What happens when your air suspension goes out?

When your air suspension goes out, you’ll likely notice the vehicle sitting lower or unevenly, a harsher ride, and warning signals on the dashboard. If the system can’t maintain proper ride height or balance, handling and safety can be compromised until repairs are made.

Recognizing the symptoms

Understanding the most common signs can help you seek timely diagnosis and prevent further damage to tires, suspension components, and steering.

• Sagging or uneven ride height, with one corner lower or the rear dropping under load


• Frequent or sudden changes in ride height while driving


• Harsh, bumpy ride or bottoming out over speed bumps


• Visible leaks or hissing around airbags or hoses


• Dashboard warning lights related to suspension, chassis control, or fault codes


• Compressor running longer than normal or cycling relentlessly to level the car


• Degraded handling, increased body roll, or reduced stability at highway speeds

If any of these symptoms appear, treat them as potential signs of a failing air suspension and have the system inspected by a qualified technician promptly.

Common causes of air suspension failure

Air suspension problems typically stem from wear, leaks, and sensor or electrical faults. Knowing the usual culprits can guide a faster and more effective repair plan.

• Leaks in air springs (air bags) or damaged hoses and fittings


• Cracked or punctured airbags due to road debris, age, or heavy use


• Faulty ride-height sensors or a failing control module miscalibrating the system


• Faulty or clogged air compressor, valves, or vent lines


• Electrical faults, such as blown fuses, wiring damage, or controller issues


• Wear from extended use, overloading, or exposure to extreme temperatures

Diagnosing the exact cause often requires a combination of a diagnostic scan and a visual inspection of airbags, hoses, sensors, and the compressor.

What happens next: safety and repair options

Understanding the safety implications and the typical repair pathways helps drivers decide on the best course of action and what to expect in terms of cost and downtime.

• Assess driving safety and limit use if the vehicle is severely lowered, uneven, or unstable


• Diagnose with an OBD/SCN scanner and a careful visual inspection of components


• Repair options typically include replacing leaking or damaged airbags, repairing hoses, and addressing compressor or valve issues


• Sensor recalibration or replacement of the ride-height sensors and, if necessary, the control module


• Road testing after repairs to confirm proper height, ride quality, and stability

Costs and timelines vary by vehicle and region, but a professional diagnosis is essential to determine whether the fix is a straightforward bag replacement or a more involved system rebuild.

Costs, timing, and vehicle considerations

Air suspension repairs can range widely based on vehicle make and model. Replacing a single air bag is typically less expensive than replacing multiple bags, compressors, or a faulty control module. Luxury or performance vehicles with factory air suspension may incur higher parts and labor costs. In some cases, drivers choose a conversion to conventional springs to reduce ongoing maintenance, but this changes ride characteristics and resale value.

Maintenance tips to prevent future failures

Preventive care can extend the life of an air suspension and reduce the likelihood of sudden failure. Regular checks and smart driving habits make a difference.

• Inspect for visible leaks and flat spots around the airbags and hoses during routine service


• Keep tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to avoid uneven loading


• Avoid overloading the vehicle, which stresses the air springs and compressor


• Schedule periodic system diagnostics and recalibration after major loads or suspension work


• Address warning lights promptly and don’t ignore abnormal handling or ride quality

Regular upkeep and early intervention can help you avoid costly repairs and keep the suspension system operating as intended.

Summary

Air suspension failures usually present as uneven ride height, a rough ride, leaks, and warning lights. Causes range from leaks and damaged airbags to faulty sensors and compressors. Prompt diagnosis and professional repair are essential for safety and performance, and preventive maintenance—such as leak checks, proper loading, and diagnostics—can extend the life of the system. If you suspect a fault, consult a qualified technician and avoid driving aggressively or over rough roads until a repair is performed.

What are the symptoms of air suspension failure?

Decreased ride quality, noises coming from the valves or inability to adjust the ride height can signal an issue with the air suspension system.

Is air suspension expensive to fix?

Air suspension repair costs vary widely, but replacing a faulty air spring can cost between $1,200 and $3,200 per strut, while a compressor might be around $200 to $700. More extensive repairs, like replacing multiple components, could range from $2,000 to over $10,000. Alternatively, converting to a standard suspension system can cost between $500 and $2,000 for parts, plus labor. 
This video explains how much air suspension kits cost: 56sBag Riders Air SuspensionYouTube · Sep 13, 2022
Cost of individual components

• Air spring: $1,200-$3,200 per strut
• Air compressor: $200-$700
• Suspension control module: ~$685
• Ride height sensor: ~$450
• Air tank: $85-$900
• Manifold: $120-$850
• Various parts (air lines, fittings, etc.): $150-$400 

Factors that influence the final price

• Vehicle make and model: Luxury or high-performance vehicles often have more complex and expensive systems. For example, some Audi repairs can be in the thousands, while other models might be lower, say Reddit users. 
• Type of repair: A single component replacement will be cheaper than a system overhaul. 
• Part sourcing: Using OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts is generally more expensive than aftermarket options. 
• Labor costs: Labor is a significant part of the total cost and varies based on the complexity of the job and your location. 
• Do-it-yourself vs. professional installation: You can save on labor costs by doing some of the work yourself, especially for simpler tasks. 

This video discusses the cost of fixing suspension and some of the factors involved: 55sLearnToDIY360YouTube · Dec 11, 2024
Alternative: Coil conversion

• Replacing the entire air suspension with a standard coil spring system can be cheaper in the long run. 
• Cost: Around $500 to $2,000 for parts, plus labor. 
• Potential trade-off: You may lose the adjustable ride height and the ride might feel rougher. 

You can watch this video to see an example of how to fix air suspension yourself: 53sPro Level RestorationYouTube · Sep 15, 2025

Can air suspension be repaired?

Air suspension systems offer enhanced comfort and handling, but proper maintenance and repair are essential to ensure they function optimally. Working on air suspension components involves handling high-pressure systems, so it's crucial to prioritize safety and follow the correct procedures.

Can you drive with bad air suspension?

You can technically drive with a bad air suspension, but it is not recommended and can be dangerous. Driving with a compromised air suspension will lead to a rough ride and poor handling, making the vehicle unstable and potentially causing loss of control. It's best to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage, safety risks, and more expensive repairs. 
Risks of driving with a bad air suspension

• Compromised handling and safety: The vehicle may lean, roll, or sway more than usual, especially when cornering, braking, or accelerating. This makes the car less stable and more difficult to control, especially in an emergency. 
• Damage to other components: A failing air suspension can put extra strain on other parts of the system. Continued driving can lead to a burned-out compressor, destroyed level sensors, and other related parts. 
• Increased risk of further damage: Ignoring the problem can cause minor issues to escalate into major, more expensive repairs. 
• Unpredictable failures: A sudden, catastrophic failure could happen, such as a strut or airbag completely giving out, which could lead to a significant loss of control. 
• Legal and financial consequences: You could be held responsible if the failure causes an accident. 

What to do if your air suspension is bad

• Drive cautiously: If you must drive, do so slowly and with extra caution. Avoid sudden movements, hard braking, or high speeds. 
• Minimize driving: Limit your driving as much as possible until the system is repaired. 
• Get it inspected: Schedule an appointment with a mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem. They can identify the root cause, which might be a leak, a faulty compressor, or a broken part.