My 2011 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Ride is Rougher Than Expected

[waveman]

...well the dealership put nitrogen in all the car tires on the lot. That might make a bit of difference also...

The tire pressure and type of tire affect the ride, though I doubt if what's in the tires makes a difference. But I'm glad that you like the ride, no matter what the reason.

 

[914eener]

After almost a year and 13k miles of ownership the ride of my 2011 is really starting to get on my nerves. Changed to Michelin Primacy's before I drove it off the lot. Going to drive a 2012 to compare and if they truly have fixed the ride issues the 2011 will be gone...gone...gone.

My 2011 is a near luxury car without a near luxury car ride.

 

[Cut-Throat]

After almost a year and 13k miles of ownership the ride of my 2011 is really starting to get on my nerves. Changed to Michelin Primacy's before I drove it off the lot. Going to drive a 2012 to compare and if they truly have fixed the ride issues the 2011 will be gone...gone...gone.

My 2011 is a near luxury car without a near luxury car ride.

Looking at your forum name 914 (Is that a Porsche?), Corvette? --- And you are complaining about the Genesis being a rough ride? --- For Real ??

 

[914eener]

Yes...for real.

 

[GripperDon]

@009, 2010, 2011, 2012 They are all rough, Minor changes thru the years have done little to fix the problem of removing the Korean air suspension for the cheaper springs. I have tried smaller diameter rims with greater heighte sidewall, softer tires and lower pressues all to little help. Talked to many suspension places and coilover not the way to go. The geometry of the suspension limites the changes possible. As I mentioned a long time ago I put on touring tires Goodyear, Comfort Treads to fit the wheels that I reduced from 18 to 17 inch all for "Some Improvement" and that I had a car built after the 09 to 10 change over (the -01 shocks etc) I dont't want to eat the big loss on trading in.

So I am going the complete change to a Air-matic suspension sytem and removing all the existing suspension system.

Well now I have taken a ride in a car equipped with the air ride system that I am going to have installed in mine. It was GREAT. Full control of stiffness of the ride and height. I have driven the Toyota Avalon and the Lexus 350 and the new VW Passat, Thisair bag suspension is much better but still with greater control.

It comes with a electrical controller that will either manually or automatically control each wheels air bag pressure so that the height is exactly level front to back and side to side compensating for passenger weight and trunk load etc. This allows for much better wheel alignment all the time.

I am supplying some disposable cameras to the install company so I can post them here so you all will be able to see the install and later I can demonstrate the adjustably of the system with some pictures. I think it will be able to better the Eques of the Korean Genesis.

If it all turns out so great on my car, I'll see if he will put together a kit that can be sent to whoever wants it for install by their suspension guy with these pictures and using the install info plus the exact air bags, shocks, operating pressures and compressor.. I am having a "rescue bag" assembled so that I will have a spare section of air line, splicers, and an air bag to have in the trunk for trip security.

Well as you can tell I am excited. I can't wait for the long travail to be finished, Either with this new suspension or a new car. I liked the Eques ride but not the price. So if this is a flop I'll but the spring system back on and sell the Genesis. I really love the car except for the ride so I really would be sad to see it go. The cost is not cheap but a lot lot less than trading it in or selling it and buying something else. Hopefully now I can keep it for many ears and the upgrade will be small spread over the longer time.

 

[QuantumRift]

That is what is referred to as a "nervous ride"...

 

[Rodraid]

I have owned a 2011 Genesis for almost 3 weeks and put a little over 700 miles on it and agree the suspension is pretty stiff so the ride can be a little rough on poorly maintained roads.

Last night I had four people in the car and the drive seemed a lot smoother than when I ride alone and this is on a stretch of road that I have driven numerous times alone and thought the ride was rough. The rear passengers said the ride was very smooth to them.

Does anyone think the added weight from additional passengers improves the ride in their Genesis?

Rod

 

[Mark_888]

I have owned a 2011 Genesis for almost 3 weeks and put a little over 700 miles on it and agree the suspension is pretty stiff so the ride can be a little rough on poorly maintained roads.

Last night I had four people in the car and the drive seemed a lot smoother than when I ride alone and this is on a stretch of road that I have driven numerous times alone and thought the ride was rough. The rear passengers said the ride was very smooth to them.

Does anyone think the added weight from additional passengers improves the ride in their Genesis?

Rod

Yes, and this was first observed (and discussed quite a bit) on this forum more than 2 years ago. Some people actually added weights to their trunk to help with the problem, especially with the early 2009 suspension, which was even worse in that respect than the 2010/2011 models that have a revised suspension (which was revised again in 2012).

I usually don't notice the problem much anymore, since I usually have a few dead bodies in my trunk at any given time, but on slow days, I definitely notice some rear-end hop, like an old 1980's station wagon or pickup truck with only a driver in it.

 

[nextcar]

Yes, and this was first observed (and discussed quite a bit) on this forum more than 2 years ago. Some people actually added weights to their trunk to help with the problem, especially with the early 2009 suspension, which was even worse in that respect than the 2010/2011 models that have a revised suspension (which was revised again in 2012).

I usually don't notice the problem much anymore, since I usually have a few dead bodies in my trunk at any given time, but on slow days, I definitely notice some rear-end hop, like an old 1980's station wagon or pickup truck with only a driver in it.

i guess the additional couple hundred pounds of the V8 would make a difference compared to the V6.

 

[Mark_888]

i guess the additional couple hundred pounds of the V8 would make a difference compared to the V6.

The extra weight of the V8 is on the front end, so the back-end still has the problem. The V6 and V8 have slightly different spring, shock, and stabilizer bar to compensate for the difference in front end weight.

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[hvarsov]

to all the people asking about adding weight or lowering air pressure.....I tried it all.....I lowered air pressure until the warning lights went on....never changed a thing....I put 3 50 pound bags of sand in the trunk......never changed a thing......I got rid of my 3.8 2010 genisis 3 months ago after a year of discomfort on new york roads...I just couldnt take it anymore and I assure you that nothing you do will make it more comfortable.......The suspension is HARD and it will not soften up no matter what other tires you put on........You need a double wishbone suspension to be comfortable in a sporty car like the new bmw 535i (2011-2012) There is a sporty car that recently became "more comfortable" by changing to that type of suspension.......If Genisis ever did that it would be comfortable, and would of saved me a lot of money.........

 

[nextcar]

to all the people asking about adding weight or lowering air pressure.....I tried it all.....I lowered air pressure until the warning lights went on....never changed a thing....I put 3 50 pound bags of sand in the trunk......never changed a thing......I got rid of my 3.8 2010 genisis 3 months ago after a year of discomfort on new york roads...I just couldnt take it anymore and I assure you that nothing you do will make it more comfortable.......The suspension is HARD and it will not soften up no matter what other tires you put on........You need a double wishbone suspension to be comfortable in a sporty car like the new bmw 535i (2011-2012) There is a sporty car that recently became "more comfortable" by changing to that type of suspension.......If Genisis ever did that it would be comfortable, and would of saved me a lot of money.........

which car did you get instead?

 

[roblaw]

For everyone's benefit I just purchased a 2012 3.8 Premium. Did not drive a 4.6 so I cannot compare. Maybe I should have taken a longer test drive or waited to drive the 4.6. The ride is still stiff for 2012.

It is a fantastic vehicle for the price but there are a few characteristics that do not compare to an E-Class or a 5 Series. The ride is the primary one. It is not so much that the impact harshness is such a problem since the chassis is very stiff and absorbs the punishment. It is the body movement. The European cars are simply better at keeping the body stable on undulating roads.

That being said, I purchased this car for slightly under $35k (plus taxes, etc.) at the Fitzmall dealership in MD. At that price you really has to consider what you are getting. The interior quality is exceptional (my wife has a 2011 Lexus RX 350 and the interior plastics are noticeably inferior), the structure is tight as a drum, it is roomy, the powertrain is superb (along with amazing gas mileage for such a large and powerful car). At the price I paid, I am really comparing to a loaded Accord/Camry/Base Acura TL or Base ES 350. My father has a 2009 TL. Well put together but ride is as rough and nowhere comparable in other areas. I have had ES350 loaners. The ES350 rides nice and is quiet but lacks the panache, quality interior, room, overall balance etc. of the Genesis. Accord is loud, rough and not really comparable (and still has a 5 speed auto like my 2003 Accord did!). The Camry is just an uglier ES350 without the great service. A new Sonata Turbo is a nice vehicle but rides firm as well, although it is about $7k cheaper.

I had had the car for a week. It only has 450 miles. A few times I waivered and thought maybe I will trade it in sooner (I intended to keep it for 5 or 6 years) but I still come back to the overall balance and quality of the car. Given the amenities, powertain, solidity and overall quality, I am not sure I would be willing to give that up for a softer ride. Others may feel differently but everything in life requires you tally up the positive and the negatives and make the choice.

 

[hazelwood7]

Change the tires. The stock tires are terrible.

 

[GripperDon]

Final Comment: Truly Final !

AS you al know I changed tires from the horrible Dunlops and also reduced the wheel diameter from 19 inch to 18 inch.

After getting the drivers seat, steering wheel adjuster and seat memory fixed for the third time. I was able to drive an "Air Ride" equipped passenger car. The air ride mainly improved other areas of ride performance not the jar associated by me with the Genesis ride, so I have abandoned that plan.

So far I have carefully driven a 2009, a 2010, 2011 and a 2012 Genesis over a variety of roads.

Then I drove a VW 2012 Passat, A 2012 Lincoln MKZ, a 202 Toyota Avalon and a Chrysler 300 with 20 inch wheels and one with 18 inch wheels.

All OVER THE SAME ROADS at the same typical velocity and all at factory recommended tire pressure.

All this was a serious and studied endeavor I was accompanied by 2 additional passenger in the car at all times. Carefully attention was given to the test drives.

ALL the cars felt the same on the section of the freeway chosen, SMOOTH.

On the section of surban and city roads selected all the Genesis felt the same with very very minor differences: Unsettled, Jarring on tar strips and manhole covers and really bad on small pot holes. ( no large pot holes were tested).

In order of increasing all around comfort the cars were: VW, Lincoln, Toyota and Chrysler. The Avalon was easily the least reactive to pot holes and Tar Strips but the Chrysler although a bit more reactive to those, was a better all around experience. So I traded the Genesis in on a Chrysler 300 Limited. So now I have no reason to post complaints about the Genesis since I don't own it anymore.

It has been a pleasure being on this forum, I personally wish each and everyone, all the best, good luck and farewell. Gripper

 

[hvarsov]

To: next car
Re: which car did I get......
I went all out and got the 2011 BMW 535xi with a lot of toys.....
The ride is firm but with the double wishbone assembly it absorbs nice and I don't get knocked around anymore........I ride around with a smile all the time now and am very happy.....I just couldn't take that pounding when I hit new York bumps and potholes and for 20k more I got one of the best rides on the street.........the 535 is almost as big as the 750 and almost as luxurious and a cushy sporty ride.....just what I wanted...............don't think I will be getting rid of this one for at least 5 years......

 

[Vince2]

Later Gripper. Completely understand your move.

 

[nextcar]

To: next car
Re: which car did I get......
I went all out and got the 2011 BMW 535xi with a lot of toys.....
The ride is firm but with the double wishbone assembly it absorbs nice and I don't get knocked around anymore........I ride around with a smile all the time now and am very happy.....I just couldn't take that pounding when I hit new York bumps and potholes and for 20k more I got one of the best rides on the street.........the 535 is almost as big as the 750 and almost as luxurious and a cushy sporty ride.....just what I wanted...............don't think I will be getting rid of this one for at least 5 years......

i'm glad you're happy with the 535. before test driving the genesis V8, i was all set to buy the 535i.
in the end i decided the genny was almost as good as the 535, and i didn't mind the unsettled response over bumps, so i decided to save some money.
1 thing i preferred over the 535 was the V8 in the genny. i should have driven the 550i before getting the genny. did you by any chance drive the 550?

 

[hvarsov]

Drove the 550....I just didn't need that kind of power....didn't see the point....the 535 is really faster than I need or can use and the 535 can pass anything I want on the highway plus goes faster than any 8 cylinder I ever owned........the 535 is a magnificent auto and is so much more comfortable on ny roads with that double wishbone assembly..... Feels almost as comfortable as my 1995 Q45 which was the best car I ever owned..........

 

[robcar]

I am thinking of replacing my Dunlops (which now have for only 8500 miles on them) for Michelin Energy Savers or Conti DWS to improve the ride quality on rough Chicago area roads and to give me better traction in snow this winter. Would the ride quality on my 2010 4.6 also improve if I downsized wheels from 18" Dunlops to 17" Michelin or Conti?