Rough Ride (rear)

[jwaters943]

Great idea! May I might suggest a couple small changes? Instead of street address where suspension problems occur, how about a description of under what conditions suspension problem(s) occur (e.g. rough, blroken pavement, expansion joints, undulating/uneven pavement, etc.)? Also, it might be worth noting at what speeds problem(s) occur.

For the record, I'm all for finding a solution to problems and I don't mean to make anyone feel like they are imagining problems, but for whatever reason, I find my particular Genesis rides quite well.

City/State: Reno, NV (although I've driven it on road trips to Boise, ID & Sacramento, CA)
Under what conditions are suspension problems most pronounced: Uneven/undulating pavement
At what speeds do you notice suspension issue(s): Usually between 20-55mph
Extent of suspension failure (NO ISSUE, MINOR, MAJOR, or DISASTER): Minor
Genesis type (V6 or V8): V6
Date of Purchase (or date of mfr): Purchased 6/27/2009

 

[gentecv8]

Great idea! May I might suggest a couple small changes? Instead of street address where suspension problems occur, how about a description of under what conditions suspension problem(s) occur (e.g. rough, blroken pavement, expansion joints, undulating/uneven pavement, etc.)? Also, it might be worth noting at what speeds problem(s) occur.

For the record, I'm all for finding a solution to problems and I don't mean to make anyone feel like they are imagining problems, but for whatever reason, I find my particular Genesis rides quite well.

City/State: Reno, NV (although I've driven it on road trips to Boise, ID & Sacramento, CA)
Under what conditions are suspension problems most pronounced: Uneven/undulating pavement
At what speeds do you notice suspension issue(s): Usually between 20-55mph
Extent of suspension failure (NO ISSUE, MINOR, MAJOR, or DISASTER): Minor
Genesis type (V6 or V8): V6
Date of Purchase (or date of mfr): Purchased 6/27/2009

I would like to keep the street address so that others in the areas can drive on the same road and report their satisfaction/dissatisfaction, otherwise we end up nowhere.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Well, this 4.6 driver has experienced "rough rear ride" on certain pavements, maybe 2-5% of my 1500 miles. I have NOT had the undulating/porpoising that a few have described. Not saying they aren't, just saying don't paint with such a broad brush.
As for compiling the data suggested above, 2 things:
1. Have those with the problem asked the dealer/tech to go for a ride?
2. I'd add a category to the survey: what tire pressure are you running on?

Lastly, this being the Internet and all, never rule out that some may have an interest in keeping a negative thread front and center. Note that I'm not calling anyone out, only saying take everything on an anonymous board with a grain of salt.

 

[Calvin]

City/State: Sarasota, Florida
Under what conditions are suspension problems most pronounced: none
At what speeds do you notice suspension issue(s): none
Extent of suspension failure (NO ISSUE, MINOR, MAJOR, or DISASTER): NO ISSUE
Genesis type (V6 or V8): V8
Date of Purchase (or date of mfr): purchased 12/08, mfr date 10/08
Tire Pressure: 37 psi, trunk: empty

 

[August West]

Lastly, this being the Internet and all, never rule out that some may have an interest in keeping a negative thread front and center. Note that I'm not calling anyone out, only saying take everything on an anonymous board with a grain of salt.

But even if all the members here who are reporting issues were phony it can't explain away the negative press the suspension has received in several nationally distributed professional reviews.

 

[Mark_888]

I own a 4.6 and have no issues with the suspension, while some other owners do take exception to how the car handles given unique road conditions, as such, I suggest the following:
For your city, provide specific street/road address where you notice/experience the suspension failure and its extent. Also, note your model v6 or v8 and when you bought it, this will help us narrow in on the problem (if one exists) and also determine how wide-spread it is.

City: ATLANTA
Street Address where suspension problem is most pronounced: N/A
Extent of suspension failure (NO ISSUE, MINOR, MAJOR, or DISASTER): NO ISSUE
Genesis type (V6 or V8): V8
Date of Purchase (or date of mfr): Jan 2009

By the way, I am in Atlanta, GA - so if you have a specific location I need to go and drive on - please let me know.

If you drive on most Atlanta roads made from concrete, my car is usually a little jittery (unsettled, bobble head, etc). I wouldn't say that it handles poorly, unless you get a really bad road and the car looses control (this has not happened to me, but apparently it did to Car and Driver). It is just something that could be irritating over long distances (but it probably keep you from falling asleep at the wheel).

If the road is smooth asphalt (and done correctly) the Genesis is much less likely to exhibit any undesirable behavior. However, even if the road is asphalt, but it is not flat, the jittery ride can happen there also, especially at slower speeds.

Mine is V6 with 17" wheels, and I took delivery Jan 10th (last part of VIN serial # is 40K plus). I will keep an eye out for a specific stretch of road and let you know.

 

[Duaine]

Again with the hyperbole.

No, not every review has mentioned the suspension as being an issue. In fact, most are saying it's not as good as Lexus, but it's average at worst. And how do you define "credible review"? It's obvious you are cherry picking your reviews to reinforce your opinion.

I agree with you! I have the 4.6 V8. Based on the softer ride of my previous car I wished my Genesis had a bit smoother ride. But what I say here is an opinion of my preference. I have never noticed an uncontolled or jittery ride on any kinds of roads. Further more many of the passengers that I had with me praise the ride.

The worst I have heard is that it has the firm ride of a sports car. I got very good comments on how my Genesis takes the occasional pot hole and also how quite and smooth it is over all the rumble strips!

It amazes me how some people can take our opinions, because we are happy with the car, and tell us that we do have a fatal flaw and that we are all in denial about it and or lying!!!

It also amazes me that after reading not only all the good comments here, including the suspension survey, but over 200 customer reviews of the Genesis from other sources, and of all the things they talked about that they would like to see improved the suspension is rarely mentioned.

And yes I have read a few of the magazine articles that bring up the suspension. But in doing so then I also have to bring up that there are many more that either don't mention it or say that the car rides and handles well.

There are in fact many comments from people who love the ride! Also by reading some comments here the Genesis is dead according to them all due to the suspension.

I have said this before but for any car company to come out with an all new rear wheel drive luxury car and make it absolutely perfect the first year out and competetive right out of the gate is practically impossibe!

And besides that if your name happens to be Hyundai, because some people can't let go of the past, and then build it for thousands less it makes it even more impossible.

Listen to yourselves.............how many years has the competition been building their cars? How many years have they had to make the perfect vehicle? And even then at any price none are perfect!!!

I myself give Hyundai credit for very closely hitting the bulls eye the first year out. Is there room for improvement? Of course there is.

To those that claim to have a problem I certainly am not going to tell you that your lying about it. You need to take it up with your dealership and Hyundai. You certainly have and can bring it up here also.

But I'll tell you what you shouldn't be doing. And that is telling me and 95% of my Genesis friends here, that are happy with the car, that we are all in denial about something and that we all have to have serious issues like you say you do and if we don't we are a bunch of liars! Grow up!

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

But even if all the members here who are reporting issues were phony it can't explain away the negative press the suspension has received in several nationally distributed professional reviews.

1. I didn't say all were phony. Obviously, Thomaspf loves his Gen to the point he'd be willing to pay for a fix. That said:
2. The reviews that have cited bad suspension have been a minority, and even there I'd question motivation. What is the publication? Who advertises there?
3. Once again, the problem may be real for SOME. My objection (and questioning of motives) is the broad brush being applied.
Sorry if that want clear in my post.

 

[Mark_888]

Lastly, this being the Internet and all, never rule out that some may have an interest in keeping a negative thread front and center. Note that I'm not calling anyone out, only saying take everything on an anonymous board with a grain of salt.

You say that you are not calling anyone out, but you seem to be suggesting that they have something to hide or have a hidden agenda because they are anonymous. A lot of knowledgeable people have commented on the suspension issue, including some very respected auto journalists who are far more knowledgeable about various cars than anyone on this forum.

I believe that every person who has complained about the suspension issue in this forum is a Genesis owner (or a legitimate person considering the Genesis), and they have every right to comment on the problem without having their motvies attacked, unless there is some sort of evidence to the contrary (I haven't seen any).

If there is any lack of independence or lack of transparency here, I would suspect that it is more likely from people who are connected with Hyundai in some way, and not those who voicing legitimate and very obvious concerns about the cars they purchased.

 

[Mark_888]

2. The reviews that have cited bad suspension have been a minority, and even there I'd question motivation. What is the publication? Who advertises there?

The Car and Driver editor-in-chief (at least he was when the video was made) voiced specific comments about the suspension in the video I posted earlier in this thread. Car and Driver is probably the most respected publication among car enthusiasts specifically because they don't like cars with a soft ride (and especially don't like cars unless they are fast). Their favorite "upscale sedan" is the Infiniti M, which has a much firmer suspension than the Genesis, but does not "bobble" or loose control on very rough roads.

Likewise, Consumer Reports (which is beyond reproach with respect to lack of advertiser influence since they have no advertising and are a non-profit org) mentioned that the Genesis had a "unsettled" ride. In case you think they are hacks who were out to trash the Genesis, Consumers Reports nevertheless rated it higher than any other upscale sedan. Presumably the rating would have been off the charts if the suspension was a bit better.

So I would say you seem to be deliberately ignoring the facts of those very well-respected auto journalists who have commented on the Genesis suspension, and then trying to cast aspersions on their motives when they do so.

And just for record, I said I would pay for the fixes also, probably before anyone else said it. The main thing is to get Hyundai to provide a backward compatible fix on their newer models. I think this would probably just involve a replacement of the shock/spring assembly with a better tuned unit.

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[August West]

1. I didn't say all were phony. Obviously, Thomaspf loves his Gen to the point he'd be willing to pay for a fix. That said:
2. What is the publication? Who advertises there?

1. I never claimed you said they were phony but was just put forth the supposition IF they were, it doesn't explain away the the pro reviews.

2. What publication? Well lets see.

Consumer Reports, Jan 2009

The only real drawback is its ride, which can be unsettled at times and doesn't live up to the standards set by other luxury cars.

and

Automobile Magazine October,2008

But add a few bumps and the Genesis takes a turn for the worse. Unlike any of the other sedans, the Hyundai falls completely to pieces on twisty,bumpy back roads. Push it hard and pavement irregularities send the Genesis heaving and wallowing down the road with the traction control light flashing and the steering wheel shuddering. When you’re hustling with a car full of passengers, its soft rear suspension crashes onto its bump stops over moderately rough roads.

and

Car and Driver magazine video interview w/ Csabe Csere

It's a winding road but it's a very rough road so it reveals ride and suspension control. And what we saw was that the firmness we saw on the highway, the highway has a very pleasant firmness, it is comfortable but it feels like you are in good control. The control kind of went away on the back road. It just wasn't as tied down certainly as the BMW and it is an area I really think the car could do better.

Since I haven't purchased a Genesis yet (solely because of the alleged suspension issues) I can only go by what I have read here and other places on the web. Maybe it is way overblown. Maybe the folks here have ulterior motives for posting negative things (as you have claimed) and the pro reviews are bought and paid for in an effort to discredit Hyundai (as you insinuate). All I know is there has been enough talk about it to have planted a sufficient amount of doubt in my mind to keep me from plopping down $40K until this matter is resolved one way or another.

 

[sandy]

Since I haven't purchased a Genesis yet (solely because of the alleged suspension issues) I can only go by what I have read here and other places on the web. Maybe it is way overblown. Maybe the folks here have ulterior motives for posting negative things (as you have claimed) and the pro reviews are bought and paid for in an effort to discredit Hyundai (as you insinuate). All I know is there has been enough talk about it to have planted a sufficient amount of doubt in my mind to keep me from plopping down $40K until this matter is resolved one way or another.


I can understand your reservations but why not take a test drive and see for yourself?

 

[Mark_888]

Maybe it is way overblown.

I don't think the problem is way overblown, but it probably is a little overblown. But only because there are certain people who are in constantly trying to convince us that we are imagining the problem, or that we have a hidden agenda.

 

[doug725]

The ride is truly awful on the car I ended up with. I've come to regret the purchase after just four days- now how to get out of it?

 

[doug725]

After four days I've disovered it is a serious problem. I'm going to start explore how to get out of mine tomorrow.

 

[gipp]

'Wow, that post certainly has stirred some things up! Please keep the feeedback coming...

Check the board and you will see that I was the first person to predict the Genesis would be named 'Car of The Year' after my first test drive. I have written glowing reviews of the Genesis on the forum. The only motivation is an alternative solution to current suspension issues.

Please reread the original post to see if anybody called anybody any names or such. I believe the only assertation made was that some may be in denial. If you do not understand the assertation here is the definition from Wikpedia.

Denial is a defense mechanism postulated by Sigmund Freud, in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true despite what may be overwhelming evidence. [1] The subject may deny the reality of the unpleasant fact altogether (simple denial), admit the fact but deny its seriousness (minimization) or admit both the fact and seriousness but deny responsibility (transference). The concept of denial is particularly important to the study of addiction. The theory of denial was first researched seriously by Anna Freud. She classified denial as a mechanism of the immature mind, because it conflicts with the ability to learn from and cope with reality. Where denial occurs in mature minds, it is most often associated with death, dying and rape. More recent research has significantly expanded the scope and utility of the concept.

Unlike some other defense mechanisms postulated by psychoanalytic theory (for instance, repression), the general existence of denial is fairly easy to verify, even for non-specialists. On the other hand, denial is one of the most controversial defense mechanisms, since it can be easily used to create unfalsifiable theories: anything the subject says or does that appears to disprove the interpreter's theory is explained, not as evidence that the interpreter's theory is wrong, but as the subject's being "in denial". They even will call the proponent a liar or untrue to a cause or think that someone has called them a liar or being untrue to a cause.

Types of Denial
Denial of denial: This can be a difficult concept for many people to identify in themselves, but is a major barrier to changing hurtful behaviors. Denial of denial involves thoughts, actions and behaviors which bolster confidence that nothing needs to be changed in one's personal behavior. This form of denial typically overlaps with all of the other forms of denial, but involves more self-delusion.

Denial of fact: This form of denial is where someone avoids a fact by lying. This lying can take the form of an outright falsehood (commission), leaving out certain details in order to tailor a story (omission), or by falsely agreeing to something (assent, also referred to as "yessing" behavior). Someone who is in denial of fact is typically using lies in order to avoid facts that they think may be potentially painful to themselves or others.

Denial of responsibility: This form of denial involves avoiding personal responsibility by blaming, minimizing or justifying. Blaming is a direct statement shifting culpability and may overlap with denial of fact. Minimizing is an attempt to make the effects or results of an action appear to be less harmful than they may actually be. Justifying is when someone takes a choice and attempts to make that choice look okay due to their perception of what is "right" in a situation. Someone using denial of responsibility is usually attempting to avoid potential harm or pain by shifting attention away from themselves.

Denial of impact: Denial of impact involves a person's avoiding thinking about or understanding the harms his or her behavior has caused to self or others. Doing this enables that person to avoid feeling a sense of guilt and it can prevent him or her from developing remorse or empathy for others. Denial of impact reduces or eliminates a sense of pain or harm from poor decisions.

Denial of awareness: This type of denial is best discussed by looking at the concept of state dependent learning[2]. People using this type of denial will avoid pain and harm by stating they were in a different state of awareness (such as alcohol or drug intoxication or on occasion mental health related). This type of denial often overlaps with denial of responsibility.

Denial of cycle: Many who use this type of denial will say things such as, "it just happened." Denial of cycle is where a person avoids looking at their decisions leading up to an event or does not consider their pattern of decision making and how harmful behavior is repeated. The pain and harm being avoided by this type of denial is more of the effort needed to change the focus from a singular event to looking at preceding events. It can also serve as a way to blame or justify behavior (see above).

Denial of poor gaming skills: This form of denial is where online gamers who are consistantly poor have a 'lucky' win. Probability proves that even these poor performers are bound to win eventually. Recent cases of this have been seen in the UK with Xbox live's "Dopey DaveFAC51" and "Flossy Mobbs", and scientists are currently working on a treatment for them but are not optomistic of them ever coming out of their denial.

 

[doug725]

I'm not in denial - it was obvious to me yesterday I clearly made a mistake purchasing this car. The demo I drove repeatedly was OK - not plush, but nothing like the nervous, jittery, porposing car I actually eneded with. Took to the dealer today. If there is no fix - or they deny the probelm the next conversation is how to return it.

I noticed the Sonata loaner they gave me has some of the same issues on the same strecth of roadway. Now it's nowhere near as bad - cause it's a firmer, better ride actually. It's like all the good and BAD qualities of the Sonata ride are magnified 10 times in my Genesis.

It's shame cause I love the car otherwise and this is not the conversation I wanted to be having after dropping 32k on a car. All the joy I had at my new Genny has disappeared.

 

[ttsig]

doug725,

Do you notice this problem everywhere or is it only on that specific stretch of roadway? Would you mind listing that stretch?

I've only experienced the very jittery, bouncing ride on a few stretches of roads, fortunately none of which are on my daily commute (actually, none of which are even in my state), however, if there were any such roads in my area that I had to drive on regularly, I'm not convinced I wouldn't grow to hate my car.

Thanks.

 

[doug725]

It's pitchy and nervous on all but the smoothest roads. However. The worst road is a section of Route 88 headng west around Naperville. Mile 122 is when it starts - it comes from nice and smooth to acting like a dolphin. Also 355 North from Downers Grove.

 

[Mark_888]

I'm not in denial - it was obvious to me yesterday I clearly made a mistake purchasing this car.

I don't think he was referring to you when he mentioned denial.