Parts for your 2018 Honda Odyssey-Gas struts

2018 Honda Odyssey gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical references — including the Honda Service Manual for the 2018 Odyssey (Power Tailgate section: component locations and R&,I procedures) and Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for “Stay, Tailgate (L/R)” — this model is fitted with gas‑charged lift supports on the tailgate. The bonnet uses a prop rod rather than gas struts, and the sliding doors are cable/track driven without gas springs. So for this Odyssey, “gas struts” are relevant to the rear tailgate only, whether it’s manual or power-operated.

On the 2018 Odyssey, those tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting. They stabilise and counterbalance the weight of the rear hatch so it opens smoothly and stays up, even in a breeze. On power-tailgate variants, they work alongside the electric actuator to reduce load on the motor, keeping operation quiet and consistent across temperatures.

Like any pressurised component, gas struts lose charge over time. Tell-tales include the tailgate sagging, slow or jerky opening, needing a helping hand to start moving, or a light oil film on the rod. If one side is weak, the other won’t be far behind — replace them as a pair. A fresh set brings back that easy, one-hand operation and helps the power unit (if fitted) last longer.

Replacement is straightforward for a technician: support the hatch safely, pop the spring clips off the ball-joints, swap the struts, and verify smooth travel. On power-tailgate models, a quick reset/relearn is usually recommended after fitment (as outlined in Honda’s service procedures) so the control unit knows the new opening/closing loads. Don’t grease the shiny piston rod — just keep it clean. Avoid hanging extra weight on the hatch (ladders, racks) unless the struts are upgraded to suit.

• Replace in pairs and support the hatch during work.
• Keep rods clean, don’t paint, clamp, or heat gas struts.
• If operation slows in cold weather or after 5–10 years/100,000+ km, test them.
• For power tailgates: perform the open/close calibration after replacement.

Does a 2018 Honda Odyssey have gas struts?

Yes — on the tailgate. Technical sources (Honda Service Manual and Honda EPC) identify left and right gas‑charged tailgate stays. The bonnet uses a prop rod, and the sliding doors don’t use gas struts.

How do you know the tailgate struts need replacing?

If the hatch won’t stay up, opens slowly or unevenly, needs a shove to start, or leaves an oil mist on the rod, the struts are tired. On power models, you might hear the motor strain or see the gate stop early, especially in cold weather. Replace both sides together.

Do power-tailgate Odysseys need programming after strut replacement?

Typically a simple reset/relearn is recommended so the module recalibrates travel and load. The process is outlined in Honda’s service information and often involves fully opening/closing the tailgate with the switch a few times after fitment.