Parts for your 2017 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Gas struts

2017 Toyota Vitz/Yaris Gas Struts — What They Do and When to Replace

Gas struts are relevant and fitted to the 2017 Toyota Vitz/Yaris hatch — specifically on the rear hatch/back door. Toyota’s service information and electronic parts catalogue list this component as the “Stay, Back Door” on NCP13#/NSP13# series vehicles, which is a gas‑pressurised support. Major catalogues from OEM-equivalent suppliers (e.g., Stabilus Lift-O-Mat and Monroe Max-Lift) also list direct-fit rear liftgate struts for 2011–2019 Yaris/Vitz hatch models, confirming fitment. The bonnet on this model uses a manual prop rod rather than gas struts.

On the Yaris/Vitz, the rear gas struts do the heavy lifting. They use nitrogen pressure and oil damping to support the hatch smoothly, so it opens easily, stays up safely, and closes without a thump. That makes everyday use a breeze, protects hinges and latch gear, and reduces the risk of the hatch dropping on hands or heads — especially important when loading the boot in windy weather.

As sealed units, gas struts wear gradually. Heat, cold, and dust all chip away at performance. Telltales include a hatch that won’t stay up, lifts slowly, needs a shove to move, or sags after a few seconds. A light oil weep at the shaft seal, or a dead spot where movement feels jerky, are other giveaways. Because they work as a pair, replacement is usually done on both sides to keep even lift and alignment.

There isn’t much to “service,” but a few habits help them last:

• Keep the chrome shafts clean, wipe with a dry cloth. Don’t grease them — it attracts grit that damages seals.
• Avoid forcing the hatch against low garage doors or strong wind, that loads the struts and hinges.
• Replace in pairs at the first sign of weakness, particularly before winter or big trips.

Typical lifespan is 5–10 years depending on climate and use. In hotter Aussie summers and coastal Kiwi conditions, they can tire sooner. Replacement is a straightforward DIY job with basic tools: support the hatch safely, flick the clip on each ball socket, swap the strut, and press home until it clicks. If in doubt, a workshop can knock it over quickly and test the hatch hold-open force to spec.

FAQs

Where are the gas struts on a 2017 Toyota Vitz/Yaris?
They’re on the rear hatch/back door. The bonnet uses a simple prop rod, so there are no bonnet gas struts from factory on this model.

How do you know the rear hatch struts need replacing?
If the hatch drops, won’t stay up, opens sluggishly, or needs a hand to lift, the struts are getting tired. Cold mornings often make weak struts show their age. Any oil mist on the shaft is another clear sign.

Can they be re-gassed, or is replacement better?
Most Yaris/Vitz hatch struts are sealed units, re-gassing isn’t typically recommended. Direct replacement with quality new struts is affordable, faster, and restores full hold-open force reliably.