Parts for your 2018 Ford Fiesta-Gas struts

2018 Ford Fiesta gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Gas struts are absolutely relevant to the 2018 Ford Fiesta hatch. Ford’s Owner’s Manual for the Fiesta covers the tailgate operation and cautions around the support struts, and the Ford Workshop Manual (Body — Section 501-03: Body Closures) includes removal and installation procedures for the liftgate struts. Ford’s parts catalogues (e.g., Microcat/ETIS) also list “liftgate support strut” for this model. The bonnet on most 2018 Fiestas, however, uses a prop rod rather than gas struts.

On the 2018 Fiesta hatch, the tailgate gas struts take the load of the liftgate, control its movement, and hold it safely open. They’re compact, nitrogen-charged units with internal oil damping, designed to make opening the tailgate easy and to stop it dropping on a windy day or when the car’s parked nose-up. They’re small bits of kit, but they do a lot for day-to-day convenience and safety.

Like wiper blades and shock absorbers, gas struts are wear items. Seals age, pressure drops, and performance tails off. That shows up as the tailgate creeping down, needing a shove to start lifting, or refusing to stay up when it’s cold. In Australia and New Zealand, heat, UV, dust, and salt air can speed that up a touch, especially near the coast.

• Common signs they’re due: tailgate sags or won’t stay up, slow or jerky movement, hissing oil, or rust around the ball sockets.
• Simple care tips: keep the chrome rods clean, don’t grease them (it can damage seals), and avoid hanging extra weight on the tailgate.

During regular servicing, it’s smart to check tailgate operation, listen for binding, and inspect the strut ends and body mounts. Many owners replace Fiesta tailgate struts somewhere between 5–10 years, depending on use. Replace in pairs for even lift, support the tailgate securely while working, and use quality units matched to the Fiesta’s spec. The swap is straightforward — usually a clip at each end — but always secure the tailgate first, a broom handle isn’t a bad temporary prop if you’re stuck, but a second person is better.

If the bonnet stays feel old-school, that’s normal — the Fiesta’s bonnet is supported by a prop rod from factory, which keeps weight and cost down. The tailgate, though, relies on gas struts to do the heavy lifting.

Popular questions

Does the 2018 Fiesta have gas struts on the bonnet?
Most 2018 Fiestas use a prop rod for the bonnet, not gas struts. Ford’s service and parts documentation covers tailgate struts, while bonnet assistance is shown as a manual prop. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits do exist if someone wants hands-free lifting.

How long do Fiesta tailgate gas struts usually last?
Typically 5–10 years in local conditions. High heat, frequent use, or coastal air can shorten that. If the tailgate won’t stay up or feels heavy, it’s time. Replace both sides together for consistent lift and hold.

Can Fiesta gas struts be re-gassed, or should they be replaced?
Most automotive lift supports are sealed and not intended for re-gassing. Replacement with the correct-spec struts is the reliable, cost-effective option, and it’s a quick job with basic tools.