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Let me first emphasize the fact that we're all anonymous posters in here - and it will remain that way until we all meet in person (which, for the majority of us at least, will not happen). So, how do we back up our claims? Data. Actual real-world numbers.
So let's consider the following.
1) Number of Sonatas on the road in the US, model years 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009: over 400,000. There have been posts on Internet forums regarding suspension noise and/or poor ride quality in each of the aforementioned model years.
2) Some posters claim they have driven multiple Sonatas and all, or most, of the cars had suspension problems. Some posters claim to have personally spoken with other Sonata owners who had the same suspension issues. Some posters claim Hyundai has been unable, or unwilling, to fix their car's suspension problems.
Considering these claims, let's be conservative and say that out of all 2006-and-newer Sonatas on the road in the US, at least 1 out of every 4 cars has suspension problems. So, 1/4 of 400,000. In the US alone, that would be at least 100,000 Sonatas, model years '06 through '09, that have suspension problems.
Now, let's break that number down even more (staying conservative). Of those 100,000 Sonata owners whose cars have suspension problems, let's say 1/2 of those owners consider their car's suspension problems to be a real issue. That would make 50,000 Sonata owners who are unhappy with their car's suspension noise and/or ride quality.
Now, of those 50,000-or-so Sonata owners who are unhappy with their car's suspension, let's say only 10% of them take the initiative to pursue a Lemon Law case, or other forms of action against Hyundai. The other 9 out of 10 unhappy owners just keep their car, sell it, or trade it in.
That would make, at a bare minimim, 5,000 disgruntled owners of '06 through '09 Sonatas taking some form of action against Hyundai. That's just in the United States alone, not counting all the Sonatas sold in Canada as well. Why have we not heard about this in the media by now?
I have already spoken to a lemon law attorney. He said to let him know what happens after the third time. So far just excuses like "it has to be broken in" and "it's normal for these cars". This time I will try to get them to change something. Maybe it will help a case. I had this problem since I got the car.- (7/2009)
I reported it when I picked up my plates. I will do my best to get it fixed or give it back.
As for me, I've decided to put some more money into my accord and drive it awhile longer - until the stock market settles. A new car can wait.
I have never heard what causes the "Thunk". It would appear that a suspension noise would be easy to trouble shoot. My 2009 does have some noise but I can not determine if mine is one of the good ones or I am just not offended by the noise that others must feel is a safety issue. My car does not dart to the right or the left of shake so It does not bother me. Normally a "Thunk" would be something bottoming out or a binding in the linkage.
Or is it only on the cars being assembled by robots in the Alabama plant?
that the owner says has the problem. People who ride in my car can't believe how bad it is. I think you have to be a little nuts to read these posts and make comments about the subject if you don't have a problem and don't even own a Sonata. You should find something more productive to do with you time.
A friend bought a new '07 Azera and he had no thunk issue UNTIL he read some posts on "townhall." Dealer changed a strut when the car was about 6 months old and he's been happy ever since.
As I asked before, maybe these cars are so quiet that a thumping normal noise which is bound to occur irritates the driver and any passengers who may be trying to listen for it.
My business owned Sonatas are quieter than my parent's '04 Cadillac Sedan Deville.
Maybe other noises in other cars mask whatever the thunk issue is supposed to be. What I've heard, I would describe more as a tire noise from an expansion joint or other road irregularity such as a pothole or raised surface.
To those who genuinely have suspension thunking problems I will say this one last time - then I leave the forum. I have written extensively on the problem on this forum including the shop diagnosis and the fix as pertaining to the front end (although a temporary fix). Also available are fixes for the rear end (actually kits in 06 and earlier models). This forum would be much more help to you if you would read the previous posts rather than posting questions as if the post you read last existed alone and was the only thing said on the subject so far. I've said this before - read the thread from the beginning- screening out the off-subject dross and that of those who just like to pose as authorities without any real information to impart other than their own elevated opinions of whether the issue is an issue or not. There are always self-made authorities in every forum. I spent the time and money to go to the shop and make tools to actuate the suspension one position (left, then right) at a time to different heights while on the lift and stethoscoped the suspension during repeated travel (bump simulation).
I will state it again as I have several times before: The problem (as pertaining to front thunking noise) is in the upper strut mounts - the design, or the design coupled with the installation technique making some worse than others. See earlier posts as to the temporary nature of the fix, the diagnosis technique and the interaction with Hyundai's condescending corporate spokespeople ("Yes, we will replace the front struts and mounts as a gesture of good will, not because we feel there is anything wrong with the car." After the replacement and the problem disappeared I asked corporate how they felt about it now that it had been fixed. She said,"Well, I'm glad you are happy now. Goodbye." And refused to discuss it further. I didn't bother to call back as the problem again began to become evident within 1000 miles and back to its worst after another 7K.
The bottom line, as also previously stated, is that until Hyundai changes the suspension design (which shows no indication) those who are not hard of hearing or unobserving, or ... you name it... and expect a car's suspension not to thunk over bumps (when lightly loaded) should consider another vehicle. You, of course will have to make that call yourself. It probably is not going to get fixed by Hyundai unless you go the legal route (binding arbitration). That is also discussed earlier in this forum. I headed that way, then backed off after the strut mount replacement and local road repaving, and settled on selling the car next year and go back to Toyota.
Those who just got their backs up in the air and are about to eloquently expound on how they are not hard of hearing or unobserving... blah blah blah. Save it. No one really cares.
Oh, and one more thing: Consumer Reports now reports "suspension noise" for Sonatas in their synopsis and is not on the "recommended" list. So its not just us "fanatics" I guess. And lets face it I've never had this complaint with any other car I've owned or ridden in that didn't have worn out ball joints from old age.
I'm leaving the forum since I feel I have no more to contribute that hasn't been said in past posts. Good luck and determination to all those who are willing to pursue this issue with Hyundai though arbitration. It is only you who will force the design change. They will not spend the money until it becomes cheaper to change it rather than keep it.
I have no doubt you are having problems, but please get the above info right. I am a CR subscriber and just checked their ratings from the April 2009 auto issue that is already online. The 09 Sonata is still on their recommended list. Regarding that "dreaded thunk", this is a direct quote from their summary:
The ride is comfortable, but can become buoyant on highway undulations. Handling is secure but not agile, with noticeable body lean and little steering feedback. Suspension noise intrudes.
I am sure if that "suspension noise" they experienced was the "dreaded thunk", they would have said so and the Sonata would not be on the recommended list. I don't mean to diminish your problems, just wanted to point out a factual error in your assertions.
Thanks for all the help.
I have driven cars with the same type of suspension with no undo noise, dating back 30 years. there is a big problem with Hyundai's suspension!!
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f12cdbc/176!keywords=#176
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f12cdbc/227!keywords=#227
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f12cdbc/247!keywords=#247
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f16bb6f/773!keywords=#773
In the first post back in October, you mentioned how the car bounces over bumps, wanders all over the road above 50 MPH, and vibrates at over 65 MPH. My question to you is:
How did you not notice all these things when you test drove the car?
Wandering all over the road, as you claimed, would be a safety issue. Did you report this to the NHTSA?
In this most recent post, you say "there is a big problem with Hyundai's suspension" in regards to "undo suspension noise." What about the other issues you've claimed to have? Did those other suspension problems just happen to disappear since October?
My Sonata's suspension performs well in all regards. There is NOT a big problem with Hyundai's suspension. I'm sorry, did I just state my personal opinion as if it were fact? I'll have to work on that.
I will make a new appointment and report the results.
Hope this all turns out to be something thats minor but refuse to remain ignorant so i'm following these suspension comments/posts to know what I might expect in future with this new car.
A one year old car with 3300 miles! The person who got rid of it must have hated
driving it as much as I hate driving my 2009. I have less than 3800 miles.
I wish I never head of the Sonata.
I can tell you that about two years ago I drove a 2007 Sonata loaner when my 2002.5 Santa Fe was in for one of it's many warranty repairs/recalls. - it was a nice, smooth ride. I remember liking it. Then, last month when I had my Genesis at the dealer due to its' abysmal ride quality I was given a 2009 Sonata as a loaner and it was OK. Then, a couple weeks later when I decided I wanted to trade in my Genesis I test drove another 2009 Sonata and the ride was horrible - not as bad as my Genesis but almost. Same on the 2009 Santa Fe I test drove - awful. My 2002.5 Santa Fe rode great actually (at least when it was running). I think something has happened to the recent (2008 and above?) Hyundai suspensions that is manifesting on at least some of the cars, some roads ,etc. There seems to be variability between vehicles and model years.
I have a lemon law attorny working on this problem for me.
To me, these sound like totally different situations. From what I can see, some owners are reporting that the suspension of the Genesis is too firm for their taste. There is not a complaint about noise, but about firmness/harshness over rough roads. That is a big contrast to what is being said by some owners about the Sonata's suspension; the predominant complaint there is noise. The only similarity between the two situations seems to be that the issue appears only with some owners, not all.
A lemon law attorney is taking my case. If you think you car is all right
it really doesn't apply to your car.
They also get them to do something about a problem that the companies will
not address. The suspension noise seems to be affecting a good number of cars.
They seem to not want to deal with it. The firm I'm with says I'm one of three people
they are trying to help with the same problem. I got my Sonata in New Jersey. So, I have a New Jersey lemon law lawyer.
Do you own a 2009 Sonata? How would you discribe the ride over bumps and pot holes?
"Normal for the car" is exactly what the dealer likes to say.
I have been in many cars in the same class. None of them sound like my Sonata.
The car I replaced was a 16 year old grand prix. It was much quieter over bumps and pot holes and man hole covers than my Sonata. Maybe yours is better. They are not all the same. I had a fellow take a ride with me who has the same car. He said in mine you feel everything. He said it felt like it had no suspension. So, if you think you car is alright why do you think someone else is expecting more than they should. Why would you even want to make a post here? If your happy with your car drive on.
Perhaps the lemon law is the best way to persue this problem. I just read the first page of reviews going back to 2/11/09 (shown to the right of messages) and of the 10 reviews on that page, the only mention of the "thunk" was someone saying they did not have the thunk they had heard about.
suspension problems. I stopped reading after that. There may be more.
I just purchased a 2009 Sonata about 10 weeks ago. I am experiencing the same "thunking" noise that you describe so well in your blog. I have been trying to get the dealership to acknowlege the noise and replace the front struts. I know that you had some sucess in resolving this issue. Can you tell me if just replacing the struts and mounts did the trick, or did they have to do something more extensive ?????. I have not heard anyone to date tht described my suspension issue better than you email from June 08. Any information would be helpful . Thanks
something about it. If you don't have the problem your just wasting space here.
However, he also said that the noise returned after 7,000 miles. I have a lemon law attorney helping me.
. "If you don't have the problem your just wasting space here."
Comment all you want.
One thing we will insist on, though, is that personal comments be avoided. Thanks for your cooperation.
That is a question not a statement.
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