that attracts grit and can damage the seals. When replacement time comes, do both sides together to keep even support. Most Kuga tailgate struts are secured with spring clips, swapping them is a quick job with a trim tool or small flat screwdriver, but always support the tailgate with a prop or a helper. If your Kuga has a power tailgate, use the correct spec powered/gas support units and follow the reset or calibration procedure in the workshop guide after fitting.

There’s no fixed interval, but many owners see 5–8 years from factory struts. Coastal exposure, frequent use, and temperature swings can shorten life. Choose quality, model-correct replacements with the right force rating—over-strong struts can stress hinges, while weak ones are a safety risk. Dispose of old struts properly, they’re pressurised and should not be punctured—most workshops or metal recyclers will handle them safely.

Bottom line: for safety and everyday convenience, healthy gas struts are worth keeping on top of with basic checks and timely replacement.

Popular questions

How long do the 2017 Ford Kuga boot struts last?
Most last around 5–8 years, depending on climate and use. Frequent use, coastal conditions, and cold temps can bring on early sagging. If the tailgate won’t stay up or feels heavy, it’s time to replace them in pairs.

Can the Kuga’s gas struts be re-gassed?
They’re generally sealed units and not serviceable. Re-gassing isn’t reliable for this style of strut, fitting new, correct-spec struts is the safe, cost-effective fix.

What if my 2017 Kuga has a power tailgate?
Use the specific powered/gas support struts designed for the power system. After installation, follow the reset or calibration steps in the workshop procedure so the control module learns the end positions and operates smoothly.