Airbags are a common staple in modern vehicles. They are designed to keep you safe and protected during a collision, but what does it mean when the airbag light comes on? Is it safe to drive with the airbag light on?
In this article, I examine what the SRS airbag light is and what causes it to come on. I also talk about why it’s not safe to drive with this warning light illuminated.
Is It Safe to Drive with the Airbag Light On?
No. It’s not safe to drive with the airbag light on. When the airbag light illuminates, it means that there is a problem with the system. Most likely, the airbag will not deploy in an accident because of this fault. Therefore, it is not recommended that you drive the car until you have the system repaired.
You should never ignore this vital warning. While it doesn’t mean the car is unsafe to drive, there’s no reason to take chances with it.
However, the light does indicate that the SRS components are not working as they should. This could also mean that the airbags won’t deploy if an accident occurs. You don’t want to wait until you are in an accident to find out if the airbags will protect you.
What is the SRS Airbag Light?
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) controls the car’s airbags. It’s designed to work with the seatbelts to provide another level of in-vehicle safety. The SRS sensors monitor all of the airbags in your vehicle, which could total ten or more in the newest models.
The job of the sensors is to detect when a collision occurs so the airbags can deploy and reduce the impact. However, the sensors also determine if there is a fault in the system, which causes the airbag light to illuminate on the dashboard.
Is it Illegal to Drive with the Airbag Light On?
While it isn’t wise to drive with the airbag light on, you can’t get into criminal trouble for doing so. Local and state laws have no bearing on whether you are allowed to drive with dashboard lights on your car.
However, you might have trouble getting the car to pass a state inspection with these lights on. In fact, many states will fail a vehicle for having the SRS light, Check Engine Light or ABS light illuminated.
Will the Airbag Deploy with the SRS Light On?
When the airbag warning light is on, it’s safe to assume that the airbags are not going to deploy in an accident. When the system detects a fault, it deactivates the airbags for your protection.
For this reason, you won’t have to worry about the airbags deploying spontaneously because of the failure. To ensure your on-road protection, it’s critical that you have the light looked at right away.
Common Reasons Airbag Light is On
1. Dead Backup Battery
The airbag operates with the help of a backup battery. If your automotive battery died recently, it’s also possible that the power to the backup battery is dead.
Once you charge the car battery, the backup might start working again, causing the light to go off. Otherwise, it needs to be replaced and the sensors need to be reset.
2. Faulty Sensor
The sensors are needed to determine if a crash is occurring, so the airbags can deploy. However, these sensors can also fail because of old age or wear.
When the sensors stop working correctly, the system detects a fault and the light comes on. You will need to have the sensors checked, and the system needs a reset to work properly again.
3. Damaged Clock Spring
There is a clock spring with the airbag that maintains the continuity of the driver’s side airbag with the electrical wiring. The clock spring is built into the steering wheel and moves with the turns.
Over time, it can become worn out, leading to a bad connection and airbag failure. To repair it, the clock spring must be replaced, and the SRS needs to be reset.
4. Water Damage
If your vehicle has become a victim of water damage, anything electrical could be damaged, including the airbag module. This valuable part is located below your seats.
When it becomes shorted or corroded, it will stop working, leading to the light coming on. While you can replace the damaged part, it will only happen again unless you stop water from infiltrating the vehicle.
Cost to Repair Airbag Light
The cost to repair the airbag light depends on what fault has occurred. If the airbag in the steering wheel needs to be replaced for some reason, you could spend $1,100 to $1,500, mainly for the labor involved. However, replacing the clock spring should only cost $250 to $350, or less if you can repair it yourself.
The average cost to replace an airbag sensor is between $350 and $450, with the parts averaging around $300. Because the codes will need to be reset, it’s best to have a mechanic perform the fix unless you have an advanced code scanner.
45 thoughts on "Is It Safe to Drive With the Airbag Light On?"
Floyd
2012 maxima.. I tried to jump start , didn’t work. Removed battery and installed a new one. Air bag light is flashing. Nissan dealer says that they can not get into system to detect the issue and/or get codes. Any ideas?
Magnus Sellén
If you can't communicate with the airbag control module, I think it's wise to check the fuses to the control module. You could also try another scanner, but if there is still an issue you need to diagnose the CAN-bus system. This is quite difficult without the right knowledge, but needed if there is no communication.
Jody
I have 2016 Nissan Altima and the airbag light stays on how do I fix it without spending a million dollars I need a sticker and that’s the only thing holding me back
Samuel from London
Hi there I've mercedes c180 w203 2001 with srs light on I've checked all connections under both seats and replaced drivers airbag light still on any suggestions please? was going to doors airbags? Thanks Samuel
sbu
Hi i have a polo vw highline Tsi 1.2 2016 model today i went for leather seat fitting after that on my dash it shows airbag error how can i rase this or should i take it to a agarage or what please help
Juan m Jaramillo
Hi can I still drive my car without harming any other parts of my nizan 2012 while the suplemental air bag warning light is on ? Thank you for your time
Dory
2017 Subaru Forester passenger air bag msg on console says OFF and stays lit when seat is vacant. When passenger sits in seat air bag light states passenger air bag On but light stays on all the time as well. Is there a problem with car sensor or passenger air bag?
Clive B. Sinnett
I drive a 2006 Nissan Murano SL with airbag sensor problems. Over the past year or so I have had 3 lights and 3 repairs. Each one of these has been caused by Crown protection spray getting into the sensors, and the repairs costing over $1000.00. I now have another light showing an airbag problem. As the replacement cost has been very high in each event and the value of my Nissan Murano is in single figures I have started to use the car as is. I have driven vehicles of all sizes for many years long before air bags with only seat belts, and are very reluctant to pay another $1000.00. My question : have you been notified of any other Nissan's with this problem, or other vehicles having problems after a visit to Crown Rust Control. I would like to know when I do research for another car. Thank you for your help.
Brenda Brown
Hi I have a VW Polo 1.6 and my airbag light came on, I took it to VW for a diagnoses and they indicated that the front left seat airbag is damaged/deployed. I took it to someone to replace the airbag but they only cancelled the error code and the light on the dash board. Will this affect the other airbags from being deployed if in an accident, can you please let me know what could happen. I will replace the airbag but its very expensive to do so now.
Josh Johnston
I removed the airbag system from my car to take the steering wheel off. After putting it back together, the airbag light is now on. Is it possibly just a faulty connection or might I have broken the clock spring?
Billy Heller
Hi l have a holden Barina xc 2004 model my airbag light is staying on . Scanner code first said passinger seat belt retentioner which i replaced. The scanner now says the airbag control sensor not sending. Can you please let me know where the control sensor is located + do you think this is the problem. Billy
ahmad
my wife CAR infinity qx60 2017 Stepped up the sidewalk bricks ( the right side wheels ) passenger side on speed 30 to 40 km. and the side airbag deployed with no major damage only RH WHEEL & TIRE BUST IMPACT. NOTE : THE WEATHER TEMP WAS ABOUT 52'C no passengers regards
Destiny Smith
I have a 2012 Jetta GLI. Dash lit up like Christmas tree today. ABS, a pic of my steering wheel, a flashing exclamation point, and the airbag light. All are staying on (except the flashing exclamation point). I'm most worried about the airbag light. Do you think it can deploy w/o a impact? A random deployment while I'm driving could be really bad. I just dont have the cash to get this looked at right now. Thanks for any input.
Toni
I hit a deer with the side of my car the damage looks minimal but the air bad light came on and the screen in the car says service air bag. There was also a burning smell inside the car. Is it safe to drive?
Bob Young
2005 Mercury Marquis Airbag light shows code 33. What is error code 33
Sue
I have a Tiguan, almost 2 weeks ago it was a very very hot day of 45°. I had got out of my car to go shopping after travelling approx 100kms in high temps. When I returned to my car I turned key and steering wheel turned down to the right as I was reversing out of park. Something clicked in the steering wheel and then I noticed this airbag symbol. Perhaps something I've told you may make sense. My question is, do most mechanics have an OBD2 scanner? What would a service like this usually cost to repair and turn off light or how long would this take to repair please. My car is a 2012 model
Sally Layton
I hit a median in my 2011 Mini Cooper and the airbag light came on. The car seems to drive ok. Is it safe to drive it 15 miles to my mechanic?
Katen
I have a 2004 Mazda tribute and my horn is pushed in on one side my air bag light flashes than states on .can I pop it out
Tom Roberts
Magnus, my uncle has a 2015 Nissan Altima that had an accident in the driver side and the curtain airbag deployed. The shop that fixed it just cut away the curtain bag and his airbag light stays on. He is not going to fix the airbag. My question is, if the airbag light is on, will the seat belts still hold us in an accident? Thank you sir!
Robbie
My Toyota 2011 Camry's airbag indicator will flash and stay for a few seconds and then disappear after I turn on the ignition. is this normal? also, I see on the indicator of both airbag OFF and ON, flashing and then disappear. The off is the driver's seat. On in the passenger seat. should I take it to the mechanic to check?
Kenneth AYERS
when I wash the underside my air bag light comes on then 3 or 4 hours later after car dries out light goes out
Magnus Sellén
It sounds like you have a faulty wiring harness around the floor of the car. Under the seats you do normally have crash/acceleration sensor on the floor and this may be your problem when the water is pouring inside of the vehicle.
Daniel Leal
I bought a 2004 chevy tahoe but the air bag on the driving wheel it' was open like they just opened and glued again. Do you have any idea why is it like that?
Magnus Sellén
I would replace this one if you are unsure. It could probably be a technical service bulletin to fix something in the airbag, but I doubt it. If you are worried, replace it! If it doesn't work properly in an accident, it may cause serious injuries.
Robert (Bob) Whiting
Airbag light on M.O.T failure so waiting for garage report and likely cost to correct fault. Still not bad 14 yrs old Peugeot Partner combie only major fault to repair front springs one broke and had both replacesd. What's best to clean off adhesive of the headlight deflectors I have to put on each year visitng family in France. Plastic lenses rule out any abrasive type cleaner. And thank you Magnus for creating this website. ( I live in UK )
Magnus Sellén
@Robert Have you checked out the Valet Pro Glue? This with a Tar remover should do the trick. You can also do it with hot water in a lot of cases!
Fraser
Desolvit citrus based glue remover is great for that sort of job
Gustavo Gutierrez
Hi I’m having trouble with my srs airbag light on my Ford Explorer 2016 sport and I want to erase it how can I fix this problem
pdr
2011 Infinity G37-Passenger air bag light blinking. Took it to dealer and they told me it is a sensor in the seat which requires a new seat to fix. $6,000 for a new seat. Dealer told me that the sensor was there to detect if someone was in the passenger seat and without repairing it the airbag would go off regardless. Reading your article above you seem to indicate the air bag will NOT deploy in an accident regardless if someone is in the passenger seat or not. Am I understanding this correctly? Appreciate your input
Magnus Sellén
@PDR Yes, I have never heard of any car that would deploy the airbags with the lights on. However, for the seat indicator, you can often install a resistor with the correct ohm's instead of the seat sensor if you are short of money.
Tan
I had an accident on Sunday and I t-boned the car. My airbag didn't deploy but the light is on. Firemen were surprised airbag didn't deploy from the contact. I have a 2016 Honda Accord Sport
Magnus Sellén
If the light was on before the accident, the airbags should not deploy. If it's on now, you have to read the codes with a scanner and either erase it or fix the problem if there is any. You may also see crash data in the trouble codes.
Marjorie
My light is blinking. It isn't staying on steadily nor is it blinking in any type of code. It is a steady blink. I'm aware that the airbags would not work in the case of an accident but I'm concerned that they may malfunction and go off randomly. I have tried scanning it as well as a few mechanics I know however none of the readers can read an airbag code. Shy of going to a Nissan dealership and spending tons of money for them to read it...which I can't afford right now...I don't know what else to do. I had disconnected the battery to reset it which seemed to work for a day or so then back to blinking. I have one of those kill switch things that the dealership put on in case of missed payments and it seems to have caused alot of electrical issues. Of course they say that they can't do anything about it because it is a requirement of the finance company and no warranty on the vehicle itself. I just want to make sure that the airbags won't randomly go off with it blinking like that and can't seem to get an answer.
Magnus Sellén
If you can't reach communication with the airbag control unit with any scanner while the light is blinking, it's most likely a problem with the control unit or the wires (CAN BUS). While the problem occurs, you have to measure the power, ground and the CAN Bus to the airbag control unit. However, this is pretty advanced troubleshooting to do. If your airbag is flashing or light up on your dashboard, the airbag won't deploy in case of an accident. You do not have to worry about deploying randomly as long as the light is flashing. If the light is flashing or light up, the function is completely turned off. I would advise you to look around for a smaller automotive electronics workshop. If your car is pretty new, ask Nissan if there is any warranty left.
Derrick p
I got a 2010 Impala on on my dash it say service air bags and my car is starting to make whining noise like power steering pump
Carmen
Could the airbags explode by themselves when the Srs light comes on without being in an accident? Just by turning the car on and driving it?
Magnus Sellén
@Carmen When the airbag light is on, The airbags will not explode. If you erase the trouble codes when the fault still occurs, they can explode if you are very unlucky.
Delores Hinton
When it rain water is on passenger side in back on floor .airbag light just came on last night is this car safe to drive
Magnus Sellén
I would check for any water or corrosion on wires or wire plugs to crash sensor and airbag control unit. Check the trouble codes with an obd2 scanner is my best suggestion!
D khan
Yes i have same problem my car got flooded durin storm front passenger footwell been 8 months now since drivin it still still drives
Yohanes negash
My car appears infront of me , Airbags off,, what shall i do,?, thanks
Magnus Sellén
@Yohanes negash If the "Airbag Off" light is on, check on the passenger side if there is a switch to turn the airbag on and off on the passenger side. Else, you have to read the trouble codes from the airbag control unit to locate the problem.
Wendy Deeprose
Hello my airbag light kept flashing , on my Suzuki swift, but my seat belt alarm has stopped beeping now.. The air bag alarm has stopped flashing up PASS...don't know what PASS means anyway....Can you tell me why my seat belt alarm dont come on anymore and should my air bag red light be off when i drive as it is now off when driving ..
Chris Jones
2009 Nissan Rouge hit the car in front and driver side airbag deployed now vehicle is in limp mode,my question is how do u get it out of limp mode.It want take any gear and engine will not rave up
Aaron
I have a 2003 buick lesabre and the airbag light stays on and flashes. Im afraid to drive for fear of it deploying. Plus dashboard covering is separating.