Kia sorento horrendous ride quality

[MattCharlton91]

Hi all!

I've got a 2003 sorento which I use for towing my trailer for work. This is the only sorento I've driving so I have nothing to compare it against except other trucks. For instance today I drove a mazda b2500 of the same vintage, and it was miles better than my sorento, and I used to think the mazda was horrible to drive! My tyre pressures are set to 32psi which I'm told gives the softest ride. I don't expect rolls Royce comfort, but surelY it isn't supposed to be as hard as this?! It makes any passengers feel travel sick! I can't see any obvious problems with the suspension. Can anyone shed any light on this?

[richs2891]

Does it only ride badly only when towing or all the time ?

It may be worn (sticking) shocks or uneven wear across the tyre, worn bushes, broken / worn out springs ?

Has extra heavy duty springs been fitted to compensate for extra load / help maintain normal height when towing messing it up when not towing ?

[MattCharlton91]

If anything the ride is better with a loaded trailer. It's had new tyres on the back, I don't think the shocks are sticky because it seems to push up and down on the springs easy enough

[MattCharlton91]

Just had another look this morning, car seems to be sitting on its bump stops at the back? I'm guessing this isn't normal?!

[LouD86]

That would explain a lot. Check your rear springs, make sure they haven't corroded and snapped. It shouldn't be anywhere near the bumpstops, we towed for 8 years with Sorento's, and I would never say the ride is aweful. I have a feeling yours is broken

[Emeye]

OP, did you get to the bottom of this - I've just bought a 2003 Kia Sorento today! I don't think mine has a ride issue - I've not driven it far but the ride seemed fine.

[0llie]

My parents had a new Sorento XE back in 2003. I remember the ride being slightly harsh (from memory the suspension was developed with assistance from Porsche), but it wasn't uncomfortable.