Ford Explorer owners have reported 2 problems related to rear air suspension springs (under the suspension category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the Explorer.
The air ride will raise the backend 10-12" from the top of the tire to the top of the wheelwell. This has happened while driving 70+mph and makes the vehicle buck violently and is difficult to control. It has been to the shop 8+times for repair and they've replaced everything possible. They replaced the master control panel last month and it's gone up 5 times since then. I have not taken it in each time it happens because my servicing dealer, john markel Ford, said it must still be running for them to get codes from the computer and sometimes it raises up after I turn the key off. They are unable to "document" the problem and can't reproduce it so the zone rep won't replace it. He's offered $1500 toward the purchase of a new vehicle but that's it.
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Automatic leveling system malfunctioned, causing rear of vehicle to rise about 10-12 inches high without warning, and without pushing any buttons. Dealer could not determine the cause.