Azera Owners: Do You Have Suspension Issues? Options

[snaglepus]

My 2009 Limited Azera bought on Halloween 3 1/2 months ago now has 5,600 miles on it.
Running well so far and so far the suspension doesn't seem to be an issue.
(Although with the size of potholes developing in northern Indiana, keeping
the suspension in one piece through the spring could prove difficult!)

Bud H

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

It is good to hear that you are happy with your suspension. I was afraid that you might not be. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif)

Perhaps it does take the combination of the 640 shocks on both ends to stop the problems many of us have with
simply installing the new shocks on just the front only. In my case, that simply does not fix all the problems.

Tcarr925 installed the newer 640s all around and he reports all is well also. So maybe that's what it takes?
Perhaps some of us that are not happy just doing the fronts only should try that approach? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/auto.gif)

[aubergine machin...]

Replying to Azera Owners: Do You Have Suspension Issues?

Of course! 32K mi on our '07 Limited (99% is daily-driving by wife;she's into conservative style driving). Suspension issues since day one; total dealer denial, even when copy of TSB presented to service writer @ Romero Hyundai-Jeep-Buick-Mazda in Ontario. Denial of other problems as well, rear screen (they finally replaced it, but it's FUBAR again & runs down battery overnite), rear door weatherstripping, hesitation on move-out from stop, trans shifting, etc. Better to go somewhere else; just haven't found that place yet. Riverside Hyundai denies suspension problems also, but haven't actually taken it there... just disappointing phone contacts. Like listening to a recorded audio loop: 'No sir, Hyundai's not had any problems with that, or that, or that, or...'

Riverside Hyundai did provide some good laughs, however. On my way to the parts dept. for oil filters, I passed by a salesman trying desperately to jump-start a new Genesis, with an old Toyota Corolla (unsuccessful with battery charger that had been on it all night also)! The 'potential customer' was waiting patiently for a test drive, but was clearly losing faith in Hyundai by the second(me too). Laughed my b*** off, just the same... discreetly, of course! He never was able to get it to fire up, that I could see.

So much for the big Korean 'threat' to Lexus/Infiniti/Mercedes/BMW/Buick(what?)/etc. The 10-year warranty seems like less of a bargain all the time. I replaced rear brake pads @ 29K mi; fronts @ 32K mi. Blah-blah-blah. Hey, wife likes the color!


J.R.
SoCal

This post has been edited by aubergine machine: Feb 19 2009, 10:22 AM

[campoly]

Replying to Azera Owners: Do You Have Suspension Issues?

Of course! 32K mi on our '07 Limited (99% is daily-driving by wife;0 conservative style driving). Suspension issues since day one; total dealer denial, even when copy of TSB presented to service writer @ Romero Hyundai-Jeep-Buick-Mazda in Ontario. Denial of other problems as well, rear screen (they finally replaced it, but it's FUBAR again & runs down battery overnite), rear door weatherstripping, hesitation on move-out from stop, trans shifting, etc. Better to go somewhere else; just haven't found that place yet. Riverside Hyundai denies suspension problems also, but haven't actually taken it there... just disappointing phone contacts. Like listening to a recorded audio loop: 'No sir, Hyundai's not had any problems with that, or that, or that, or...'

Riverside Hyundai did provide some good laughs, however. On my way to the parts dept. for oil filters, I passed by a salesman trying desperately to jump-start a new Genesis, with an old Toyota Corolla (unsuccessful with battery charger that had been on it all night also)! The 'potential customer' was waiting patiently for a test drive, but was clearly losing faith in Hyundai by the second(me too). Laughed my b*** off, just the same... discreetly, of course! He never was able to get it to fire up, that I could see.

So much for the big Korean 'threat' to Lexus/Infiniti/Mercedes/BMW/Buick(what?)/etc. The 10-year warranty seems like less of a bargain all the time. I replaced rear brake pads @ 29K mi; fronts @ 32K mi. Blah-blah-blah. Hey, wife likes the color!


J.R.
SoCal

Welcome....to my world. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) *whisper voice* Psst! P.M. me if you want someone to commiserate with.

[snaglepus]

Replying to Azera Owners: Do You Have Suspension Issues?

Of course! 32K mi on our '07 Limited (99% is daily-driving by wife; 0 conservative style driving). Suspension issues since day one; total dealer denial, even when copy of TSB presented to service writer @ Romero Hyundai-Jeep-Buick-Mazda in Ontario. Denial of other problems as well, rear screen (they finally replaced it, but it's FUBAR again & runs down battery overnite), rear door weatherstripping, hesitation on move-out from stop, trans shifting, etc. Better to go somewhere else; just haven't found that place yet. Riverside Hyundai denies suspension problems also, but haven't actually taken it there... just disappointing phone contacts. Like listening to a recorded audio loop: 'No sir, Hyundai's not had any problems with that, or that, or that, or...'

Riverside Hyundai did provide some good laughs, however. On my way to the parts dept. for oil filters, I passed by a salesman trying desperately to jump-start a new Genesis, with an old Toyota Corolla (unsuccessful with battery charger that had been on it all night also)! The 'potential customer' was waiting patiently for a test drive, but was clearly losing faith in Hyundai by the second(me too). Laughed my b*** off, just the same... discreetly, of course! He never was able to get it to fire up, that I could see.

So much for the big Korean 'threat' to Lexus/Infiniti/Mercedes/BMW/Buick(what?)/etc. The 10-year warranty seems like less of a bargain all the time. I replaced rear brake pads @ 29K mi; fronts @ 32K mi. Blah-blah-blah. Hey, wife likes the color!

J.R.
SoCal

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

Good one J R (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

There are getting to be so many of us, that perhaps we should form a club. Of course, there are those folks
here that are in complete denial, but sooner or later they might come around to our way of thinking.

I too over a year ago went to my local dealer here in Murrieta California with TSB 07-050-007 in hand and was denied.
The young stupid service person could not have seen it previously and was certainly not famailar with it, and whoever 'tested' it said there was no problem. They did however lower the tire pressure down to below 25 PSI from approximately 35 psi which, when it turned colder a couple of days later, cause the low tire pressure light to come on. That one drove me nuts until I finally checked my PSI, only to find that I had gone to the dealer with one problem and left with two problems!

Had to talk to the franchise manager who "ordered" the service manager to change my shocks according to the TSB and I was now driving a properly riding car just as it had been when it was brand new, but that was short-lived.
Those TSB shocks were replaced shortly with the new "improved" latest 640s but only after I had threatened to go lemon law and the factory rep okayed their installation as a "good-will" gesture. Everything was fine for a short while, but those failed and now we are back to square one and no where to go and no aftermarket shocks being produced that will make the car right.
So the big "H" dropped over $800 on my car alone and I am still not happy. Wouldn't it have been better for them to have produced a quality shock in the first place and not have had to spend all those dollars on my car and how many others trying to make the cars right, but not doing so because of their installation of poor quality parts that simply do not and will not last?

Seems like almost everywhere a Hyundai owner goes, they get the same-ol same-ol treatment when trying to get a problem taken care of under warranty. Oh sure, there are some people who do get good service from their dealers, but I haven't been able to locate such a dealer yet. The local dealer here in Murrieta fits right in with the 'normal' Hyundai dealer crowd. Always says that there is no problem no matter what the complaint.

This treatment is from a directive straight from the top or so it seems.
"Deny everything no matter what, especially if it is going to cost us anything."
If I had it to do all over again, I simply wouldn't buy any Hyundai. The automobile buying public seems to
know about these Hyundais already, especially the Azera, and they are voting with their dollars.

Tuesday evening, while in their "Think Tank" discussing with the temporary CEO, I asked about the suspension problem along with some others there (out of only thirty people allowed into the 'closed' discussion) and none of us got any answers about the suspension problem. It is as if the CEO did not want to hear what we were complaining about, and he wouldn't even acknowledge that we were there asking about a 'fix.' There are also complaints about the suspension from Genesis owners, so anyone can tell about the Corporations' poor attitude.
Their brand new car that is supposed to compete with the true biggies? I don't think so.

If Hyundai wants to or has any idea of becoming a leader in the market place, they will have to change their ways when it comes to the dealers' attitude towards the customer and the way engineering problems are being denied and ignored.
Until they do change, I for one, will not buy or recommend any of their vehicles to anyone.



This post has been edited by snaglepus: Mar 23 2009, 04:18 PM

[allmet33]

It is good that there are some people that 'say' they are happy with their cars. But I wonder if they know what their Azeras especially should really ride like? Many are in denial. One fellow with over 60K miles on his Azera talks about his suspension being a-okay, and in the same post says he's going to go for over a twelve hundred dollar aftermarket 'coil-over suspension kit plus the cost of having it installed. If his suspension is performing properly as he says, why is he talking of spending close to two grand to perhaps make it better?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/auto.gif)

Hey Snags...I really wish you were in my area so you could take my 'Zera for a spin to see that I don't have any of the issues you mention with yours. I am having one small issue, but it's creaking noise that started happening when the weather turned cold out here. Anyway, yes...my plan is to swap out the OEM struts and springs to go with the coilover set-up, but if you had read my postings further...you would have seen that I said it will be one of the last mods I make so that I can get the full wear out of my factory shocks and know that my suspension is covered under warranty should any issues arise. As far as why I want to do this...I want my handling to be more improved than what it is now. Just because I don't have the issues you have with yours, doesn't mean I can't desire better, right? The car is designed to be a smooth highway cruiser and I want the handling to have a sportier feel since I do roll with my 20" wheels during the spring, summer & fall months. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grin.gif)

Mike

P.S. The Azera has a pretty decent sounding entertainment system and I swapped that out for aftermarket gear as well...does that mean that the OEM stuff was sub-standard? My friend...some folks just have a modding "bug" and like to make changes to their cars. Maybe that's not something you can understand, but it doesn't mean that one thinks their car is some crap just because they replace an OEM part with something aftermarket. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

This post has been edited by allmet33: Feb 19 2009, 04:37 PM

[Relative]

2009 Azera Limited purchased 7 weeks ago, 2,100 miles so far.

Occasionally hear a 'twang' coming from the rear suspension. Could not see anything obviously wrong/loose/etc. Will have it looked at for the first time at the first oil change (dealer is 135 miles away). This is primarily wife's car and she absolutely loves the way it 'fits' her (5' tall) with the adjustable pedals and seats. The only new car she found where she could sit back a safe distance from the driver's air bag. I don't think I could convince her to give it up.

Her only concern so far is the noise from the rear of the car.

Mike

[Gamle-ged]

"Of course, there are those folks here that are in complete denial."

Well, there is "denial" and there's "denying" and there's "de Nile," dat middle-Eastern river!

Me, I'm denying that I've ever had any suspension problems, or any of the other occasionally mentioned problems except for the rear deck that sometimes hums along with the sub-woofer if the bass is cranked a bit much. I can now add that the battery had to be replaced just under two years from when I bought the car, and it was handled at no cost to me by the dealer.

Just spent $220 to have the car detailed, inside and out, and it looks like delivery day, except that the tire-treads are 35k miles worn... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

[allmet33]

"Of course, there are those folks here that are in complete denial."

Well, there is "denial" and there's "denying" and there's "de Nile," dat middle-Eastern river!

Me, I'm denying that I've ever had any suspension problems, or any of the other occasionally mentioned problems except for the rear deck that sometimes hums along with the sub-woofer if the bass is cranked a bit much. I can now add that the battery had to be replaced just under two years from when I bought the car, and it was handled at no cost to me by the dealer.

Just spent $220 to have the car detailed, inside and out, and it looks like delivery day, except that the tire-treads are 35k miles worn... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

In regards to the rear deck hum/vibration you get due to the bass of the sub-woofer...have you applied a sound deadening material like Dynamat? Another, much cheaper alternative would be to purchase some batting from a fabric store and stuff it between the rear deck and the rear deck cover. Another thing you will want to check is to see if the child seat anchor covers located on the rear deck are loose. Sometimes those covers loosen up an will vibrate like crazy when the sub is going strong. If you don't feel you'll have a need for those anchors, you might even try gluing the covers down to eliminate that ever being an issue.

Just a couple of suggestions to try. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

[heypal]

Suspension clunk. Noticed it again today when I turned down the radio. I had it to the dealer many times showed them the TSB, had the tech drive the car but of course he never heard anything. I was there with him I heard it he didn't. I gave up, so I turn on the radio and drive. Now its to the point I don't even pay attention to the clunk anymore. It's almost like going down to Venice Florida and not hearing the waves on the beach. One just doesn't hear it after awhile.

When i get back from Venice Fl at the end of March I am going to take the Azera in for a fix on the dimming headlights. Other than that the old 2006 Azera is running fine.

[campoly]

I had it to the dealer many times showed them the TSB, had the tech drive the car but of course he never heard anything. I was there with him I heard it he didn't.

Typical dealer response (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) . Did they use the phrase "within specs"?

[heypal]

No he just said he never heard anything out of the normal. I said to him your kidding. Listen pal it sounds like four or five golf balls rolling around in a box. They put the Azera on the lift but didn't do anything to the dang thing. I gave the tech a copy of the tsb but no go.

[doug725]

Good grief - all this talk about suspension issues on Azera sounds EXACTLY like the problem some of us are having with the Genesis and some others have had with the Sonata. I do think Hyundai has not yet quite gotten the hang of suspensions.

[campoly]

Good grief - all this talk about suspension issues on Azera sounds EXACTLY like the problem some of us are having with the Genesis and some others have had with the Sonata. I do think Hyundai has not yet quite gotten the hang of suspensions.

doug725,

Can you tell us specifically what problems you are seeing with the Genesis suspension. It it only noise or are there other issues as well?

This post has been edited by campoly: Mar 16 2009, 09:57 AM

[rminor]

32000 miles on my '07. We drive on a very bumpy road for about 1/2 mile getting in to our subdivision. Once again today I turned off the radio and my wife and I listened. All we could hear was the tires hitting the pot holes. I guess we were lucky.

[doug725]

doug725,

Can you tell us specifically what problems you are seeing with the Genesis suspension. It it only noise or are there other issues as well?

"appalling ride quality"

"the Genesis seemed incapable of absorbing the smallest road imperfection"

"The ride is very busy over bumps and harsh over expansion joints "

" the ride is very harsh for a luxury car. During my first weekend with the car I attributed the harsh ride to the weather, which was cold and snowy. But when ambient temperatures crested 40 degrees this past weekend, the poor ride became even more annoying and noticeable. Most luxury cars insulate you from road imperfections much better than the Genesis does"


These recent quotes from the Automobole magazine four season test blog sum it up perfectly. Not so much suspension noise as just abysmal ride characteristics . Many of the Azera related comments sound earily similar to experience in my Genesis and those of some other owners.

[LemonLaw]

I don't own an Azera, but rented one for three days in Kansas, and I am not exaggerating, trolling or whatever, but my wife, who ordinarily could care less about cars and rarely if ever comments on them, actually woke up after about an hour of what I thought was a sound sleep after we left the airport car rental place, and said 'this car is making me sea sick.'

It was very bad. And we were driving on relatively smooth interstate roads. Honestly, it was an odd feeling, because the car was not only wallowy, but it actually moved laterally, also, which I have never experienced in any car before.

It was an 07, and it had about 12,000 miles on it.

On the plus side, the car was very quiet, had decent fit and finish although the leather trim was pretty industrial grade, and I couldn't believe the fuel economy I was getting driving at between 75 and 80 mph, even considering it was 90% highway, and we drove A LOT.

I averaged about 29 mpg at those speeds, which is astonishing IMO because the motor is quite powerful, and the car is heavy. When I dropped the car back off at the airport, I had driven 347 miles in those four days, and when I went to refill it, there was a quarter tank left. I think I could've gone 420 miles or so on a tank.

But yeah, the suspension was not just bad, it was odd. Like I said, I have never driven in a car where there was lateral motion when the pavement started to get undulating. I am not making this up. I don't know if it was just that Azera, or that year, or because it was a rental, but it seems pretty consistent with what quite a few other people are saying.

If it weren't for that, and I was looking for a big sedan, I would definitely consider an Azera (though I'd swap the wheels out as I hate the stock wheels).

[campoly]

I don't own an Azera, but rented one for three days in Kansas, and I am not exaggerating, trolling or whatever, but my wife, who ordinarily could care less about cars and rarely if ever comments on them, actually woke up after about an hour of what I thought was a sound sleep after we left the airport car rental place, and said 'this car is making me sea sick.'

It was very bad. And we were driving on relatively smooth interstate roads. Honestly, it was an odd feeling, because the car was not only wallowy, but it actually moved laterally, also, which I have never experienced in any car before.

It was an 07, and it had about 12,000 miles on it.

On the plus side, the car was very quiet, had decent fit and finish although the leather trim was pretty industrial grade, and I couldn't believe the fuel economy I was getting driving at between 75 and 80 mph, even considering it was 90% highway, and we drove A LOT.

I averaged about 29 mpg at those speeds, which is astonishing IMO because the motor is quite powerful, and the car is heavy. When I dropped the car back off at the airport, I had driven 347 miles in those four days, and when I went to refill it, there was a quarter tank left. I think I could've gone 420 miles or so on a tank.

But yeah, the suspension was not just bad, it was odd. Like I said, I have never driven in a car where there was lateral motion when the pavement started to get undulating. I am not making this up. I don't know if it was just that Azera, or that year, or because it was a rental, but it seems pretty consistent with what quite a few other people are saying.

If it weren't for that, and I was looking for a big sedan, I would definitely consider an Azera (though I'd swap the wheels out as I hate the stock wheels).

Yes, my 07 acts exactly as you've described. The lateral motion that you alluded to is very disconcerting. It feels like the car is stumbling over rough-ish pavement rather than absorbing. When I see posts like yours and doug725's it lets me know that I'm not crazy or imagining things. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

[snaglepus]

I don't own an Azera, but rented one for three days in Kansas, and I am not exaggerating, trolling or
whatever, but my wife, who ordinarily could care less about cars and rarely if ever comments
on them, actually woke up after about an hour of what I thought was a sound sleep
after we left the airport car rental place, and said 'this car is making me sea sick.'

It was very bad. And we were driving on relatively smooth interstate roads. Honestly, it was an odd feeling, because the
car was not only wallowy, but it actually moved laterally, also, which I have never experienced in any car before.

It was an 07, and it had about 12,000 miles on it.

On the plus side, the car was very quiet, had decent fit and finish although the leather trim was pretty
industrial grade, and I couldn't believe the fuel economy I was getting driving at between
75 and 80 mph, even considering it was 90% highway, and we drove A LOT.

I averaged about 29 mpg at those speeds, which is astonishing IMO because the motor is quite powerful, and the car is
heavy. When I dropped the car back off at the airport, I had driven 347 miles in those four days, and when I
went to refill it, there was a quarter tank left. I think I could've gone 420 miles or so on a tank.

But yeah, the suspension was not just bad, it was odd. Like I said, I have never driven in a car where there was
lateral motion when the pavement started to get undulating. I am not making this up. I don't
know if it was just that Azera, or that year, or because it was a rental, but it seems pretty
consistent with what quite a few other people are saying.

If it weren't for that, and I was looking for a big sedan, I would definitely consider an Azera
(though I'd swap the wheels out as I hate the stock wheels).

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap.gif)

Bless you my son, for YOU have made my day. It's good to finally discover a person who tells it truly like it really is.

For many of the others here, I have been talking to stone-deaf ears.
What you so eliquently discribed is exactly what our '07 Azera does and has been doing for most
of its 23K miles, except for the relatively short times such as when it was brand new and
after each time on two occasions when the shocks have been replaced.
I wish all those 'doubting Thomases' could come here to Southern California and drive
our '07 Azera. Perhaps then they might acknowledge what we both are saying.

Many times while we are traveling on the local I-15 Intrastate, my wife falls asleep, and I glance over at her
on occasion, and her head is moving from side to side as you discribe and she looks like a 'bobble-head'.

All it would take is for Hyundai to undertake a crash-program to develop a decent
replacement shock absorber, but alas, they do not want to be bothered.

I like your handle which you have beaten me to. I am forced to go that route with our Azera.
When Hyundai is forced to buy back our Azera and some other Azera owners follow my lead,
Hyundai WILL get the message.
Wouldn't it have been better to have corrected the problem in the first place than
to keep producing those same quality lousy shocks for almost four years?
Look at all the damage this corporation has done to its reputation.

BTW, you are exactly correct about the fuel economy. We routinely go well over 500 miles before
the 'low' fuel light comes on. This is in mixed driving as you discovered with that rental.
I fill it right to the brim and can refill over 20 gallons into the tank without that low light having been activated.
It takes extra minutes, but it is worth it to be able to travel almost 600 each tank without having to stop.

A good buy except for the ride. Good at first, but the ride quickly deteriorates. A second set of new shocks
installed and the ride is good again but only for a short time, and it again deteriorates. A third set of
new shocks, and it's good again but once more only for a short time and then it goes bad again.

I will not tolerate this type of ride from any vehicle I own.

This post has been edited by snaglepus: Mar 23 2009, 05:18 PM

[andyman32]

Yes, my 07 acts exactly as you've described. The lateral motion that you alluded to is very disconcerting. It feels like the car is stumbling over rough-ish pavement rather than absorbing. When I see posts like yours and doug725's it lets me know that I'm not crazy or imagining things. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

We really only make 100-mile trips over to Greensboro on I-40 and haven't gone on any other road trips with the Azeras, so I'm betting I just haven't encountered the kind of undulating pavement folks describe here. I seem to recall this out in the midwest though, from when I drove across the country a few years ago. That was in an old Buick Regal though, nice floaty ride. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grin.gif)

[campoly]

We really only make 100-mile trips over to Greensboro on I-40 and haven't gone on any other road trips with the Azeras, so I'm betting I just haven't encountered the kind of undulating pavement folks describe here. I seem to recall this out in the midwest though, from when I drove across the country a few years ago. That was in an old Buick Regal though, nice floaty ride. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grin.gif)

The pavement doesn't even have to be the of the undulating ilk. In my car, it is a constant rough ride even on seemingly smooth pavement. Every little imperfection in the road is transmitted and heaven help ya if is a really rough road. It's funny because when the shocks were new, riding over smooth pavement was a delight and the rough stuff was tolerable.