Parts for your 2022 Subaru Impreza-Gas struts

2022 Subaru Impreza gas struts: what they do and how to look after them

Gas struts are fitted to the 2022 Subaru Impreza 5‑door hatch to support and control the rear liftgate. Subaru’s MY2022 Owner’s Manual (AU/NZ) refers to the “rear gate stay” and cautions against modifying or loading it, confirming the hatch uses gas‑charged stays. Subaru’s Body/Exterior service information for the GK/GT platform also covers removal and installation of the rear gate stays, and Subaru parts catalogues list a “Stay, Rear Gate” for the 5‑door. By contrast, the sedan’s boot lid uses torsion bars (no gas struts), and the bonnet on both body styles uses a prop rod from factory.

On the hatch, the gas struts do the heavy lifting—literally. They hold the tailgate up safely, damp the last bit of travel so it doesn’t slam, and make opening smooth whether using the handle or remote unlock. Each strut is a sealed, nitrogen‑charged and oil‑damped unit designed to deliver consistent force across a range of temperatures while protecting hinges and panels from shock loads.

• Common signs it’s time for new struts: the tailgate sags or won’t stay up (especially in cold weather), opens unevenly, needs a shove to start moving, or you spot oil misting on the shaft.
• Simple care goes a long way: keep the shiny piston rods clean and free of grit, don’t grease the rods (it attracts dirt and damages seals), and avoid forcing the gate when it’s iced up or loaded with snow.
• Replace in pairs: swapping both sides keeps lift and damping balanced, reducing hinge stress and rattles.

Replacement is a straightforward DIY for many owners: safely prop the hatch fully open, flick the spring clips at each end with a small flat screwdriver, and pop the new struts on ball studs. If in doubt, have a technician handle it during scheduled servicing. Workshops typically check hatch operation as part of routine body and trim inspections, if the gate doesn’t hold its height or drops abruptly, they’ll recommend new struts. Most live happily for 5–10 years depending on climate and usage.

For sedan owners: there are no factory gas struts on the boot, and the bonnet uses a prop rod. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist, but they’re not Subaru‑approved parts—fitment and warranty considerations should be discussed with a trusted technician.

Does the 2022 Impreza sedan have gas struts?

No. The sedan’s boot uses torsion bars, and the bonnet is supported by a prop rod. Only the 5‑door hatch has gas‑charged rear gate stays from factory. If a sedan boot lid feels heavy or springy, it’s a torsion bar issue, not a gas strut fault.

How long do the rear hatch gas struts last?

Typically 5–10 years, depending on climate and how often the hatch is used. Cold weather can show up weak struts sooner. Replace when the hatch sags, needs a shove to open, or you see oil on the rod.

Can gas struts be re‑gassed, or should they just be replaced?

They’re sealed units, so in practice they’re replaced rather than re‑gassed. Quality OEM‑equivalent replacements are affordable, quick to fit, and restoring both sides at once brings the hatch back to a smooth, safe feel.