lower hatchback door

Attach a bungee cord to limit how far it opens.

 

you can buy shorter struts, but the bungee is a simple and elegant solution.

 

I may help you to know (if you don't already) that there are two recesses in the door that give you a handle to use when closing the hatch without needing to reach all the way up to the outside edge. That reduces the height you need by a small amount.

 

I'm too new to post a photo, so let me try to explain it in words...

Open the hatch of your Prius. When you want to close it, where is your wife trying to reach so that she can close it? Is she reaching to the painted metal part? Instead of reaching all the way up there, look at the black plastic just below it. On both the left and right sides there are holes just big enough to put your fingers. You can use that like a handle to pull the hatch back down.

Let me know if that was unclear. Perhaps I should add a couple filler posts so I can post a photo or someone else here can do it for me. It still might be too high for her, but perhaps it's just right.

 

Here's a link to the thread on how to install shorter struts :
Hatchback hitting garage door solution! | PriusChat

 

Mine also hit the garage door. However, a slightly expensive and fun way to fix it is...

Install the TRD Springs. Lowers the whole car and the hatch doesn't hit the garage door anymore! Plus, it's more fun to drive!!!

 

i glued foam the the door where the wing touches, but you have to park in the same spot each time. the gen III hatch is taller than the II.

 

I have the same Problem. The trunk door keep hitting the metal piping in the gargage. I was thinking using a towel and wrap the metal pipes. But the bungee idea is worth considering.

 

Car performing as designed; Get taller wife.

 

I went to Pepboys and bought the 19 inch tailgate lift, and now the trunk door does not hit the pipes in my gargage. And they install it for free.