Parts for your 2020 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Gas struts

2020 Toyota Vitz / Yaris Gas Struts

Technical sources confirm the 2020 Toyota Vitz/Yaris hatch uses gas-charged lift supports on the rear hatch (often listed by Toyota as the “Back Door Stay Assembly” in the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue and Repair Manual/TIS). The owner’s manual and body repair information note a prop-rod for the bonnet, not gas struts. Aftermarket catalogues from major lift-support manufacturers also list rear hatch gas struts for this model.

On this Vitz/Yaris, the gas struts do the heavy lifting for the hatch, controlling the rise and preventing a sudden drop. They’re pressurised with nitrogen and a small amount of oil for damping, which keeps the back door feeling light and predictable even on a windy day or when parked on a slope. That smooth, self-supporting action is exactly why they’re fitted from factory.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check the hatch struts annually, especially if the vehicle lives near the coast or bakes in the sun. Heat cycles and time gradually reduce the internal pressure, and the ball-stud joints can wear or corrode.

• Common signs they’re due: the hatch lifts sluggishly or won’t stay up, needs a helping hand in colder mornings, makes a faint hiss/squeak, or shows an oily film on the rod.
• Best practice is to replace in pairs to keep lift and balance even.

Replacement is a straightforward driveway job, but it does require care. Support the hatch securely with a prop or a helper. Use a small flat blade to lift the retaining clip on each socket just enough to release it from the ball stud—don’t fully remove the clip unless the instructions say so. Snap the new struts onto clean ball studs with the rod end oriented as marked by the supplier. Never puncture, heat, or crush an old strut, it’s a sealed pressure vessel.

To get the most life from new struts: keep the chrome rods clean, avoid forcing the hatch closed, and lubricate the ball joints lightly with a silicone-safe spray (not on the rod itself). If any mounting hardware is loose or rusty, replace it and torque to the values in the Toyota Repair Manual.

Bottom line: if the hatch doesn’t stay up smartly, fresh gas struts will restore that light, tidy feel that makes day‑to‑day use a breeze.

FAQs

How long do the gas struts on a 2020 Vitz/Yaris usually last?

In typical Australian and New Zealand conditions, many owners see 4–7 years of solid service. Hot summers and coastal air can shorten lifespan a bit. If the hatch starts dropping or needs help to rise, that’s the cue to replace them.

Should they be replaced in pairs?

Yes. Replacing both keeps lift force balanced and ensures the hatch tracks evenly. Mixing a new strut with an old weak one can twist the hinges and feel a bit rough in use.

Does the 2020 Vitz/Yaris have bonnet gas struts?

No. Most 2020 Vitz/Yaris hatches use a bonnet prop rod from factory. Gas struts are fitted to the rear hatch only. If bonnet struts are desired, look for a model-specific retrofit kit and follow the vehicle body guidelines.