Parts for your 2017 Honda Civic-Gas struts

2017 Honda Civic gas struts — what’s fitted and how to look after them

Technical sources including the Honda 2016–2021 Civic Service Manual (Body—Tailgate/Trunk), the 2017 Civic Owner’s Manual for the Hatchback (Opening/Closing the Tailgate), and Honda EPC/parts catalogue listings confirm this: only the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback is factory-fitted with gas-charged struts on the rear tailgate. The Sedan and Coupe use torsion bars for the boot lid and a simple prop rod for the bonnet, so there are no factory gas struts on those panels for those body styles. That makes gas struts highly relevant for Hatch owners, and not a standard-fit item for Sedan and Coupe owners.

On the 2017 Civic Hatch, the tailgate gas struts take the load of the hatch, help it rise smoothly, and hold it open securely so it doesn’t drop on a windy day. They’re nitrogen-charged dampers designed to work across a wide temperature range, keeping the tailgate easy to lift with one hand and steady at full height. Because they’re sealed units, there’s no scheduled servicing—once performance tails off, they’re replaced rather than rebuilt. Orientation matters too: they’re mounted to keep internal seals lubricated and to control damping as the hatch moves through its arc.

While there’s no fixed replacement interval, a few quick checks during regular servicing make sense for Aussie and Kiwi conditions:

• Signs it’s time: the tailgate won’t stay up, opens sluggishly, drops suddenly, or shows a mist of oil on the shaft. A faint hiss can also point to gas loss.
• Replace in pairs: mixing an old and new strut can twist the tailgate and stress hinges.
• Fitting tips: support the hatch safely with a stand or an extra set of hands, use a small flat screwdriver to release the spring clips, don’t scratch the chrome shaft, do not grease the shaft—keep it clean and dry.
• Daily care: avoid forcing the hatch closed if it’s iced up or packed tight, keep debris off the ball studs, confirm the strut’s part number matches the body style.

For Sedan and Coupe owners: because Honda used torsion bars for the boot and a prop rod for the bonnet, there aren’t factory gas struts in those spots. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist, but correct brackets, clearances and quality are key if choosing to retrofit.

• Does a 2017 Honda Civic have gas struts from factory?
  Yes—for the Hatchback’s tailgate only. The Sedan and Coupe don’t have gas struts on the boot or bonnet, they use torsion bars (boot) and a prop rod (bonnet). This setup is reflected in Honda’s factory manuals and parts listings across AU/NZ markets.
• How long do Civic hatch tailgate struts last?
  Often 5–10 years, depending on climate and use. Heat, dust, and frequent cycles will age them faster. If the hatch won’t stay up or opens lazily, it’s time to swap them—ideally as a pair.
• Can bonnet gas struts be added to a 2017 Civic?
  Aftermarket kits are available and can tidy up the engine bay experience. Choose vehicle-specific hardware, check clearances at full open/close, and ensure no drilling compromises corrosion protection. Professional fitting is a good shout.