VW Bora Damping System Failure Causing Rough Ride

Had almost the exact same suspension issue on my 2003 VW Golf (pretty similar suspension system to your Bora). As someone with some experience working on VWs, I first noticed the problem when the ride quality became really harsh and the suspension warning light came on. Took it to my regular workshop where they diagnosed a faulty wiring connection to one of the shock absorbers. The connector had corroded over time, causing the electronic damping adjustment to malfunction. The fix was relatively straightforward, they cleaned and repaired the connection, then reset the suspension control module. Total cost was 95€ for diagnostic and repair work. The suspension tuning went back to normal right after the fix. No more warning lights or rough ride since then. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Which suspension warning message appears exactly? Does the suspension feel harder on one particular side? Have you noticed any unusual noises when going over bumps? How many miles/kilometers on your current shock absorbers? This info would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if its something else in the suspension system that needs attention.

Thanks for your detailed response. Just had my latest service 2 months ago. Based on your questions: The warning shows Suspension Failure and stays constantly lit. The ride feels equally rough on both sides, but its most noticeable over speed bumps and uneven roads. There is a distinct knocking sound from the rear when hitting bumps. I checked the service records and the original shock absorbers were never replaced during my ownership at 21211km. My ride comfort has gotten so bad that I worry about damaging other suspension components. The symptoms you described with the wiring issue sound similar, though the knocking makes me think it might be more than just a connection problem. Would it be worth checking both the wiring and the shock absorbers while its at the shop?

Thanks for those additional details. My VW Golf had very similar symptoms before the full problem revealed itself. While my initial problem was the wiring connector, the knocking sound you describe from the rear is a critical detail I recognized too late in my case. After fixing the wiring, my ride comfort improved briefly, but the knocking persisted. A follow-up inspection revealed worn shock absorbers that needed replacement. The electronic damping control system was trying to compensate but couldnt overcome the physical wear. Given your mileage and the knocking noise, I strongly recommend having both the electrical connections and shock absorbers checked. In my case, the final fix required: New rear shock absorbers, Replacement of corroded wiring connectors, Recalibration of the damping control system Total cost was around 650€, but it completely resolved both the suspension failure warning and restored proper ride quality. The knocking disappeared completely. Having experienced both issues, your symptoms suggest similar wear patterns. Best to address it soon before the compromised damping control leads to accelerated wear of other suspension components. Consider requesting a thorough suspension inspection. Looking back, I wish Id done both repairs at once rather than the two separate visits I needed.

I appreciate the thorough response and your similar experience. After hearing about your repair journey, I feel more confident about what might be wrong with my Bora. The fact that the knocking sound led to discovering worn shock absorbers in your case really hits home, since that matches my symptoms perfectly. I just called my regular workshop and booked the car in for next week. I mentioned both the electrical and mechanical suspension issues you described. They agreed its smart to check the whole system rather than just chase the warning light. The service advisor also mentioned shock absorbers commonly fail around my mileage, so your repair experience seems spot on. The ride comfort has gotten so poor that the 650€ repair cost you mentioned would be worth it to restore proper car handling. Plus, preventing additional suspension wear makes sense in the long run. Will update once I get the diagnosis. Really helped having your real-world experience to compare with. At least now I know Im not just imagining the car damping issues, and theres a clear path to fixing it.