- Airbags can be reconditioned, but safety risks favor full replacement.
- Repair costs €300–€1,000, often not worth it compared to new.
- New frontal airbag costs €1,000–€1,500 incl. installation and programming.
- Salvage-yard option: complete steering wheel with airbag, €200–€500.
If you’ve been involved in a road accident in which at least one airbag deployed, you’ll face not only the costs to repair bodywork and mechanicals but also the need to replace or repair the airbags. This passive safety system is essential for your protection and that of your passengers, and choosing the remediation path must be made with great care.
Airbags are among the most important safety systems in a modern vehicle. They are designed to deploy once, and after activation they must either be repaired (if possible) or replaced entirely. The decision to repair or replace depends on several variables: the severity of the accident, the physical condition of the module, the car model, and, last but not least, your budget.
Can a deployed airbag be repaired?
In certain situations, depending on the level of damage, an airbag can be reconditioned. The process involves replacing the airbag cushion, the gas generator, and resetting the airbag’s electronic control unit. However, this option carries significant safety risks.
Costs to repair an airbag range from €300 to €1,000, depending on system complexity and degree of damage. In many cases, the price difference compared to a new airbag does not justify the potential risk. Remember that the airbag is the only protection you have in a severe impact, and its operation must be flawless.
Auto safety specialists categorically recommend replacing the entire system, not repairing it. A reconditioned airbag may not deploy correctly or at the right time, which can have serious safety consequences for the occupants.
What does a new airbag cost?
For a replacement with a new airbag, costs are substantially higher, typically between €1,000 and €1,500 for a single frontal airbag. This sum includes both the part itself and the labor needed for installation and programming the electronic module.
The price varies depending on:
- Make and model of the vehicle (premium cars tend to have more expensive airbags)
- Type of airbag (frontal, side, curtain, or knee airbags)
- System complexity (adaptive airbags or those with multiple sensors cost more)
- Authorized service rates
Additionally, these costs may include replacing other components damaged during deployment: seat belt pretensioners (€200–€400 each), steering wheels with airbags (€400–€800), control modules (€300–€600), or the dashboard if the passenger airbag was damaged.
Alternative: used parts from a salvage yard
One of the ways to significantly reduce costs is to purchase a used steering wheel with an airbag or a complete steering column from a salvage yard. These parts usually come from vehicles scrapped for reasons other than frontal accidents and contain airbag units that are intact and never deployed.
Advantages of this option:
- Much lower cost (€200–€500 for a complete steering wheel with airbag)
- Original parts, from the same manufacturer
- Guaranteed compatibility for your model
- Quick solution, with no wait time for orders
However, there are also drawbacks:
- No certainty about the part’s history
- Lack of manufacturer warranty
- Risk that the airbag is older or has internal damage
- Requires careful verification with a dedicated tester
If you opt for this option, it is essential to buy only from trusted dismantlers that offer a warranty and to check the part with a professional tester before installation. Also ensure you have the conformity certificate or an invoice for the part you purchase.
Why you should not drive with airbags that aren’t functioning?
Driving a vehicle with defective or deployed airbags represents a major safety risk for you and your passengers. In many European countries, including Romania, driving with safety systems that are defective is illegal and can attract substantial fines.
When an airbag has deployed or the system shows a fault, the on-board computer will display a persistent warning light on the dashboard (usually the SRS or Airbag symbol). This indicator cannot be cleared without effectively repairing the problem, and any attempt to reset it without repairing the system will be detected.
During the periodic technical inspection (ITP), the functionality of safety systems is mandatory. A vehicle with an airbag warning light on will not receive a passing grade. Moreover, in the event of an accident, the insurer may refuse compensation or reduce it significantly if they find the airbag system was not functional.
System assessment and decision making
Before making a final decision, it is essential to request a full system examination by an authorized specialist. They will check:
- The condition of airbag modules (frontal, side, curtain)
- The operation of impact sensors
- The integrity of wiring and connectors
- The condition of the central control unit (ECU)
- The seat belt pretensioners
- Any error codes stored in memory
Based on this diagnostic, you will receive an accurate cost estimate. In cases where the amount required to fully repair the system exceeds the vehicle’s market value, the insurer may declare the car a total loss. In this case, you will receive compensation corresponding to the vehicle’s value, minus the deductible.
Conclusion
Airbags were introduced to save lives, and statistics show they reduce the risk of death by around 30% in severe frontal crashes. Regardless of the cost of repair or replacement, these are safety investments. While salvage-yard parts can reduce costs, they require thorough checks.
Don’t economize on safety. If you have been involved in an accident and airbags deployed, urgently schedule a complete system evaluation at an authorized service and make your decision with full knowledge, always prioritizing safety on the road.