Driving in a WRX on pothole-ridden NYC roads

therimgreaper · 07-29-2019, 09:49 PM

I recently purchased a '12 WRX hatchback, which I'm loving so far but still getting used to the suspension. I'm coming from a '05 Outback XT, which was a champ at absorbing any and all bumps on pot-, sink-, and manhole ridden roads in the NY area.

My WRX, so far, not so much. I knew that I would be getting into a sportier car with stiffer handling, but after driving back and forth in Brooklyn and Queens I'm wincing every time I see a pothole or overpass in the road. I've become that driver that tries their best to avoid considerable indents in the road, but realistically I cannot avoid every single one safely in this environment.

90% of the bumps I go over are fine -- more noticeable than in my Outback, but what I would expect with a smaller but sportier car.

10% of these bumps, however, make me worry. In the 500 miles or so I've driven, there have been a handful of times where I hit a bump, ridge in the road, anything, and I'm worried that the car will disintegrate. Each of these times I've noticed that the A/C cuts out momentarily, and comes back on in 10 seconds.

Is this normal? Or do I have an issue with my suspension somewhere? These few bumps are severe enough that I'm sure they'd wake up any sleeping passenger and dismount any dashcams or radar detectors on the windshield.

When I test drove the car before purchasing, I bounced each corner of the car to see if there were any suspension issues, and there weren't. I'm ready to bring my car in for the peace of mind, but let me know if this is something that is "to be expected" with this car.

Thanks.

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AmericanJager · 07-30-2019, 11:23 AM

It is something to be expected. The stock suspension is "okay", generally what you'll find is the suspension can be rather stiff when hitting potholes and sound like a freight train at times.

If you are rather concerned and the noise is only getting louder and worse then I'd take it in. Like you said, if it will give you peace of mind by all means. The ac. going in and out I am not sure about. These cars can take quite a beating, the wrx's suspension can take some getting used to as its stiffer than the outbacks but overall it holds up pretty well for the pothole infested city roads.

I drive from LIC to Old Westbury everyday and hit at least a few, at this point its a lifestyle!

anarekist · 07-30-2019, 11:45 AM

try taller tires.

sounds like you have a loose ground somewhere.

07-29-2019, 09:49 PM	#1
therimgreaper Scooby Newbie Member#: 498668 Join Date: Mar 2019	Driving in a WRX on pothole-ridden NYC roads I recently purchased a '12 WRX hatchback, which I'm loving so far but still getting used to the suspension. I'm coming from a '05 Outback XT, which was a champ at absorbing any and all bumps on pot-, sink-, and manhole ridden roads in the NY area. My WRX, so far, not so much. I knew that I would be getting into a sportier car with stiffer handling, but after driving back and forth in Brooklyn and Queens I'm wincing every time I see a pothole or overpass in the road. I've become that driver that tries their best to avoid considerable indents in the road, but realistically I cannot avoid every single one safely in this environment. 90% of the bumps I go over are fine -- more noticeable than in my Outback, but what I would expect with a smaller but sportier car. 10% of these bumps, however, make me worry. In the 500 miles or so I've driven, there have been a handful of times where I hit a bump, ridge in the road, anything, and I'm worried that the car will disintegrate. Each of these times I've noticed that the A/C cuts out momentarily, and comes back on in 10 seconds. Is this normal? Or do I have an issue with my suspension somewhere? These few bumps are severe enough that I'm sure they'd wake up any sleeping passenger and dismount any dashcams or radar detectors on the windshield. When I test drove the car before purchasing, I bounced each corner of the car to see if there were any suspension issues, and there weren't. I'm ready to bring my car in for the peace of mind, but let me know if this is something that is "to be expected" with this car. Thanks. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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07-30-2019, 11:23 AM	#2
AmericanJager Scooby Newbie Member#: 487006 Join Date: Jun 2018 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Earth Vehicle: 17' STI not wrb...	It is something to be expected. The stock suspension is "okay", generally what you'll find is the suspension can be rather stiff when hitting potholes and sound like a freight train at times. If you are rather concerned and the noise is only getting louder and worse then I'd take it in. Like you said, if it will give you peace of mind by all means. The ac. going in and out I am not sure about. These cars can take quite a beating, the wrx's suspension can take some getting used to as its stiffer than the outbacks but overall it holds up pretty well for the pothole infested city roads. I drive from LIC to Old Westbury everyday and hit at least a few, at this point its a lifestyle!

07-30-2019, 11:45 AM	#3
anarekist Scooby Specialist Member#: 468117 Join Date: May 2017 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Southern Cali Vehicle: 2017 WRX DMG	try taller tires. sounds like you have a loose ground somewhere.