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Suspension, steering, brakes and wheels

Problems with the shock absorbers: symptoms, cost and affected models

We have documented 127 faults with the shock absorbers in 125 cars. The most important by severity and frequency: faulty fixing of the front hub to the shock absorber: the wheel axle can break (2019 vehicles) (Citroën Jumper II and Peugeot Boxer III), insufficient tightening torque on the bolted shock absorber connection (Fiat Scudo III) and shock absorber mounting to the bodywork with insufficient tightening torque (Opel Vivaro C and Peugeot Expert III). At an independent garage, the repair costs from €700 to €700 depending on the engine or car.[1]

Documented faults
127
19 of high or critical severity
Cars analysed
125
with at least one fault on this part
Affected models
125
car generations in our database
Garage repair
€700
Depending on engine and car, including VAT

1 sourceHow we work

How it works and why it fails

Shock absorbers and top mounts

Shock absorbers control the rebound of the springs and keep the wheels on the road. They wear progressively, so it is hard to notice, and the top mounts (the upper supports with a bearing) often make noises when turning or going over bumps. Some cars have air or adaptive suspension, which is more expensive to repair.

What to do

If the car bounces after a bump, leans heavily in corners, the nose dives under braking or you see oil on the body of the shock absorber, have them checked. They are replaced in pairs on the same axle. Worn shock absorbers lengthen braking distances.

General explanation by MotorFiable. The specific faults of each engine and car, with their sources, are on the linked pages.

Common symptoms

The symptoms that come up most often in the documented faults with the shock absorbers. Open each one to see what other faults cause it.

Problems with the shock absorbers by car

Faults documented on specific cars, which occur with any engine. From most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën Jumper IIFaulty fixing of the front hub to the shock absorber: the wheel axle can break (2019 vehicles)Yes: Citroën recalled Citroën Jumpers built between April and June 2019 because the wheel axle could be faulty and break, changing the behaviour of the steering and creating a risk of accident. The DVSA describes it as a fixing of the hub to the front shock absorber that might not meet specification.
  2. 2Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat Scudo IIIInsufficient tightening torque on the bolted shock absorber connectionA recall listed by Germany's KBA covers 2,244 Scudos built between 10 July 2024 and 13 February 2025: the tightening torque of the bolted shock absorber connection is insufficient and the mounting can be lost, with a risk of losing control of the car.
  3. 3Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Vivaro CShock absorber mounting to the bodywork with insufficient tightening torqueYes: Opel campaign KRM covers Vivaros built between 10 July 2024 and 13 February 2025 because the mounting of a shock absorber to the bodywork was fitted with insufficient tightening torque (90 Nm measured), with a risk of it breaking and the vehicle going out of control.
  4. 4Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot Boxer IIIFaulty fixing of the front hub to the shock absorber: the wheel axle can break (2019 vehicles)Yes: Peugeot recalled Peugeot Boxers built between April and June 2019 because the wheel axle could be faulty and break, changing the behaviour of the steering and creating a risk of accident. The DVSA describes it as a fixing of the hub to the front shock absorber that might not meet specification.
  5. 5Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot Expert IIIShock absorber mounting to the bodywork with insufficient tightening torqueA Peugeot recall (MWE, Safety Gate SR/01285/25) covers Expert vehicles built between July 2024 and February 2025: the mounting of a shock absorber to the bodywork was fitted with insufficient tightening torque (90 Nm measured) and can break, causing loss of control of the vehicle.
  6. 6Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche Macan IShock absorber bolts wrongly tightened several times (recall AMA8)Only on very specific units: recall AMA8 affects Macans built in January and February 2021 (159 cars worldwide according to the Safety Gate), on which some bolted shock absorber connections may have been wrongly tightened several times, with a risk of unstable driving. The bolts are replaced and, at the front, the mounts too.
  7. 7Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Touareg IIIFront shock absorber fork with a casting defect that can make it breakVolkswagen recalled Touareg IIIs built in late 2018 (code 40O3) because the front axle shock absorber fork might lack the right stiffness owing to a temperature error in casting and could break, with a risk of the tyre rubbing on the wheel arch. The DVSA counts 10 cars in the UK and replaces the parts.
  8. 8Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S80 IRecall: the front damper lower ball joint nut on the Volvo S80 can lose tensionIn January 2004 Volvo recalled the S60, S80 and V70 because the nut joining the front damper's lower ball joint to the suspension arm could lose tension owing to an out-of-specification tolerance; the DVSA speaks of possible suspension collapse (R/2004/012, 9,735 vehicles in the UK). It was corrected with a modified nut.
  9. 9Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V70 IIRecall: the lower front shock absorber ball joint nut may lose tensionVolvo recalled the S60, S80 and V70 in January 2004 because the nut joining the lower ball joint of the front shock absorber to the suspension arm could lose tension due to an out-of-specification tolerance. It was corrected with a modified nut (DVSA R/2004/012; 9,735 vehicles in the United Kingdom).
  10. 10High severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi Q8Front shock absorber fork with a casting defect that may breakIn 2019 Audi recalled the first Q8s, built in November and December 2018, because a front suspension component might not be strong enough and could break over time. The DVSA pins it down to a casting defect in the shock absorber fork.
  11. 11High severityFrequency: OccasionalLexus NX IIWeld defect in the shock absorber: risk of detachmentAccording to the fiches-auto.fr fiche, an April 2022 campaign corrects a weld defect that could detach the shock absorber on NXs built between April 2021 and January 2022. This is the fiche's data: we have not been able to confirm it in a Lexus statement.
  12. 12High severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche Cayenne IIIFront shock absorber forks that may break (recall AKA2)In 2019 recall AKA2 was notified on Safety Gate for Cayenne cars built between 29 November and 20 December 2018: the front axle shock absorber forks could be defective and break, leaving the tyre pressed against the wheel arch, with a risk of accident.
  13. 13High severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche TaycanFront air spring retaining ring incorrectly fitted (loss of suspension air)Yes, on specific units: two recalls (ANB8 in 2022-2023 and ASA6 in 2025) cover Taycans whose front air spring may have the upper retaining ring badly made or badly fitted, with air escaping from the suspension and altered handling. The springs are checked and, if necessary, replaced or the ring is reworked.
  14. 14High severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Twingo IIIRisk of a crack in the shock absorber and bearing noise from the front axleYes: Renault recalled Twingo III cars built up to 24 March 2015 over the risk of a crack in the tube of a shock absorber; a French reliability guide adds complaints of bearing noise from the front axle between 2015 and 2016 in the same area.
  15. 15Medium severityFrequency: CommonCitroën Berlingo IIWear of shock absorbers, top mounts and drop links in the front suspensionIt is the most cited problem in a reliability survey on the Berlingo II: the front shock absorbers, top mounts, springs and anti-roll bar drop links produce recurring creaks, especially on poor roads or over speed bumps, with cases documented from 15,000 km.Appears at around 15,000 km
  16. 16Medium severityFrequency: CommonCitroën C4 IWear of shock absorbers, ball joints and wheel bearings on the front axleIn a reliability survey with 573 responses on the Citroën C4 (2004-2010), the front shock absorbers, ball joints and wheel bearings add up to 89 cases, with knocking, vibration and uneven tyre wear as the most cited symptoms.
  17. 17Medium severityFrequency: CommonFiat Ducato IIIWear of the upper shock absorber mounts and front axle ball jointsIt is a known weak point: the 2025 TÜV report on commercial vehicles highlights frequent complaints about the Ducato's front axle, and promobil places it, with the Boxer and Jumper, above average for springs, shock absorbers and axle suspension. CAT cites the upper mounts and the ball joints.
  18. 18Medium severityFrequency: CommonFord Fiesta VWear of wheel bearings, shock absorbers, springs and ball joints in the running gearThe Fiesta V's wheel bearings, shock absorbers, springs and ball joints wear with use across the range, with noise that grows with speed and knocking from the ball joints, according to both sources consulted.
  19. 19Medium severityFrequency: CommonFord Focus IIPremature wear of shock absorbers, suspension bushes and wheel bearingsThe Focus II's shock absorbers, suspension bushes and wheel bearings wear out sooner than expected: a 2021 German technical inspection report points to wheel bearings as a frequent finding on units from the final years of production.
  20. 20Medium severityFrequency: CommonHyundai i30 IIISpring and shock absorber wear detected at the periodic inspectionGerman periodic inspection reports show a high failure rate on springs and shock absorbers for this generation from the second inspection onwards, a pattern that matches owner reports of suspension and bearing wear.
  21. 21Medium severityFrequency: CommonPeugeot Partner IIWear of shock absorbers, top mounts and drop links in the front suspensionIn a reliability survey with 219 responses on the Partner Tepee (2008-2018), the front shock absorbers, top mounts, springs and anti-roll bar drop links account for 44 cases, the most cited system in the whole sample.
  22. 22Medium severityFrequency: CommonRenault Laguna IIIVibrations and noises from faulty front shock absorbersThe Laguna III's front end can vibrate and make a knocking noise because of shock absorbers that fail earlier than expected, with replacements documented from 45,000 km.Appears at around 45,000 km
  23. 23Medium severityFrequency: CommonSeat Ibiza IIIEarly wear of the front axle bushes, ball joints and shock absorbersYes: it is the most-cited non-engine fault among Ibiza III owners. The front axle bushes, ball joints and shock absorbers wear out sooner than expected, with noises and knocks that get worse over potholes and on roundabouts.
  24. 24Medium severityFrequency: CommonŠkoda Fabia IFront suspension wear (shock absorbers and bushes)The front suspension and bushes are the second most-cited non-engine fault on the Fabia I: 38 of the 140 responses in the fiches-auto.fr reliability survey, though the source does not say which part fails first in each case.
  25. 25Medium severityFrequency: CommonSuzuki Jimny IIIDefects in axle mounts, springs and shock absorbersThe TÜV reports flag the Jimny's suspension: axle mounts with a high defect rate from the first inspection, and loose springs and shock absorbers up to the third.
  26. 26Medium severityFrequency: CommonVolkswagen Touran IWear of suspension bushes and shock absorbers with uneven tyre wearYes: fiches-auto.fr documents premature tyre wear (34 reports, with a first replacement cited at 47,000 km on the original Touran I and from 6,500 km on the facelift) and of suspension bushes and shock absorbers, and gebrauchtwagenberater.de independently confirms noisy front suspension arms and defective shock absorbers.Appears at around 6,500 km
  27. 27Critical severityFrequency: RareCitroën C1 IFront shock absorber rod that can break (production June to August 2013)Yes: Citroën recalled C1s built between June and August 2013 because the front shock absorber rod could break and cause loss of control of the car.
  28. 28Critical severityFrequency: RareMazda CX-3The bolt between the steering knuckle and the shock absorber can work loose and leave the car without steeringOn cars built up to December 2015, the bolted joint between the suspension steering knuckle and the shock absorber can work loose, which can leave the car unable to steer. Mazda corrects it by checking and retightening or replacing the joint at an official dealer.
  29. 29Critical severityFrequency: RarePeugeot 107Front shock absorber rod breakage (2013 production)Gebrauchtwagenberater records a recall of around 15 Peugeot 107s from 2013: the front shock absorber rod could break and leave the car behaving uncontrollably.
  30. 30Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi A8 D3Air spring failure and worn suspension bushesOwners mention noises from the front suspension, failing air springs and worn bushes. According to fiches-auto.fr, the suspension accounts for 8 mentions out of 62 reports. This is a pattern drawn from owner reports, not a manufacturer recall.
  31. 31Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi Q7 4LWear on ball joints, shock absorbers and brake discs due to the car's weightIn the TÜV inspection (Germany's MOT), the Q7 4L often fails for play in ball joints and bushes, defective shock absorbers, worn brake discs and an uneven handbrake, mainly because of its great weight.
  32. 32Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi TT IIShock absorber wear, including Magnetic Ride magnetic suspensionAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (187 for this model), there are 9 mentions of shock absorbers and suspension; a 2.5 TFSI at 158,000 km showed an imbalance of over 30% at the Spanish ITV inspection and its replacement was costly.
  33. 33Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 1 F20Wear of shock absorbers and suspension bearingsWith mileage, the F20 can develop noises and wear in the rear suspension shock absorbers and bearings at around 100,000-110,000 km; the optional adaptive suspension is also expensive to repair if it fails, according to German and French sources.
  34. 34Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 3 E90Wear of shock absorbers, bushes and suspension bearingsWith mileage it is common for the E90 to need shock absorbers, bushes or suspension bearings: fiches-auto.fr places several cases between 150,000 and 170,000 km, and gebrauchtwagenberater.de cites German TÜV inspection data that flags springs and shock absorbers as a frequent point of attention.
  35. 35Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW X3 G01Springs and shock absorbers with more issues than averageThe German TÜV-Report flags the X3 G01's springs and shock absorbers as an area with more issues than usual, and fiches-auto.fr collects reports of worn bushes, links and ball joints, with noises and uneven tyre wear.
  36. 36Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalChrysler Voyager RGSuspension bushes and shock absorbersSuspension bushes are among the first parts to fail on the Voyager, and leaking shock absorbers are a known fault.
  37. 37Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C4 IIPremature wear of the front shock absorbersSeveral owners document internal failure of the front shock absorber between 67,000 and 80,000 km, with creaking and vibration that gets worse on poor roads; in at least one case the replacement was not covered under warranty.Appears at around 67,000 km
  38. 38Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalDacia Duster IIPremature wear of the front shock absorbers ("boat effect") on the 1.5 dCiAutopista describes on the Duster with the 1.5 dCi engine a body roll known as the "boat effect" that forces the front shock absorbers to be replaced before the end of their usual life.
  39. 39Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat Panda IIIWear of springs and shock absorbers on the Fiat Panda IIIThe 2025 TÜV report cited by Autoblog.it places springs and shock absorbers among the most frequent problems of the Panda 312, alongside the exhaust.
  40. 40Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat Punto IIIWear of the shock absorbers, bushes and ball joints in the front suspensionThe Fiat Punto (Grande Punto/Punto Evo/Punto) has accumulated testimonials of dried-out shock absorber top mounts and worn bushes and ball joints in the front suspension, with noises over bumps and in corners as the main symptom.
  41. 41Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat SediciFaulty springs, shock absorbers and axle mountingsInspections of the SX4, the Sedici's twin, show more spring and shock absorber defects than normal, and on older cars the axle mountings are the most cited fault.
  42. 42Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFord FusionShock absorber wear and broken rear springsAccording to reports on fiches-auto.fr, 19 Fusion owners (out of 206) cite worn shock absorbers, broken rear springs and suspension noises, with cases at 70,000 and 90,000 km and one car that had its rear mounts replaced five times.
  43. 43Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Ka IIPremature wear of the Ka II's shock absorbers and tyresTestimonies on fiches-auto.fr record 11 cases of worn shock absorbers (some rear ones at 11,000 km) and 4 of rapid tyre wear on the Ford Ka II.
  44. 44Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Kuga IWorn shock absorbers and springsSprings and shock absorbers on the first-generation Kuga wear out often, and the TÜV criticises them more than other cars in their class; the wear can prevent a car passing the inspection.
  45. 45Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHyundai BayonRear shock absorbers with noises or premature loss of effectivenessSeveral owners of the Hyundai Bayon with the 1.0 T-GDI 48V engine describe rear shock absorbers that make noises or lose effectiveness sooner than expected, according to a French collection of testimonies; there are no signs of a structural fault, only wear or premature noise.
  46. 46Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHyundai i20 IRear shock absorbers, bushes and ball joints with premature wearfiches-auto.fr documents rear shock absorbers weakened from 40,000 km, with leaks and noises from bushes and ball joints, among first-generation i20 owners.
  47. 47Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHyundai ix20Leaking shock absorbersThis is a fault cited by owners: according to the testimonials collected by fiches-auto.fr, there are three cases of leaking shock absorbers on the ix20. No official campaign is on record.
  48. 48Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Picanto IAxle mounts and steering ball joints with play, and noisy shock absorbersOn the Picanto I, the German technical inspection criticises the axle mounts and steering ball joints, and fiches-auto records 7 mentions of suspension and shock absorbers out of 86 testimonies, with noisy shock absorbers on poor roads. These are wear items, with no manufacturer campaign.
  49. 49Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Sportage IIIRear shock absorbers and springs with premature wear or saggingSeveral owners document rear shock absorbers weakened from 45,000 km and damaged shock absorber top mounts, according to fiches-auto.fr; gebrauchtwagenberater.de adds that some cars have an abnormally low rear axle, which dazzles oncoming traffic, a problem Kia corrected on specific cars with modified springs.
  50. 50Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalKia StonicShock absorber noise and loss of stability when loaded or corneringAutopista.es lists noises from the Stonic's shock absorbers and a loss of stability on the motorway when the car is loaded or when taking corners quickly among the problems most cited by owners.
  51. 51Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalKia VengaShock absorber wear and leaksFive reports at fiches-auto.fr describe Venga shock absorbers leaking or wearing out prematurely, with replacements between roughly 50,000 and 90,000 km.
  52. 52Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda 3 IIWear of bushes and shock absorbers in the rear suspensionThe suspension axle of the Mazda3 BL is one of the points most often flagged in German TÜV inspections; French owners document worn bushes and shock absorbers, and one case of an anti-roll bar that had to be retightened at 30,000 km.
  53. 53Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda 5 IShock absorbers leaking oilDEKRA's 2015 reliability report, as reported by Autofácil, lists defective shock absorbers leaking oil among the most notable faults of the Mazda5 (2005-2015) after 100,000 km. The source does not separate the first generation from the second or give a cost.
  54. 54Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda 5 IILeaking shock absorbersThe DEKRA 2015 report, covered by Autofácil, includes leaking shock absorbers among the most notable faults of the Mazda 5 (2005-2015) after 100,000 km. The source does not separate generations and gives no cost.
  55. 55Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda 6 IINoise and wear in the front suspension top mounts and bearingsThe TÜV report cited by gebrauchtwagenberater.de lists the suspension axle among the points that most often draw attention in German roadworthiness inspections; French owners document noises from the shock absorber top mounts and worn bearings.
  56. 56Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase A W168Broken suspension springs, worn shock absorbers and rear axle bushes with playDEKRA cites broken suspension springs and rear axle bushes with play as typical defects of older A-Class W168s: 5.8% of cars under 50,000 km had running gear or steering defects, compared with a class average of 2.0%.
  57. 57Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase B W247Wear on springs, shock absorbers, tie rod ends and the handbrake found at inspectionsAccording to the TÜV report cited by gebrauchtwagenberater.de, inspectors fairly often note the springs, shock absorbers and tie rod ends on the W247 B-Class, as well as the handbrake; the rest of the car does not stand out.
  58. 58Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase C W204Wear of shock absorbers, arms and suspension mountsGerman and Polish sources agree that the W204's suspension develops play and noises: front shock absorbers that wear out early, arms and axle mounts flagged at the German ITV, and rear wear from around 100,000-150,000 km.Appears at around 100,000 km
  59. 59Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalNissan Primera IIIWear of the suspension arms and shock absorbers on the Nissan PrimeraAccording to the fiches-auto.fr reports, there are 5 cases of shock absorbers and several of suspension arms replaced between about 60,000 and 210,000 km on the Primera.
  60. 60Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalNissan X-Trail IIIFront suspension wear: bushes, shock absorbers and wishbonesYes: several owners describe noises and wear in the X-Trail's front suspension - top mounts, shock absorbers, bearings and bushes - and caradisiac also records a case of replacing the front wishbones.
  61. 61Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Astra JLeaks from the dampers of the FlexRide adaptive suspensionThe dampers of the Astra J's FlexRide adaptive suspension can start to leak oil from around 150,000 km, according to gebrauchtwagenberater.de; fiches-auto.fr also records suspension and damper warnings in an owner survey of this car.
  62. 62Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Corsa CEarly wear of wheel bearings, driveshaft boots and rear shock absorbersA German used-car guide points to wheel bearings, driveshaft boots (gaiters) and rear shock absorbers as common failure points on the Opel Corsa C at the technical inspection (TÜV/MOT).
  63. 63Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Corsa ESprings, shock absorbers and steering joints flagged by the TÜVAccording to the TÜV report cited by Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, the Corsa E frequently shows defects in the springs and shock absorbers, and also in the steering joints and the braking system.
  64. 64Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Insignia ALeaking FlexRide adaptive dampersgebrauchtwagenberater.de identifies as a known problem that the dampers of the FlexRide adaptive chassis lose their seal at around 150,000 km; in Germany they cost €400–500 each, with refurbished alternatives.Appears at around 150,000 km
  65. 65Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Mokka AWear of shock absorber mounts and front suspension bushesThe fiches-auto.fr entry cites worn shock absorber mounts between 30,000 and 60,000 km, bushes that force the front axle to be redone and metallic clunks over bumps; the Mokka X entry mentions worn shock absorbers and ball joints.
  66. 66Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Zafira ARear shock absorbers failing prematurelyThe Zafira A's rear shock absorbers can start to fail strikingly early, from about 37,000 km according to the accounts gathered, up to 135,000 km.Appears at around 37,000 km
  67. 67Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 3008 IIPremature wear of the front shock absorbersThe front shock absorbers on the 3008 II can show signs of weakness earlier than expected. It is worth listening for knocking and checking for leaks; the pair has been published at around €700 (in Spain).Repair (garage): €700
  68. 68Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Mégane IBroken or leaking rear shock absorbers and suspension wearAccording to the testimonies collected by fiches-auto.fr, the rear shock absorbers often break or lose oil, and the front suspension (ball joints, bushes) wears with use. No official recall is recorded.
  69. 69Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Scénic IBroken or leaking rear shock absorbers and suspension wearAccording to the testimonies collected by fiches-auto.fr, the rear shock absorbers often break or lose oil, and the front suspension (ball joints, bushes) wears with use. No official recall is recorded.
  70. 70Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Twingo IIWorn strut mounts, springs and ball jointsIn TÜV inspections the Twingo II fails above average for its suspension: worn strut mounts (upper bearing), broken springs and steering track rod ends with play.
  71. 71Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Vel SatisPremature wear of the suspension ball joints, drop links and shock absorbersAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the Vel Satis's suspension accounts for 29 cases: ball joints (8), shock absorbers (8), bearings (8), drop links and bushes (3). The fiche attributes part of the wear to the car's high weight; it is a sample of owners.
  72. 72Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSeat AlteaThe shock absorbers and their joints can wear out before 50,000 kmAltea owners describe worn shock absorbers, top mounting bearings and suspension ball joints in under 50,000 km; a German technical inspection report confirms that shock absorbers, springs and driveshafts are a common reason for failure in inspections of this model.
  73. 73Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSeat ExeoPremature wear of the shock absorbers and suspension armsAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, some owners report shock absorbers replaced at 20,000 km, an upper arm that cost more than €800 and knocking from the anti-roll bar and its links. There is no public recall or bulletin.
  74. 74Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSeat León IISprings and shock absorbers with more defects than average in the TÜV inspectionsAUTO BILD, drawing on TÜV-Report data, notes that on the León, from the first inspection, springs and shock absorbers show more defects than average; it recommends checking them whenever buying a used one.
  75. 75Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSeat León IIIFront suspension noises from drop links and shock absorbersMotorMundial already flagged suspension noises and vibrations in the cabin as a weak point of the Leon III, and owners describe creaking over bumps, humming between 90 and 100 km/h and clunks on uneven surfaces, almost always from worn drop links or shock absorbers.
  76. 76Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSeat León IVLeaking shock absorbers and broken springs at the TÜV inspectionAUTO BILD reports that at the German technical inspection the León, including the IV, repeatedly needs extra visits for leaking shock absorbers and broken springs; the rest of the suspension and steering comes through well.
  77. 77Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda Octavia IFront suspension wear (shock absorbers and bushes)The front suspension (shock absorbers and bushes) accounts for 7 of the 87 Octavia I owner responses in the fiches-auto.fr reliability survey, though the source does not pinpoint which part fails first in each case.
  78. 78Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda Octavia IIFront suspension wear (shock absorbers, bushes and ball joints)Adding together shock absorbers, bushes and ball joints, the front suspension accounts for 14 of the 248 Octavia II owner responses in the fiches-auto.fr reliability survey.
  79. 79Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki Ignis IWear of steering ball joints and shock absorbersOn 2003-2008 Ignis cars with high mileage, steering ball joints wear and shock absorbers lose damping, so the steering must be constantly corrected at motorway speeds.
  80. 80Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki SX4Springs and shock absorbers with above-average defects in TÜV inspectionsIn the German TÜV, the SX4 stands out for more defects than usual in springs and shock absorbers, even though it covers fewer kilometres than its rivals of the same age; on the oldest years the axle suspension is also criticised, according to gebrauchtwagenberater.de and AutoScout24.
  81. 81Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota RAV4 IIIRear shock absorbers can lose oil prematurelyFiches-auto.fr documents 24 cases of rear shock absorbers leaking oil on this RAV4, with replacements reported between 39,000 and 160,000 km; the leak reduces rear suspension control and is usually noticed as worse behaviour over bumps.Appears at around 39,000 km
  82. 82Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S60 IIPremature wear of the Volvo S60's bushes and shock absorbersAccording to fiches-auto.fr, owners cite premature wear of bushes (silentblocks) and shock absorbers, along with bearing and alignment problems that cause uneven tyre wear.
  83. 83Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V70 IIWear of the suspension wishbones and shock absorber top mounts on the front axleGebrauchtwagenberater identifies the front axle as the big weak point of the 2000-2007 V70: faulty wishbones (Querlenker) and shock absorber top mounts (Domlager) are «not a rarity». It also points to frequent wear of the wheel bearings.
  84. 84Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo XC70 IIWear of the suspension arms and front shock absorber top mounts on the Volvo XC70Gebrauchtwagenberater describes the front axle as the big weak point of the second-generation V70, of which the XC70 is the crossover version: according to the article, finding defective suspension arms and shock absorber top mounts is common. It gives no mileages or costs.
  85. 85High severityFrequency: RareAlfa Romeo GiuliettaBadly installed rear suspension arms or shock absorbers (2010 campaign)Yes: between February and May 2010 Alfa Romeo recalled Giulietta cars over possibly badly installed suspension arms; fiches-auto.fr places a campaign on the rear shock absorbers on the same dates, which affected fewer than 100 cars.
  86. 86High severityFrequency: RareToyota Yaris IIIThe upper front shock absorber mount can be damaged and come looseA 2016 campaign recalled Yaris models built between January 2015 and February 2016 because the bearing in the upper mount of the front shock absorber could be damaged when hitting a hard pothole, so that the top of the rod could come loose and the car lose stability.
  87. 87Low severityFrequency: CommonVolkswagen Golf IVBushes, ball joints and front shock absorbers can wear out earlier than expectedSeveral owners report knocking noises from the front axle due to wear of the bushes, ball joints and shock absorbers, especially beyond 200,000 km. It is not a manufacturer campaign, but a recurring pattern in the fiches-auto.fr testimonials, with no single mileage threshold.
  88. 88Medium severityFrequency: RareBMW Serie 2 F22Rear axle and damper replacement on the 240iAccording to the testimonials collected by fiches-auto.fr, one 240i owner (340 hp) had the rear axle and dampers replaced under warranty. It is an isolated case and no official campaign is on record.
  89. 89Medium severityFrequency: RareBMW Serie 4 F32Worn shock absorbers and bushesAccording to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, there are 2 cases of faulty shock absorbers and 1 of faulty bushes among 103 reports on the 4 Series. No official recall is recorded.
  90. 90Medium severityFrequency: RareBMW X2 F39Leaking shock absorbersAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, one owner of an X2 18d had leaking shock absorbers at 60,000 km. It is an isolated case and no official recall is on record.
  91. 91Medium severityFrequency: RareCitroën C5 XShock absorber leak and “suspension fault” warning with speed limitationFew owners mention it: 3 mentions of suspension or shock absorbers among the 23 testimonies on fiches-auto.fr, including a shock absorber losing fluid at 49,000 km and a suspension fault warning asking drivers not to exceed 90 km/h. There is no known campaign or bulletin.
  92. 92Medium severityFrequency: RareDS DS 4 IINoisy front shock absorbers or inconsistent damping on the active suspensionThree reports on the DS 4 page at fiches-auto.fr talk about the active suspension: front shock absorbers replaced under warranty for noise at 38,000 km, 'dead' front suspension at 15,000 km and inconsistent damping. These are one-off cases on the E-Tense version, with no recall or independent study.
  93. 93Medium severityFrequency: RareFiat 500LPremature wear of ball joints and shock absorbers on the Fiat 500LAccording to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, some owners had worn shock absorbers at 55,000 km (covered by warranty) and worn ball joints at 85,000 km with no cover from Fiat. There are few cases and no official recall.
  94. 94Medium severityFrequency: RareMazda 3 IWear of shock absorbers, bushes and wheel bearings on the Mazda 3 (BK)According to the reports gathered by fiches-auto.fr, worn bearings, shock absorbers and bushes with noises and vibrations are cited on the Mazda 3 BK (5 cases), as well as anti-roll bar problems (4 cases).
  95. 95Medium severityFrequency: RareŠkoda EnyaqPremature damage to the rear shock absorbersOne documented testimony describes the top mounts of the rear shock absorbers damaged at just 23,000 km on an Enyaq 80x. It is a single known case, not a confirmed pattern, but we note it because it is a safety component and because of the low mileage at which it appeared.Appears at around 23,000 km
  96. 96Medium severityFrequency: RareŠkoda YetiPremature wear of the Škoda Yeti shock absorbers and wheel bearingsOwners cite shock absorbers replaced at 22,000 and 34,000 km and front bearings at around 40,000 km, plus a broken front spring. The entry groups about 6 cases, with no official campaign.Appears at around 22,000 km
  97. 97Medium severityFrequency: RareVolvo V40 IIBroken shock absorber top mount on the Volvo V40According to fiches-auto.fr, there are 4 suspension cases, including a faulty shock absorber top mount at 144,000 km on a V40 T5.Appears at around 144,000 km
  98. 98Low severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën Berlingo IWear of links, bushes and shock absorbers in the suspensionThe pages cite early knocking from wear of anti-roll bar links, ball joints, bushes, springs and shock absorbers, made worse by use under load (24 reports on the Berlingo page, more than 37 on the Partner page).
  99. 99Low severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C2Wear of the top mounts and shock absorbers in the Citroën C2 suspensionThe fiches-auto.fr profile records around 22 mentions of C2 suspension and running gear: noises from worn top mounts and bearings between 90,000 and 150,000 km, shock absorbers failing earlier in some cases and springs breaking at high mileage.
  100. 100Low severityFrequency: OccasionalDS DS 4 IPremature wear of the front shock absorbersThe DS4 profile records 20 mentions of suspension and shock absorbers, with front shock absorbers replaced at 70,000 and 105,000 km and noises from the front end on poor road surfaces.
  101. 101Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda CR-V IIIPremature wear of the front shock absorbers and their gaitersAccording to the testimonials collected by fiches-auto.fr, the suspension is one of the most cited weak points of the CR-V III: 13 of 123 testimonials mention front shock absorbers, degraded gaiters or worn bushes, between 100,000 and 200,000 km.
  102. 102Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHyundai Elantra IWear of the anti-roll bar links, lower arm bushes and front shock absorber mountsAccording to a press review of the used Elantra XD, the first suspension parts to give up are usually the anti-roll bar links, the rear bush of the front lower arm and the shock absorber mounts; most of the original components lasted between 60,000 and 100,000 km, and the warning sign is noise, which appears with very little wear.Appears at around 60,000 km
  103. 103Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHyundai i30 IWorn rear shock absorbers and rattling front anti-roll bar linksThe TÜV Report, cited by Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, points to rear shock absorbers prone to failure on the i30 FD and knocks from the front axle that are usually due to loose anti-roll bar links.
  104. 104Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHyundai TrajetPremature wear of the upper front shock absorber mountsAccording to German Wikipedia, the upper front shock absorber mounts on the Trajet were not adapted to the MPV's greater weight and wear out early, with dull knocks when turning the steering wheel. It usually affects the left side more, where a rainwater drainage channel can drip onto the mount.
  105. 105Low severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Carens IVNoises and wear in the rear shock absorbersAccording to reports on fiches-auto.fr, the Carens IV's rear shock absorbers make squeaking or rubbing noises: 9 suspension cases out of 61, appearing at 70,000, 100,000 and 150,000 km on 2014 and 2016 cars.
  106. 106Low severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Cerato IWear of the wheel bearings and front shock absorber mountsThe used Kia Cerato I press review considers the suspension robust in general, but points to the wheel bearings and front shock absorber mounts as weak points, which with original parts, according to the source, last more than 100,000 km; the original shock absorbers wear out early on poor roads.
  107. 107Low severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda 2 IPremature wear of the rear shock absorbersThe Gebrauchtwagenberater notes that in the German roadworthiness inspection (TÜV) the Mazda 2 DY's rear shock absorbers are flagged from time to time and that, in isolated cases, they had to be replaced at only 60,000 km. No manufacturer campaign is recorded.
  108. 108Low severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda 3 IIINoises and knocking from the front suspension due to shock absorbers and bushesSome Mazda3 BM cars develop creaking or knocking in the front suspension with use, attributed to the top mounts, shock absorbers, bushes or front bearings; a German used-car guide confirms that springs and shock absorbers are among the usual reasons for failing the German inspection (TÜV).
  109. 109Low severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda CX-5 INoises and wear in the front suspension ball joints, bearings and shock absorbersWith use, some first-generation CX-5s develop knocking or humming noises from the front end, attributed to wear in bearings, shock absorbers and ball joints; a German used-car guide confirms that the suspension and front axle joints are among the usual reasons for failure in the German inspection (TÜV).
  110. 110Low severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda MX-5 IIILeaking rear shock absorbers, worn drop links and anti-roll barsAutofácil asks for the anti-roll bars, bearings and shock absorbers to be checked on the MX-5 (2005-2015). On the MX-5 Owners Club forum, Bilstein rear shock absorbers that sweat oil and broken drop links are cited, and the British breaker's yard mentions noises from worn drop links.
  111. 111Low severityFrequency: OccasionalMG TFSuspension knocks from shock absorbers and bushesParkers warns that, although better than the MGF with Hydragas, the MG TF can have worn shock absorbers and bushes that cause knocks and creaks on uneven roads.
  112. 112Low severityFrequency: OccasionalMINI Cooper R56Noise and wear of the front bushes, drop links and shock absorbersKnocking and creaking from the front end of the Cooper R56 are caused, according to the testimonies collected, by wear of the bushes, the anti-roll bar drop links, the ball joints or the shock absorbers themselves.
  113. 113Low severityFrequency: OccasionalNissan Juke IPremature wear and noise from the front shock absorbersFiches-auto.fr records a Juke 1.5 dCi whose front shock absorber top mounts had to be replaced twice before 14,000 km, as well as noises from the rear axle at 15,000 km. Caradisiac confirms shock absorbers that "knock, creak and squeal" on another diesel-engined example.Appears at around 14,000 km
  114. 114Low severityFrequency: OccasionalNissan Qashqai IFront shock absorbers that wear out sooner than expectedGebrauchtwagenberater.de notes that the front shock absorbers on the first-generation Qashqai wear out prematurely, without giving a mileage.
  115. 115Low severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel CrosslandSprings, shock absorbers, headlights and brake discs flagged by the TÜVAccording to the TÜV as reported by Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, the Crossland X fails more often than usual on springs, shock absorbers, headlights and brake discs.
  116. 116Low severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot Partner IWear of links, bushes and shock absorbers in the suspensionThe pages cite early knocking from wear of anti-roll bar links, ball joints, bushes, springs and shock absorbers, made worse by use under load (24 reports on the Berlingo page, more than 37 on the Partner page).
  117. 117Low severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Kangoo IPremature wear of the rear shock absorbersThe testimonies cite worn-out rear shock absorbers from 83,000 km on a 1.6 and at 145,000 km on a 1.4, understandable wear on a vehicle that is often loaded. It is owner data, with no campaign.
  118. 118Low severityFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda RapidPremature noise from the rear shock absorbersSeveral owners describe rear shock absorbers that squeak or make noise, in some cases at just 10,000 km. This comes from reports compiled by fiches-auto.fr; we have found no recall or manufacturer bulletin, nor an identified cause.
  119. 119Low severityFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki SplashPremature wear of shock absorbers and suspensionAccording to reports on fiches-auto.fr, some owners replace shock absorbers or suspension parts early (front shock absorber leaking at 10,000 km on a 1.0). It is a pattern in owner reports, with no recall.
  120. 120Low severityFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki Swift IIIPremature wear of shock absorbers and suspensionAccording to the fiches-auto.fr testimonies, some owners replace shock absorbers or suspension parts early (work done at 50,000-60,000 km). It is a pattern in testimonies, with no campaign.
  121. 121Low severityFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki Swift IVPremature wear of the shock absorbers and suspensionAccording to the owner reports on fiches-auto.fr, some owners replace shock absorbers or suspension parts early (wear between 65,000 and 83,000 km). It is a pattern in owner reports, with no campaign.
  122. 122Low severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Polo VFront bushes and shock absorbers can wear sooner than expectedSeveral owners describe noises and play in the front axle - shock absorbers that start to leak oil or bushes that wear out - between 36,000 and 110,000 km, with warning signs ranging from vibration when braking to a softer feel in the suspension. It is not a manufacturer campaign, just a recurring pattern in owner testimonies.
  123. 123Low severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo C30Wear of the wishbones, ball joints and shock absorbers in the Volvo C30 suspensionAccording to the fiches-auto.fr reports, the C30's suspension accounts for 10 cases of wishbones, ball joints, drop links and shock absorbers, with examples such as two wishbones at 200,000 km. It is an owner pattern, not an official campaign.
  124. 124Low severityFrequency: RareBMW X4 F26Rear suspension noise and damaged rear wheel bearingTwo reports on fiches-auto.fr: a rubbing noise from the rear suspension at 23,000 km, which required replacing a shock absorber and spring cup, and a rear wheel bearing failure at 136,000 km.
  125. 125Low severityFrequency: RareOpel AdamPremature wear of the rear shock absorbersAccording to the fiches-auto.fr owner reports, there are 3 suspension cases on the Adam: a left rear shock absorber replaced at 29,400 km, another rear suspension replaced at 40,000 km and uneven tyre wear. There are few cases and no official confirmation.
  126. 126Low severityFrequency: RareOpel CrosslandCreaking in the steering from the upper shock absorber mountsGebrauchtwagenberater.de cites a loud creak when turning the steering wheel as an early problem on the Crossland X, caused by the upper shock absorber mounts, which could only be resolved by replacing them.
  127. 127Low severityFrequency: RareRenault Mégane E-TechShock absorber and rear bump stop noises on the Mégane E-TechAccording to the fiches-auto.fr profile, 6 testimonies describe shock absorbers knocking over bumps and the rear bump stop rattling on poor roads.

Problems with the shock absorbers by make

Problems with the shock absorbers in your car

2 cars have several documented faults with the shock absorbers. Choose yours to see only the ones that affect them, by engine and by year.

Opel 1
Volvo 1

How much it costs to repair a fault with the shock absorbers

Sorted from the most expensive repair to the cheapest. Prices in Spain including VAT (parts and labour); what each figure includes is on its page.

How we calculate costs · The most expensive repairs across all engines

Frequently asked questions

Which cars have problems with the shock absorbers?

Among those we have analysed: Volvo V70 II (recall: the lower front shock absorber ball joint nut may lose tension), Citroën Jumper II (faulty fixing of the front hub to the shock absorber: the wheel axle can break (2019 vehicles)), Fiat Scudo III (insufficient tightening torque on the bolted shock absorber connection), Opel Vivaro C (shock absorber mounting to the bodywork with insufficient tightening torque), Peugeot Boxer III (faulty fixing of the front hub to the shock absorber: the wheel axle can break (2019 vehicles)), Peugeot Expert III (shock absorber mounting to the bodywork with insufficient tightening torque), Porsche Macan I (shock absorber bolts wrongly tightened several times (recall AMA8)) and Volkswagen Touareg III (front shock absorber fork with a casting defect that can make it break). In total, 125 cars with documented faults with the shock absorbers.

How much does it cost to repair a fault with the shock absorbers?

It depends a lot on the engine or car. At an independent garage, from €700 to €700, including VAT, based on the 1 fault with a documented cost. The most expensive is premature wear of the front shock absorbers (Peugeot 3008 II).

What symptoms does a fault with the shock absorbers cause?

The most frequently cited in the documented faults: knocks or creaks from the suspension over bumps, uneven tyre wear, abnormal play in the steering or noises from the front axle, abnormal vibrations or unstable idle, steering wheel vibrates or shakes when driving and wheel bearing hum.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Peugeot 3008 II : quels sont les problèmes à surveiller ?Auto Plus · Motoring press · published 23 April 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French