Parts for your 2020 Subaru Impreza-Gas struts

2020 Subaru Impreza gas struts

Gas struts are used on the 2020 Subaru Impreza hatch (5‑door) to support and damp the rear liftgate. They are not fitted to the bonnet (which uses a prop rod) and the sedan’s boot (which uses torsion bars). This configuration is shown in Subaru’s factory documentation and parts listings:

• Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) – 2017–2021 Impreza (GK/GT) Service Manual: Body sections “Rear Gate” (gas‑charged stay assemblies), “Front Hood” (prop rod), and “Rear Lid” (torsion bars for sedan).
• Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue – 2017–2021 Impreza (GK/GT): lists “Stay Assembly – Back Door” for the 5‑door, no gas stays listed for bonnet or sedan boot.

For owners of the 5‑door 2020 Subaru Impreza, the rear liftgate gas struts do the heavy lifting. They use compressed gas and internal valving to hold the gate up smoothly, stop it slamming, and make everyday use feel light and controlled. Over time, seals can wear and pressure drops off, especially with age, cold weather, or dusty conditions. That’s when the hatch starts falling, opening sluggishly, or needing a helping hand.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to give the struts a quick check. Wipe the chrome shafts with a clean, lint‑free cloth, avoid grease or silicone on the shafts as it can attract grit and damage the seals. Look for a light oil film, rust at the ball studs, bent rods, or any weeping. If the hatch won’t stay up or sinks in cooler mornings, the struts are past their best.

Replacement is straightforward and best done in pairs so the lift and balance stay even. Support the hatch safely (a mate or a prop works well), then pop the retaining clips at the ball sockets and swap the units over, clip‑end to the body first. Don’t clamp the shafts or try to compress a strut by hand—these are sealed components and can be damaged or become a hazard if mishandled. After fitting, open and close the hatch a few times to settle the joints and confirm smooth, even action.

For sedan owners: gas struts aren’t used on the 2020 Impreza bootlid, so there’s nothing to service there. And for all models, the bonnet uses a prop rod rather than struts, which keeps under‑bonnet maintenance simple.

• Common signs it’s time to replace: hatch won’t stay up, slow or jerky movement, needing to pull it open, or a noticeable thunk when closing.
• Quick care tip: keep the shafts clean and free of nicks, replace protective end clips if they’re loose or corroded.

Popular questions

Does the 2020 Impreza sedan have gas struts on the boot or bonnet?
The 2020 Impreza sedan uses torsion bars for the boot and a prop rod for the bonnet, so there are no gas struts in those spots. Only the 5‑door hatch gets gas‑charged liftgate struts.

How long do liftgate gas struts last on a 2020 Impreza?
Many last 5–10 years, depending on climate and usage. Frequent hot–cold cycles, dust, and salt air can shorten life. Replace when the hatch won’t hold itself up or feels slow and heavy—ideally in pairs.

Can Impreza gas struts be re‑gassed, or should they just be replaced?
They’re sealed units. Re‑gassing isn’t generally recommended or supported for OE‑style struts. Replacement with quality, vehicle‑specific parts is the reliable fix.