can the struts go through the hood of the car

[LeFernando]

No, under normal circumstances, your car's struts cannot and should not go through the hood. This would only happen in a severe mechanical failure or a major collision. The strut assembly is a key part of your suspension, connecting the wheel to the vehicle's frame. It's housed within the wheel well, a dedicated area separate from the engine bay, and is designed to move up and down within a limited range. The hood (or bonnet) is simply a metal cover and not a structural component meant to contain such forces.

If a strut were to protrude through the hood, it indicates a catastrophic failure. The most common cause is a broken strut mount. This component, which includes a bearing, secures the top of the strut to the vehicle's body structure. If it fails completely, the immense pressure from the coil spring can violently force the strut piston rod upward, punching through its mounting point and the overlying hood metal. Other causes include a severely over-compressed spring due to a massive impact, like hitting a deep pothole at high speed or a wreck that collapses the suspension geometry.

This is an extremely dangerous situation. It immediately compromises the vehicle's steering, handling, and structural integrity. If you suspect your strut mount is failing—indicated by loud clunking noises over bumps, difficulty steering, or visible corrosion and damage at the top of the strut tower under the hood—you should have it inspected by a professional mechanic immediately to prevent such a hazardous outcome.

[LaIsabela]

I’ve been a mechanic for twenty years, and I’ve only seen this a handful of times. It’s never a small issue. It means the top strut mount let go completely. You’ll hear a hell of a bang, and your steering will feel loose and dangerous. The force required to punch through that sheet metal is significant; it usually happens when the spring, which is under constant tension, gets a chance to fully extend. Don't even think about driving it. Get it towed to a shop. It’s a clear sign that basic suspension maintenance was ignored for far too long.

[PeterRose]

As a daily commuter, the thought of this is terrifying. It highlights why paying attention to unusual car noises is so important. Before a strut fails this badly, it always gives warnings. A persistent clunking or knocking sound from the front wheels, especially when going over bumps or turning, is a major red flag. It’s your car’s way of crying for help. Addressing that noise early with a mechanic is a simple safety check compared to the disaster of a strut breaking through while you're on the highway.

[AshlynFitz]

From a repair standpoint, this is a worst-case scenario. You're not just replacing a broken strut. You're looking at a new strut assembly, a new mount, and significant bodywork to repair or replace the damaged hood. The repair bill will be in the thousands, not hundreds, of dollars. It's a perfect example of how neglecting a relatively inexpensive maintenance item—like a $150 strut mount—can lead to catastrophic and exponentially more expensive damage. Proactive checks are always cheaper than reactive repairs.

[MacMarley]

If you're a DIY person working on your own suspension, this risk is why you must use a spring compressor. Never, ever try to disassemble a strut assembly without properly compressing the coil spring first. The spring stores enough energy to cause serious injury or, if it fails while installed in the car, propel the strut through the hood. This isn't a place to cut corners. Renting the correct tools from an auto parts store is a non-negotiable step for safety.