Bad Shock on a 2020 SX with factory towing package

[tokmane]

So after about 6,000 miles on the odometer, I started noticing knocking sound from the rear left wheel area at very low speeds. After eliminating every obvious potential reason by myself, I have decided to turn to the dealer with this as part of the 7,500mi service. They also couldn't find any obvious reason so after 2 days of investigation they decided to replace the shock to a new one and that solved the issue. The vehicle was never abused or went off-roading or anything like that, so it was simply a case of bad part from the factory.

Just sharing in case some else bumps into something similar...

 

[WhiteSX]

So after about 6,000 miles on the odometer, I started noticing knocking sound from the rear left wheel area at very low speeds. After eliminating every obvious potential reason by myself, I have decided to turn to the dealer with this as part of the 7,500mi service. They also couldn't find any obvious reason so after 2 days of investigation they decided to replace the shock to a new one and that solved the issue. The vehicle was never abused or went off-roading or anything like that, so it was simply a case of bad part from the factory.

Just sharing in case some else bumps into something similar...

Search the forum. Plenty of issues with these shocks failing prematurely. Mine lasted 23 months and 13K on my 2020. Had my dealer swap them out for standard factory shocks.

Enjoy the ride.

 

[tokmane]

Search the forum. Plenty of issues with these shocks failing prematurely. Mine lasted 23 months and 13K on my 2020. Had my dealer swap them out for standard factory shocks.

Enjoy the ride.

Thanks! So you basically gave up on the self-leveling capability? Any other difference?

 

[WhiteSX]

Thanks! So you basically gave up on the self-leveling capability? Any other difference?

It's more like it gave up on me. I don't tow, so I really don't care about it.

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[tokmane]

It's more like it gave up on me. I don't tow, so I really don't care about it.

What were the symptoms that you experienced?
I hope that Kia will investigate this and may issue a recall or extend the warranty... I know what my bad shock was sent back to Kia for analysis.

 

[Tortuga07]

Search the forum. Plenty of issues with these shocks failing prematurely. Mine lasted 23 months and 13K on my 2020. Had my dealer swap them out for standard factory shocks.

Enjoy the ride.

Good to know that swapping them for standard shocks is an option. I had read a few posts indicating that they could only be replace with an equal replacement.

 

[tokmane]

Good to know that swapping them for standard shocks is an option. I had read a few posts indicating that they could only be replace with an equal replacement.

The self leveling struts are an option we paid for... I wish KIA could just fix the faulty design.

 

[Tortuga07]

The self leveling struts are an option we paid for... I wish KIA could just fix the faulty design.

Agreed, but hopefully it was a small percentage that had bad parts or an installation issue that they're figuring out.

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[Amati5]

The self level struts are something I hope to help when we go skiing with the car full loaded. And the hitch for me is just for bike rack. Don’t plan on towing.

 

[tokmane]

The self level struts are something I hope to help when we go skiing with the car full loaded. And the hitch for me is just for bike rack. Don’t plan on towing.

I towed and it definitely levels the car. Very noticeable effect.

 

[WhiteSX]

Good to know that swapping them for standard shocks is an option. I had read a few posts indicating that they could only be replace with an equal replacement

Good to know that swapping them for standard shocks is an option. I had read a few posts indicating that they could only be replace with an equal replacement.

Be mindful swapping to non-leveling shocks is not a Kia-sanctioned fix. Kia will not compensate your dealer for this activity.

 

[Tortuga07]

Be mindful swapping to non-leveling shocks is not a Kia-sanctioned fix. Kia will not compensate your your dealer for this activity.

That's ok, I'm thinking post warranty. Under warranty if there were issues, I fully expect kia to replace with full price replacement

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[2020Telly]

That's ok, I'm thinking post warranty. Under warranty if there were issues, I fully expect kia to replace with full price replacement

It’s probably considered a wear and tear item so unless replacing a defective one, the older they get Kia might prorate a replacement under warranty if they deem they should have lasted you 10yrs/100k miles.

 

[BabyRide]

Had my 2020 Telluride SXP with tow package fully loaded up for the first time recently. 6 passengers and full of luggage. I noticed taking turns at about 10 - 15 MPH the rear drivers area was making a creaking like noise. Sounds like a bad shock/strut to me.

 

[tokmane]

Had my 2020 Telluride SXP with tow package fully loaded up for the first time recently. 6 passengers and full of luggage. I noticed taking turns at about 10 - 15 MPH the rear drivers area was making a creaking like noise. Sounds like a bad shock/strut to me.

It seems to be a common issue. I don’t understand why Kia won’t recall the vehicles with the bad struts. They’re obviously aware of the problem.

 

[NDBlackEX]

I likely have at least one bad rear shock. Dealer says they've done more than a few self leveling shock replacements. It's in today, we'll see what the verdict is but the service writer noticed it when we hit the bump pulling out of the service bay so it was a quick test drive and he was pretty sure we were looking at a shock replacement.

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[jw_tx21]

I have failed self-leveling shocks at a little under 17k miles and 2 years of ownership. Frustrated because dealer can't seem to get the part - it's been a month since I had it in for a diagnosis. Called Kia helpline - they claimed part won't be arriving from Asia until today Dec 1 - then a few days to get to dealer. We shall see if they are telling the truth. Needless to say, they wouldn't just ship the part from Georgia... better for the bottom line to keep cranking out new vehicles while current customers wait for action. I expected poor service from Kia as a whole, but not this bad.

I believe that replacing the self leveling with standard shocks will be the way to go when they fail next time - but Kia won't pay dealer for this.

 

[NDBlackEX]

I have failed self-leveling shocks at a little under 17k miles and 2 years of ownership. Frustrated because dealer can't seem to get the part - it's been a month since I had it in for a diagnosis. Called Kia helpline - they claimed part won't be arriving from Asia until today Dec 1 - then a few days to get to dealer. We shall see if they are telling the truth. Needless to say, they wouldn't just ship the part from Georgia... better for the bottom line to keep cranking out new vehicles while current customers wait for action. I expected poor service from Kia as a whole, but not this bad.

I believe that replacing the self leveling with standard shocks will be the way to go when they fail next time - but Kia won't pay dealer for this.

Oh, goodie. Thanks for the update, hopefully your situation gets resolved sooner rather than later. It's certainly annoying having a constant rattle in the rear. I'm hoping mine gets fixed in a timely manner as well.

 

[jw_tx21]

Oh, goodie. Thanks for the update, hopefully your situation gets resolved sooner rather than later. It's certainly annoying having a constant rattle in the rear. I'm hoping mine gets fixed in a timely manner as well.

That's for sure. More than the rattle - the car bounces like crazy over anything other than smooth roads. If it's not resolved in the next week, then I guess it's time for a NHTSA complaint as non-functional shocks create a safety hazard through reduced stopping distance and other issues. Anyway, will update when I have a resolution.

 

[tokmane]

I likely have at least one bad rear shock. Dealer says they've done more than a few self leveling shock replacements. It's in today, we'll see what the verdict is but the service writer noticed it when we hit the bump pulling out of the service bay so it was a quick test drive and he was pretty sure we were looking at a shock replacement.

Thanks for the info, keep us updated. My rear left shock was replaced in the 7500mi service and since then the right one has failed as well, hopefully will be replaced next week when I have the 15000mi service