Airbag Life

Airbags are one of the better-known safety features on modern vehicles. However as airbags have been on locally available vehicles for over twenty years now, consumers should be aware that airbag system components have a lifespan like most other vehicle components.

Reflecting concern that system aging may degrade protection, some car manufacturers schedule system checking and nominated component replacement after a specified number of years, typically from around ten years and onwards. In some of these vehicles the airbag system dash light may be triggered and will stay on until the system has been checked and components replaced where necessary.

Buyers and owners of older airbag equipped cars should consult the vehicle handbook or the vehicle manufacturer/dealer to ascertain if a service life or other scheduled maintenance applies (irrespective of lamp operation). The actual cost of renewing system components will vary from model to model. Generally though, it can be quite expensive and may represent a substantial expenditure relative to the residual value of a car ten or more years old.

It should also be noted that roadworthy requirements mean the system must be operational with system check lights functioning correctly. So disconnecting the airbag system or the check light or ignoring an illuminated light isn’t acceptable.

Used car buyers should also be aware that some unscrupulous folk will render airbag systems inoperative rather than repair a deployed or malfunctioning system correctly. Clearly such a system couldn’t protect occupants as intended in a severe crash. Looking for correct system check-lamp function is advised as a basic check.

RACQ isn’t aware of any systems that have failed to operate correctly due to age degradation, but for safety’s sake, the potential shouldn’t be ignored.