Does my Kia Sorento have suspension problems?

Hi, I recently bought a 2008 Kia Sorento (30k miles) privately and really like it. Everything has been great so far except for when I hit bumps in the road. The bang you get from going over bumps is quite hard and travels through your body. I did research on Sorentos before buying it but now going back I see there are suspension problems reported on Kias. Do you think if I replace the shocks it should ease the suspension problem and do you know if there is a type of shock that I should get a garage to install to try and dampen down the bang I get from bumps in the road?

Thanks Ciaran.

Ciaran Browne (Dublin)

Aug 2011 Filed under: fault

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Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

The Sorento is known for being robust and generally mechanically sound. However, its suspension was never the most comfortable. Your car is very low mileage so I would be surprised if anything in the suspension needs to be replaced as yet. One option would be to ask a mechanic to replace the dampers with high quality items. They'll cost more though.

Before you do that I'd urge you to try to get your hands on another example of the Sorento - from a dealer or something - to compare back-to-back with your own over the same bumpy road. Only then can you know if there's a problem.

Finally, check the tyre pressures as well and make sure they're within spec.

Hope that helps in some way.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D