If your brand-new 2024–2025 Kia Sorento already sounds like an old taxi from the back right corner, you're not alone. Many owners report a soft clunk or “flump” from the right-rear suspension when driving over small bumps, manhole covers, or driveway edges at low speeds.

They empty the cargo area, remove the jack and spare, fold the seats, and still hear the same dull thud under the rear passenger side. For a new SUV, that gets old fast.

How Common Is This Sorento Rear Suspension Noise?

Online forums show dozens of 2024–2025 Sorento owners comparing the same problem:

• Noise starts within days or weeks of purchase.
• Appears on multiple trims, including X-Line and X-Pro, FWD and AWD.
• Reported across the U.S. and Canada, not just one region or dealer.

In other words, this doesn't look like a loose tool rolling around in your trunk. It looks like a pattern.

What's Really Causing the Right-Rear Clunk?

The leading culprit is the rear shock absorber on the passenger side.

Shocks are supposed to control bounce and keep the tire planted. On many 2024–2025 Sorentos, owners and independent mechanics have found that the rear shocks feel unusually soft and may lose internal gas pressure. When that happens, there can be extra play inside the shock, and you hear a muted clunk every time the suspension moves over a bump.

Kia has now acknowledged the issue in a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) covering certain 2024–2025 Sorento models. The bulletin tells dealers that decreased gas pressure in the rear shock body can cause clunking over rough or bumpy roads and instructs them to replace both rear shocks with updated parts.

How to Tell if Your Sorento Has the Defect

You may have the same problem if:

• The noise comes from the right-rear area, not the tailgate or dash.
• It appears mainly at 20–35 mph over small road imperfections.
• Removing loose items from the cargo area doesn't change anything.

A simple test drive on a rougher side street, with the radio off and windows up, is often enough to confirm something isn't right.

Getting the Dealer to Take It Seriously

Here are practical steps owners in New York and New Jersey can take:

• Schedule a visit specifically for rear suspension noise.
• Ask to ride along with the technician so you can point out the sound.
• Tell the service advisor there is a rear shock TSB for 2024–2025 Sorentos and ask them to check your VIN.
• Make sure the repair order clearly mentions “rear suspension clunk/right rear” and save a copy every time.

If your Sorento spends multiple days in the shop or the noise comes back after one or more repairs, the problem may be more than just an annoyance.

When a Noisy Suspension Becomes a Legal Issue

A persistent suspension defect can affect the use, value, and safety of your vehicle. Under New York and New Jersey lemon laws, repeated unsuccessful repair attempts or long periods out of service in the first part of ownership may open the door to compensation.

Owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under the lemon law. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act.

If you're in NY or NJ and your 2024–2025 Sorento has been back to the dealer more than once for the same rear suspension noise – or it's been stuck in the shop for days – contact us for a free consultation. The Law Office of Howard Gutman will review your purchase and repair records, explain your options, and help you decide on next steps.

Sources:

• NHTSA – 2025 Kia Sorento Complaints & Communications
• Center for Auto Safety – 2025 Kia Sorento Defects & Recalls
• Kia Forums – Rear Suspension Noise in New 2025 Sorento (TSB Discussion)
• Facebook - 2024 + Kia Sorento 4owners & Accessories

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