Parts for your 2020 Subaru Impreza-Shock absorbers

2020 Subaru Impreza shock-absorbers: what they do and when to replace them

Shock-absorbers are absolutely fitted to the 2020 Subaru Impreza. Technical sources such as the Subaru Impreza 2020 Owner’s Manual and the Subaru Service Manual (GK/GT series) specify a MacPherson strut front suspension (the damper is integrated in the strut) and a double-wishbone rear with separate shock-absorbers. Subaru’s genuine parts catalog for the 2020 Impreza also lists front strut (damper) assemblies and rear shock-absorbers, confirming their presence on this model.

On this Impreza, the shock-absorbers control how quickly the suspension compresses and rebounds, keeping the tyres planted and the body settled. That means better braking stability, crisper turn-in, and less float over undulations—important on Kiwi and Aussie roads that can switch from smooth motorway to coarse chip in a heartbeat. They also help the AWD system do its best work by keeping traction consistent across all four corners.

For servicing, it’s smart to have the shocks inspected at regular services—about every 10,000–15,000 kilometres. A visual check for oil misting down the body of the shock, torn dust boots, or dented housings is quick and telling. A short road test can pick up knocks over speed humps, nose-dive under brakes, or a floaty feeling on the motorway. Uneven or cupped tyre wear can also hint that the dampers are fading.

• Typical lifespan is 80,000–120,000 km, but rough roads, heavy loads, and corrosion can shorten that window.
• Replace in pairs per axle for balanced handling—front pair or rear pair together.
• When fitting front struts, budget for a wheel alignment, it helps the Impreza track straight and protects tyre life.
• It’s wise to assess top mounts, bump stops, and dust boots at the same time, fresh hardware keeps noises and vibration at bay.
• Most OE-style units are sealed, gas-charged dampers—re-gassing or rebuilding isn’t typical, replacement is the norm.

DIYers should use proper spring compressors when transferring front coils to new struts—those springs store serious energy. Torque the hardware to spec with the suspension settled at ride height to avoid bush preload. For models with driver assist features, a standard shock swap usually doesn’t need camera calibration, but if ride height is altered or camera components were disturbed, a calibration check is sensible.

Genuine or high-quality aftermarket dampers will preserve the Impreza’s tidy ride and grip. Done right, fresh shocks restore confidence, keep tyres wearing evenly, and make daily drives feel new again.

How long do shock-absorbers last on a 2020 Impreza?

Many owners see 80,000–120,000 km before performance noticeably fades, though it varies with road quality and load. Coastal areas and unsealed roads can shorten service life.

Rather than waiting for a hard failure, plan replacement when symptoms appear—extra bounce, longer stopping distances, or uneven tyre wear are all fair warning.

Should they be changed in pairs and do they need an alignment?

Yes—change shocks in pairs per axle to keep handling even left to right. After front strut replacement, a wheel alignment is recommended to maintain straight-line stability and protect tyres.

Rear shock replacement typically doesn’t alter alignment, but it’s still worth a quick check if the car had prior tyre wear issues.

Can the factory shocks be re-gassed or repaired?

The OE-style dampers on the 2020 Impreza are sealed, gas-charged units. They’re not designed for re-gassing or rebuilding, so replacement is the standard approach when they leak or fade.

Upgrading to quality aftermarket or genuine replacements restores damping control and brings back that planted, confident feel.