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Airbags and safety

Problems with the airbags: symptoms, cost and affected models

We have documented 180 faults with the airbags in 165 cars. The most important by severity and frequency: takata airbags with a defective inflator (Mercedes-Benz Clase A W176, Mercedes-Benz Clase C W204 and Mercedes-Benz Clase E W212), takata airbags on the first vehicles (2014-2016) (Mercedes-Benz Clase C W205) and windscreen trim clip incorrectly fitted, a risk with the curtain airbag (2023 production) (Peugeot 208 II).

Documented faults
180
169 of high or critical severity
Cars analysed
165
with at least one fault on this part
Affected models
165
car generations in our database
Garage repair
No data
No reliable published costs

19 sourcesHow we work

How it works and why it fails

Airbags

Airbags inflate in milliseconds using a gas generator (inflator) when the control unit detects a crash. The documented faults range from a warning light caused by a connector under the seat to defective inflators that can rupture, such as the Takata ones, which led to the largest recall campaign in automotive history.

What to do

With the airbag warning light on, the airbags may not deploy in an accident: have it checked soon. If your car has an outstanding airbag campaign, book an appointment as soon as you receive it and, if the manufacturer says so, do not use the car until it is repaired.

General explanation by MotorFiable. The specific faults of each engine and car, with their sources, are on the linked pages.

Common symptoms

The symptoms that come up most often in the documented faults with the airbags. Open each one to see what other faults cause it.

Problems with the airbags by car

Faults documented on specific cars, which occur with any engine. From most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentMercedes-Benz Clase A W176Takata airbags with a defective inflatorYes: A-Class cars built up to 2016 fall under the European programme to replace Takata airbag inflators, which can degrade with humidity and heat and fragment when deployed.
  2. 2Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentMercedes-Benz Clase C W204Takata airbags with a defective inflatorYes: C-Class cars built up to 2016 - which covers the whole W204 production - fall within the European Takata airbag inflator replacement programme; the inflators can degrade with humidity and heat and fragment on deployment.
  3. 3Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentMercedes-Benz Clase C W205Takata airbags on the first vehicles (2014-2016)C-Class vehicles built up to 2016, including the first W205s, fall under the Takata airbag inflator replacement programme; the inflators can degrade with humidity and heat and fragment when deployed.
  4. 4Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentMercedes-Benz Clase E W212Takata airbags with a defective inflatorYes: E-Class cars built up to 2016 - which covers the whole W212 production run - fall within the European Takata airbag inflator replacement programme, as the inflators can degrade with humidity and heat and fragment on deployment.
  5. 5Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentPeugeot 208 IIWindscreen trim clip incorrectly fitted, a risk with the curtain airbag (2023 production)On Peugeot 208 IIs built between June and November 2023, a windscreen trim clip may be fitted rotated by 180 degrees; if the curtain airbag deploys, that trim could come loose.
  6. 6Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentSeat AronaThe front passenger airbag gas generator can rupture and project fragmentsYes, on 2022-2025 cars: campaign 69U1 affects Arona cars built between 21 September 2022 and 7 April 2025. The housing of the front passenger airbag gas generator can rupture or release fragments when it deploys, with a risk of serious injury. The inspection and, where necessary, the replacement are free.
  7. 7Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentSeat Ibiza VThe passenger airbag gas generator can rupture and throw out fragmentsYes, on 2022-2025 units: campaign 69U1 affects Ibizas built between 21 September 2022 and 7 April 2025. The casing of the passenger airbag gas generator can rupture or release fragments when it activates, with a risk of serious injury. The inspection and, where necessary, the replacement are free.
  8. 8Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentSeat Ibiza VThe driver's airbag may not inflate quickly enough (December 2017 batch)In one very specific batch: Ibizas built between 1 and 11 December 2017 were included in campaign 69Z1 in 2019, because the driver's airbag might not inflate as quickly as required, without guaranteeing protection in an accident. The replacement was free at official dealers.
  9. 9Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentŠkoda Octavia IIITakata airbag recall over risk of ruptureYes: the Octavia III built between June 2012 and December 2017 falls within the worldwide Takata airbag recall, whose gas generator can degrade over time and with humidity and throw metal fragments when it deploys. Replacement of the affected airbag is free at the official network.Repair: €0
  10. 10Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentŠkoda Superb IIITakata airbag recall due to risk of ruptureYes: the Superb III built between June 2012 and December 2017 (its earliest units, as the model launched in 2015) falls within the worldwide Takata airbag recall, whose inflator can degrade with age and humidity and throw metal fragments when it deploys.Repair: €0
  11. 11Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentToyota Auris IIThe Takata driver's airbag inflator can degrade and fragment when deployedOn units built between 2006 and 2017, the propellant in the Takata inflator of the driver's airbag can degrade over time and with humidity; if the airbag deploys, the inflator can rupture and throw metal fragments at the occupants. Toyota fixes it by replacing the inflator free of charge at the official dealer.
  12. 12Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonAudi A4 B8Takata recall: the front airbag can fragment in an impactYes: campaign 69EQ covers A4s (and S4s) built between 23 February 2004 and 3 August 2011 because the Takata inflator can degrade with moisture and project metal fragments when it deploys. The check and, where appropriate, replacement of the inflator are free at the official network.Repair: €0
  13. 13Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonHyundai i30 IIRisk of the driver's airbag inflator rupturing (US campaign)In Spain we have not found an equivalent campaign, but in North America, where this generation of the i30 was sold as the Hyundai Elantra GT, Hyundai recalled model-year 2016 cars in 2026 because the driver's airbag inflator can rupture on deployment and throw metal fragments.
  14. 14Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonSeat AtecaTakata airbag with a risk of inflator ruptureOn very early Ateca vehicles (2016-2017) an airbag with a Takata inflator may be fitted that, in a real accident, could generate excessive pressure and cause the casing to rupture and throw out fragments. It is a Seat campaign covering around 300,000 cars across five models; you check it by chassis number.Repair: €0
  15. 15Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonSeat Ibiza IVTakata recall: the passenger airbag may fragment in a crashYes: campaign 69EC covers Ibizas built between 15 June 2012 and 6 September 2017 because the Takata propellant in the passenger airbag can degrade with moisture and release metal fragments on deployment. The inspection and, where necessary, replacement of the inflator are free at official dealers.
  16. 16Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonŠkoda Fabia IITakata recall: the driver's airbag may fragment in a crashYes: campaign 69DU covers Fabias built between 1 June 2012 and the end of this generation (2014) because the Takata propellant in the driver's airbag can degrade with moisture and throw out metal fragments on deployment. The inspection and, where necessary, replacement of the inflator are free at official dealers.
  17. 17Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonVolkswagen Passat B82015-2016 campaigns over unintended activation of the airbag and seat belt pretensionersOn the first Passat B8s (2015-2016), the British press documents recalls relating to the airbag and seat belt pretensioners, which on certain units could activate without any accident having occurred.Repair: €0
  18. 18Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonVolkswagen Polo VTakata recall: the front airbag can fragment in a crashYes: campaign 69EJ/69AF covers Polos built between 30 May 2008 and 13 August 2014 (the early years of this fifth generation) because the Takata propellant in the front airbag can degrade with moisture and release metal fragments when it deploys. The inspection and, where necessary, replacement of the inflator are free at official dealers.
  19. 19Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo MiToAirbag inflator fault (second stage) in MiTos built between 2010 and 2015Yes: a Safety Gate alert from March 2017 covers MiTos built between September 2010 and December 2015 because of a fault in the airbag propellant system: the second stage might not deploy properly, or not deploy at all, in a crash.
  20. 20Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A4 B5Driver's airbag recall over Takata NADI inflator (1997-1999 and 2000-2001 campaigns)Yes: Audi and the EU authorities have included the A4 built between 1997 and 2001 in campaigns over the Takata NADI driver's airbag inflator, which with age may not protect as it should in a crash. The remedy is to inspect the airbag and replace the gas generator at an official service centre; the German press speaks of about an hour's work.
  21. 21Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A4 B7Campaigns over the Takata front airbag gas generatorsYes: the A4 B7 is included in campaign 69EQ, which covers cars built between 23 February 2004 and 3 August 2011 because the front airbag inflator can degrade and throw metal fragments when it deploys. fiches-auto.fr also documents a December 2020 campaign for a different risk, moisture getting into the generator, for cars from 2005 onwards.Repair: €0
  22. 22Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A6 C6Takata recall: the front airbag can fragment in a crash (campaign 69EQ)Yes: campaign 69EQ covers A6, S6, A6 allroad quattro and RS6 models built between 23 February 2004 and 3 August 2011 because the Takata front airbag inflator can degrade with moisture and throw metal fragments when it deploys. The inspection and, where necessary, the replacement are free of charge at the official network.Repair: €0
  23. 23Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 1 E87Risk of driver's airbag inflator rupture (Takata)Yes: the 1 Series E87 is covered by BMW's European campaign for the Takata driver's airbag inflator, whose chemical propellant can degrade over time and, if the airbag deploys, throw out fragments that injure the occupants.
  24. 24Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 1 F40Campaign for the driver's airbag opening geometry (2020 build)Yes: BMW recalled 1 Series F40 units from the 2020 build year because the opening geometry of the driver's airbag could be damaged on deployment, no longer providing the expected restraint in a crash.
  25. 25Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 1 F40Rollover sensor fault that can prevent the head airbags from deploying (2020 build)Yes: on 1 Series F40 units from the 2020 build year, a faulty rollover detection sensor can prevent the head airbags and the pretensioners from deploying if the vehicle rolls over.
  26. 26Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 2 Gran Tourer F46Airbag: recall for propellant deteriorationAccording to the fiches-auto.fr page, BMW has a campaign (code 0032620300) for cars built between 2 January 2016 and 12 December 2017 due to a risk of airbag propellant deterioration, and another, wider Takata one.
  27. 27Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 3 E46Campaigns over the Takata gas generators in the front and passenger airbagsYes: the 3 Series E46 is included in several successive BMW campaigns (between 2014 and 2026) over the Takata gas generators in the driver and passenger airbags, which can degrade over the years and throw metal fragments when they deploy. The most recent ones cover cars built between 1998 and 2006.Repair: €0
  28. 28Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 3 E90Campaigns over the Takata driver's airbag gas generatorsYes: the 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93 is included in BMW's successive worldwide campaigns over the Takata driver's airbag gas generators, which can degrade over time and throw out metal fragments when deployed. The broadest, from May 2026, covers vehicles built between January 2006 and June 2015; an earlier one, from March 2024, had already covered older cars from 2004 and 2005.Repair: €0
  29. 29Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 5 E60Risk of the driver airbag inflator rupturing (Takata)Yes: BMW recalled the 5 Series E60 because the Takata driver airbag inflator can degrade over time and, if the airbag deploys, throw out fragments that injure the occupants; the campaign (European alert A12/02573/24) covers its entire production run.
  30. 30Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 7 G11Head curtain airbag: recall for reduced or absent deploymentAccording to the fiches-auto.fr page, BMW issued a recall in May 2021 for cars built between July 2016 and October 2017 because the head curtain airbag could inflate poorly or not at all when triggered.
  31. 31Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW X3 E83Risk of the driver's airbag inflator rupturing (Takata)Yes: BMW has issued three successive campaigns for the X3 E83 over the Takata driver's airbag inflator, whose chemical propellant can degrade over time and, if the airbag deploys, throw out fragments that injure the occupants.
  32. 32Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW X6 F16Driver's airbag propellant degradation (Safety Gate recall)According to the fiches-auto.fr data sheet, X6s built between 02.01.2016 and 12.12.2017 were recalled because the driver's airbag propellant can degrade over time and fragment the inflator (code 0032620300, European alert A12/02833/24).
  33. 33Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C-ElyséeAirbag control unit damaged during transport to the factory (November 2017 production)In June 2018 an EU alert was published covering C-Elysées built between 13 and 26 November 2017: some airbag control units may have been knocked during transport to the assembly plant and have an internal fault.
  34. 34Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 IIDefective Takata airbags: «Stop Drive» campaign (2009-2017 production)Citroën issued a «Stop Drive» safety campaign for second-generation C3s built between 2009 and 2017 because of the risk of the Takata airbag inflator rupturing and projecting metal fragments into the cabin; in France at least one fatal accident has been confirmed because of this defect.
  35. 35Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C4 IIRecalls on the front airbags: initiator that fails to fire and faulty gas generatorYes: the C4 II has had more than one recall on the front airbags. One, from 2020, covers initiators that might not fire in an impact; another, notified through Safety Gate (RAPEX) in 2021 and extended again in 2025, warns that the driver's or passenger's airbag gas generator could inflate uncontrollably and release metal fragments.
  36. 36Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C5 AircrossInadequate vent hole in the passenger airbag (incomplete deployment)Citroën recalled C5 Aircross cars built between January and March 2020 because the passenger airbag vent hole may be too small, which can cause insufficient deployment in an accident.
  37. 37Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCupra FormentorFront airbag wiring faultYes: in June 2022 Cupra recalled more than 10,000 Formentors over a problem with the front airbag wiring, which could stop it working properly in a crash. The inspection and, where needed, the wiring repair were carried out free of charge at official dealers.Repair: €0
  38. 38Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalDacia LodgyRecall over airbag failure on 2018 unitsAccording to the fiches-auto.fr entry, there were two recalls in 2019 over the operation of the airbags on units built between April and August 2018 (one with code 0D06). Only that entry cites them.
  39. 39Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat FreemontIncorrectly installed steering wheel wiring: short circuit and risk of unintended driver airbag deploymentYes: an EU alert notified by Germany in November 2017 (44/2017) warns that, on Freemont cars built between October 2010 and April 2015, incorrectly installed steering wheel wiring can chafe and cause a short circuit, with a risk of the driver's airbag deploying while the car is being driven.
  40. 40Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat Punto IIIFaulty deactivation of the front passenger airbagThe Fiat Punto (Grande Punto/Punto Evo/Punto) had an official recall campaign over a problem with the deactivation of the passenger airbag, and fiches-auto.fr records additional testimonials of the same fault and of a broken driver's airbag clockspring.
  41. 41Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat QuboIncorrect airbag ignition chemical mixture on cars built in late 2016In May 2017 a recall of Fiat Qubos built between September and November 2016 was notified in the EU alert system (Safety Gate): the proportion of the airbag's ignition chemicals was incorrect and, in a crash, could prevent it from deploying. It is repaired at a Fiat workshop.
  42. 42Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFord Galaxy IIIAirbag inflator with propellant degraded by moisture and temperatureAccording to the fiches-auto.fr page, a September 2020 campaign covers Galaxies up to July 2017 because the airbag inflator propellant can degrade through moisture and temperature, and the inflator can rupture, throwing metal fragments.
  43. 43Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFord PumaRecalls for the steering wheel airbag and the restraint control moduleFord has recalled the Puma twice over the airbag system: in 2020 because the retaining springs might not fasten the airbag to the steering wheel properly, and in 2023 because the restraint control module (RCM) might be misconfigured and not activate the system as intended.
  44. 44Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFord RangerAirbag inflator with ammonium nitrate propellant that can rupture (2014 Ranger)Campaign 19S06 covers Rangers built from 2 February to 2 September 2014: the ammonium nitrate propellant in the inflator can degrade with humidity and heat and, when the airbag deploys, rupture the inflator and project metal fragments at the occupants.
  45. 45Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda Civic IXTakata airbag: risk of abnormal inflator deployment on the Honda Civic IXAccording to the fiches-auto.fr page, Honda issued a Takata airbag recall that affects the Honda Civic IX. Check with a Honda dealer, using the chassis number (VIN), whether your unit is included.
  46. 46Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda Civic VIIIRecall for faulty driver's airbag inflatorYes: the entire Civic production of this generation was recalled because the driver's airbag inflator can age badly and, if the airbag deploys, release metal fragments that injure the occupants.
  47. 47Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda Jazz IITakata airbag: risk of abnormal inflator deployment on the Honda Jazz IIAccording to the fiches-auto.fr entry, Honda launched a Takata airbag recall that affects the Honda Jazz II. Check with the chassis number (VIN) at a Honda dealer whether your unit is included.
  48. 48Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai Santa Fe IVRear curtain airbag mounting bolt that protrudes too farYes: a Safety Gate alert from January 2019 states that the mounting bolt of the curtain airbag on the rear sides protrudes too far on Santa Fes (type TM) built between 1 September 2017 and 14 August 2018, and that the airbag might not inflate properly and not protect the rear occupants.
  49. 49Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Rio IIIPossible airbag control module (ACU) fault on the last carsAccording to gebrauchtwagenberater.de, citing the German KBA, Kia recalled Rio cars built from 2016 because a manufacturing deviation can damage the airbag control module (ACU): the warning light comes on and, in a crash, the airbags might not deploy.
  50. 50Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Rio IVRecall over a possible airbag control module (ACU) faultKia recalled Rio IV units built up to model year 2019 because a manufacturing deviation can damage the airbag control module: the warning light comes on and, in a crash, the airbags might not deploy, according to Gebrauchtwagenberater.de.
  51. 51Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Soul IIFront airbag impact sensors that can come loose in a collisionA Kia campaign (code 221040), notified to Safety Gate in 2022, covers 164,590 Souls built between July 2013 and June 2015 and was extended to the Soul EV from 2016 to 2018. The two front impact sensors can come loose and affect airbag deployment, with a greater risk of injury.
  52. 52Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalLexus IS IIDefective gas generator in the Lexus IS driver's airbag (2019 alert)A May 2019 Safety Gate alert says the gas generator of the driver's front airbag in the Lexus IS built between 2010 and 2017 may be defective and release metal fragments when it deploys. Among the types listed is the XE2(a), that of the second-generation IS.
  53. 53Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda 5 IAirbag module incorrectly configured after fitting the passenger airbag deactivation switchYes: Safety Gate lists two alerts (2017 and 2022) on Mazda5 cars built between February 2005 and September 2010: the configuration of the airbag module after fitting the passenger airbag deactivation switch may prevent the side and curtain airbags from deploying as they should in a side impact.
  54. 54Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda 6 IDefect in the driver's airbag gas generatorAccording to the fiches-auto.fr listing, there is an April 2022 campaign over a defect in the driver's airbag gas generator affecting vehicles from 2002 to 2011. We have not been able to confirm from Mazda's notice that European Mazda 6 cars are included.
  55. 55Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda 6 IIRecall over a faulty gas generator in the driver's airbagYes: Mazda6 GH cars built up to 2011 were recalled because a defect in the driver's airbag gas generator can cause small metal fragments to come loose when it deploys and injure the occupants.
  56. 56Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda CX-7Takata recall: the passenger airbag inflator can rupture on deploymentYes: Safety Gate lists an alert on Mazda CX-7s built between 1 January 2007 and 12 June 2009 because the ammonium nitrate propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator can degrade with heat and humidity, rupture the inflator on deployment and throw out metal fragments.
  57. 57Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase A W169Takata airbags with a faulty driver's airbag gas generatorYes: Mercedes-Benz recalled A-Class W169 cars built between 2004 and 2012 (more than a million units worldwide) because the Takata gas generator in the driver's airbag can deploy in an uncontrolled way and release metal fragments.
  58. 58Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase B W246Faulty steering column wiring: risk of unintended airbag deploymentAccording to the KBA, insufficient earthing of the steering column together with damage to the conductive tracks of the clock spring cassette can cause the driver's airbag to deploy without a collision on B-Class cars built up to 2017.
  59. 59Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase M / GLE W166Takata recall: driver and passenger airbags with ammonium nitrate inflatorsAccording to the fiches-auto.fr page, Mercedes launched a campaign in September 2020 over the driver and passenger Takata airbags, whose gas can degrade over time, on vehicles built up to 2016. Check your chassis number with an official dealer.
  60. 60Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase R W251Takata airbags with ammonium nitrate gas generatorThe R-Class is in Mercedes' European recall for Takata airbags of September 2020: the ammonium nitrate gas generators in the driver and passenger airbags can degrade and rupture on deployment. It affects 2006 to 2013 units.
  61. 61Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz GL X164Takata airbags with an ammonium nitrate gas generatorThe GL appears in Mercedes recalls for Takata airbags: in 2020 the European alert covered models built between 2004 and 2016, and in 2023 the campaign was extended to the 2007-2012 GL because of the driver's airbag gas generator, which can deploy uncontrollably and throw out fragments.
  62. 62Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz GLB X247Campaign over fragments thrown by the B-pillar curtain airbagAccording to the fiches-auto.fr page, Mercedes recalled some GLBs over a B-pillar curtain airbag that could throw fragments, in cars built between June and August 2022. It is corrected at the official service centre; there is no cost data.
  63. 63Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz GLC X254Dashboard bolts not tightened to the correct torque: less effective airbag and fire riskYes: Safety Gate alert SR/00307/25 (code 4692204) affects just 17 GLCs built between 23 February and 19 June 2023: some bolted joints in the dashboard area may not be tightened to the correct torque, which reduces airbag restraint and, according to the notice, involves a fire risk.
  64. 64Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Sprinter 906Driver and passenger airbag recall for gas generator faultYes: there are two campaigns on the front airbags of this generation of Sprinter, one for units built between 2006 and 2015 and another between 2005 and 2017. The gas generator can act in an uncontrolled way and throw metal fragments when the airbag opens; the fix is to replace the airbags at the workshop.
  65. 65Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Vito W639Airbag recall: the gas generator can burst and throw out fragments (2002-2006 production)Yes: Safety Gate and Germany's KBA list a campaign for the airbag gas generator on 222,969 Vito and Viano W639 vehicles built between 3 December 2002 and 24 February 2006. It can burst and cause serious injuries; Safety Gate refers to the passenger airbag and the KBA to the driver's.
  66. 66Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMINI Cooper F56Side and knee airbags may not work (2016 units) and the airbag warning light may stay on (2014)In models assembled in 2016, the side and knee airbags may not deploy in a crash; MINI issued a recall in January 2017. Earlier, in September 2014, another campaign replaced the airbag control unit in 16 units whose warning light stayed on for no reason because of an internal defect.
  67. 67Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMINI Countryman F60The head airbag may inflate poorly because an ignition unit comes loose (2016-2017 units)On Countrymans built between 8 July 2016 and 17 October 2017, the ignition unit of the head airbag inflator can come loose and enter the passenger compartment when the airbag deploys, so the airbag inflates only partially or not at all. MINI recalled these units in May 2021.
  68. 68Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalNissan Note IRisk of airbag rupture or abnormal deploymentTwo campaigns (2016 and 2017) cover Note I units in which the driver's airbag could rupture on deployment or the passenger airbag deploy abnormally; between them, the production batches covered span practically the whole production of this generation.
  69. 69Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Astra HTakata recall: the driver's airbag inflator can fragmentYes: a European campaign registered in Safety Gate/RAPEX covers Astra Hs built from 19 January 2005 because of a defect in the Takata driver's airbag inflator, which can inflate in an uncontrolled way and throw out metal fragments when it deploys. The inspection and, where appropriate, replacement of the inflator are free at official dealers.
  70. 70Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Astra KPassenger airbag may not deploy correctlyYes: Opel recalled 2016 and 2017 Astra K cars (and the 2017 Meriva B) because the passenger airbag might not deploy correctly in an accident, with a risk of serious injury.
  71. 71Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Astra LPassive safety campaigns: front seat belt pretensioner and curtain airbag (2022-2023)The Astra L had two passive safety campaigns on cars from the spring of 2022: the front seat belt pretensioner might malfunction (March 2023 campaign) and the curtain airbag might be incorrectly positioned (May 2022 campaign).
  72. 72Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Corsa FElectrical fault that can prevent airbag deployment (2020-2021 production)A documented electrical fault on Opel Corsa F cars built in 2020 and 2021 can prevent the airbag from deploying in a collision; the source consulted gives no further technical detail and cites no campaign code.
  73. 73Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Grandland IWiring chafing under the seat with a risk to the side airbag and of a short circuit (2024 build)fiches-auto.fr documents a campaign on Grandland X models built between March and November 2024 in which the wiring under the seat can chafe and become damaged, causing incorrect operation of the side airbag and a risk of short circuit and fire.
  74. 74Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Meriva BPassenger airbag module recallYes: in December 2016 FACUA warned that General Motors was recalling the Opel Meriva B (2017 model year) and Astra K because the passenger airbag might not deploy correctly. The article does not give manufacturing dates; according to the fiches-auto.fr page, the recall includes units built between 10-12-2009 and 15-02-2017 because of structural deterioration of the airbag.
  75. 75Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Vivaro APoorly installed passenger airbag moduleYes: Safety Gate alert A12/0565/16 (May 2016) covers Vivaro vans built in 2013 and 2014 because a poorly installed passenger airbag module can increase the risk of injury in an accident. It is a preventive recall: confirm with your chassis number at an official Opel dealer.
  76. 76Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Zafira BTakata recall: the driver's airbag inflator can fragmentYes: a European recall registered in Safety Gate/RAPEX covers Zafira B cars built between October 2010 and 2014 because of a Takata driver's airbag inflator defect, which can inflate uncontrollably and project metal fragments when deployed. Inspection and, where necessary, replacement of the inflator are free at official dealers.
  77. 77Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Zafira Tourer CAirbag recalls due to propellant degradationAccording to the fiches-auto.fr profile, the Zafira Tourer has had airbag recalls: code KBM (2024) for propellant degradation in extreme heat and humidity, and KU3 (2026) for deterioration of the airbag structure, with a risk of fragments being thrown out on deployment. We have not been able to verify them against a manufacturer notice.
  78. 78Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 301Airbag control unit damaged during transport to the factory (November 2017 production)In June 2018 an EU alert was published covering 301s built between 13 and 26 November 2017: some airbag control units may have been knocked during transport to the assembly plant and have an internal fault.
  79. 79Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Master IIILoose or missing passenger airbag mounting bolts (2018-2019)A campaign notified in the EU in February 2020 affects Masters built between 17 September 2018 and 17 October 2019: the passenger airbag mounting bolts may be under-tightened or missing, and that could reduce its protection in a crash.
  80. 80Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat Alhambra IITakata recalls: driver and passenger airbags may fragmentYes: the Alhambra II has three Takata campaigns on Safety Gate (69GH, 69FT and 69EC) over inflators whose propellant can degrade and throw fragments when deploying. Check with your VIN at an official service centre whether you are affected.
  81. 81Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat Alhambra IIFaulty capacitor in the airbag control unit (2015 Alhambra)One campaign (69Z6) covers Alhambras built in Portugal during 2015 over a capacitor in the airbag control unit that could fail and trigger airbags and pretensioners without a collision.
  82. 82Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat Alhambra IIFaulty weld in the passenger airbag module (2017 Alhambra)A 2018 Safety Gate alert affects model-year 2017 Alhambras built between September and November 2016: the weld between the igniter and the generator of the passenger module may be defective and the airbag may not deploy properly.
  83. 83Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat AlteaTakata recall: the driver's airbag may fragment in a crashYes: campaign 69FT covers Altea cars built between 29 June 2012 and 2 August 2013, because the Takata propellant in the driver's airbag can degrade and release metal fragments when it deploys. The inspection and, where necessary, replacement of the inflator are free at official dealers.
  84. 84Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat Toledo IVTakata driver's airbag inflator at risk of rupture (campaign 69EC)Yes: Seat's campaign 69EC covers Toledo cars built between 15 June 2012 and 6 September 2017 because the airbag inflator can degrade and rupture on deployment, throwing out metal fragments. Germany's KBA describes it as a fault in the driver's airbag gas generator.
  85. 85Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat Toledo IVDegraded propellant in the driver's airbag inflator (campaign 69FT)Yes: campaign 69FT, published on Safety Gate in October 2024, covers 38,373 Seat vehicles (León, Alhambra, Altea and Toledo) built between 29 June 2012 and 2 August 2013 because the driver's airbag propellant can degrade and, on deployment, the inflator can throw out fragments.
  86. 86Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat Toledo IVDriver's airbag that may inflate late (campaign 69Z1)Yes: campaign 69Z1, notified on Safety Gate in August 2019, affects a batch of Seat cars (Ibiza, Arona, Ateca, León and Toledo) built between 4 and 6 December 2017 whose driver's airbag might not inflate as quickly as needed in an accident, so protection is not guaranteed.
  87. 87Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat Toledo IVSeat belt pretensioner gas micro-generator that may come loose (2016)Yes: a European alert from August 2017 (A12/1078/17) covers Toledo cars (type KG3, 2017 model year) built between June and October 2016 because, when the seat belt pretensioner fires in an accident, parts of its gas micro-generator can come loose and injure the occupants.
  88. 88Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda Fabia IIIDriver airbag recall for propellant degradationfiches-auto.fr mentions recall campaigns for the Fabia 3 driver airbag due to propellant degradation (references 69PB, 69KH and SR/01853/26). Confirm with your chassis number (VIN) at an official service whether your car is affected.
  89. 89Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda Fabia IVThe front airbag may tear or fail to deploy properly (campaign 69EU)Yes, on cars built between 21 June 2021 and 10 June 2022: Škoda recalled the Fabia (campaign 69EU) because, owing to a production error, the front passenger airbag may tear or not work correctly when it deploys. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de puts the number of affected cars at around 11,000 in Germany alone.
  90. 90Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda RapidRecalls for the driver's airbag inflatorYes: according to the fiches-auto.fr fiche, the Rapid has had several airbag recalls: 69KH (2024, Takata propellant degradation), 69PB (2026, driver's inflator defect in 2014 to 2016 units) and one from 2019 for a possible failure to deploy. Confirm your chassis number at an official Skoda dealer.
  91. 91Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda RoomsterAirbag recall: risk of uncontrolled deployment (campaign 69PB)fiches-auto.fr records an airbag campaign (code 69PB) for cars built between 14.05.2014 and 18.08.2016, with a risk of uncontrolled deployment. Check with your VIN whether your car is affected.
  92. 92Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda Superb IITakata airbag recall over rupture risk (two successive campaigns)Yes: the Superb II built from 1 June 2012 is included in the worldwide Takata airbag recall, according to motorpasion.com and coches.com. auto-motor-und-sport.de also documents a second wave of the same campaign (code 69DU, KBA reference 012656) after the first, a sign that the first did not resolve the problem on every car.Repair: €0
  93. 93Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda YetiRecalls for the Škoda Yeti driver airbag inflatorAccording to the fiches-auto.fr entry, there are two campaigns for the driver airbag inflator, which can project fragments: 69PB (manufactured 05/2014 to 08/2016) and SR/01853/26 (05/2016 to 12/2017). We have not been able to verify them against another source.
  94. 94Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki S-Cross ISeams on the front seat covers that may prevent the side airbag from deploying correctlySuzuki recalled S-Cross vehicles built between 2013 and 2016 because the seams on the front seat back covers, next to the side airbag, had been sewn too close together and too tight and could prevent it from deploying correctly in a crash. It is put right by replacing the cover.
  95. 95Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki Swift VThe side and curtain airbag can deploy when a rear door is slammedIn 2017 to 2019 cars, a software fault in the airbag control unit can interpret the shock of slamming a rear door as an impact and deploy the side and curtain airbag on that side. Suzuki recalled the affected Swifts and Swift Sports.
  96. 96Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Corolla XReplacement passenger airbag inflator fitted in the wrong orientationA 2018 Safety Gate alert (A12/0855/18) warns that, on 2006 to 2013 Corollas whose passenger airbag had already received a replacement inflator, the part may have been fitted in the wrong orientation and the airbag might not inflate as it should. Toyota corrects it by checking and, if necessary, correcting the fitting.
  97. 97Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Urban CruiserBadly fitted front seat covers that can prevent the side airbag from deployingIn 2019 the DVSA recorded a Toyota campaign because the front seat covers, badly fitted on some units, could prevent the side airbag built into the seat from deploying properly. The check inspects the covers and replaces any that are badly positioned; it includes Urban Cruisers built between December 2008 and March 2013.
  98. 98Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Verso-SPossible deployment failure of the driver's and passenger's airbagsA Safety Gate alert from November 2017 (A12/1497/17), notified by Germany, warns that on the 2010 to 2015 Verso-S the driver's or passenger's airbags might not work as intended when deployed. The source does not detail the cause or the remedy and asks you to check the VIN at an official dealer.
  99. 99Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Verso-SBadly fitted front seat covers that can prevent the side airbag from deployingIn 2019 the DVSA recorded a Toyota campaign because the front seat covers, badly fitted on some cars, could stop the side airbag built into the seat from deploying properly. The recall checks the covers and replaces any that are badly fitted; it includes Verso-S built between December 2010 and February 2014.
  100. 100Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota VersoRecall for the airbag inflation system on the Toyota VersoAccording to fiches-auto.fr, in May 2015 Toyota recalled around 100,000 Yaris, Verso and Avensis cars over the airbag inflation system; there was another side airbag campaign in January 2017. Data not verified in an official source.
  101. 101Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Yaris IThe Takata driver's airbag inflator can burst and throw out metal fragmentsSeveral successive Toyota campaigns, the latest in 2024, cover first-generation Yaris cars over the Takata driver's airbag inflator: the ammonium nitrate propellant degrades with age and can make the airbag burst with metal fragments instead of inflating normally.
  102. 102Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Yaris IThe passenger airbag gas generator can inflate it uncontrollablyA 2020 campaign covers Yaris cars built between 2001 and 2014 because the passenger airbag gas generator may be defective and cause uncontrolled inflation with the release of metal fragments.
  103. 103Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Yaris IIThe Takata driver's airbag inflator can burst and throw metal fragmentsSeveral successive Toyota recalls, the latest in 2024, cover second-generation Yaris for the Takata driver's airbag inflator: the ammonium nitrate propellant degrades with age and can make the airbag burst with metal fragments instead of inflating normally.
  104. 104Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Yaris IIIThe Takata driver's airbag inflator can rupture and throw metal fragmentsSeveral successive Toyota campaigns, the latest in 2024, recall Yaris models built up to 2017 over the Takata driver's airbag inflator: the ammonium nitrate propellant degrades with age and can make the airbag rupture and spray metal fragments instead of inflating normally.
  105. 105Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Crafter ITakata airbag recall: inflators that can rupture on deploymentYes: Volkswagen has opened several campaigns in Europe for airbag inflators (Takata and others with degraded propellant) that can rupture on deployment and project metal fragments. They affect Crafters built between late 2005 and 2017, depending on the batch; check with the chassis number (VIN).
  106. 106Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Passat B5Airbag gas generator inspection campaign (1997-1999)Yes: fiches-auto.fr documents a Volkswagen campaign to inspect the airbag gas generator on Passat units built between 1997 and 1999 because of possible insufficient sealing, and gebrauchtwagenberater.de confirms a campaign for the same type of defect on the Golf IV built in the same period.
  107. 107Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Polo IVTwo successive Takata campaigns cover the front airbag on cars built between 2007 and 2009Yes: Polo IV (9N) cars built between 2007 and 2009 are covered by two successive Takata front airbag campaigns (69DG, from 2022, and 69EJ, from 2023, with a wider build window) because the propellant can degrade and release metal fragments when the airbag deploys. The check is free at official dealers.
  108. 108Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen T-CrossWelding defect in the curtain and head airbag gas generatorYes, in two separate production batches: cars built from 20 May to 21 June 2019 because of a faulty weld in the curtain airbag gas generator (fiches-auto.fr), and cars built from 20 February to 11 March 2020 because of a head airbag defect (Gebrauchtwagenberater.de). The work is free through the official network.
  109. 109Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Tiguan IMetal shavings in the front and side airbagsAccording to a German used-car specialist, Volkswagen recalled the whole Tiguan I production run over metal shavings that could remain inside the gas generator of the front airbags, and cars built between January and March 2015 over the same problem in the side airbags.Repair: €0
  110. 110Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Transporter T5Takata recall: the airbag inflator can fragment in a collisionYes: campaign 69EJ covers Transporter T5 vans built between April 2007 and September 2010 because the propellant in the Takata inflator can be defective and release fragments when the airbag deploys.
  111. 111Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Transporter T6Takata recall: the airbag inflator can fragment in a crashYes: campaign 69EJ (69AF) includes 2015 to 2017 Transporter T6 vans because the propellant in the Takata inflator can degrade with humidity and temperature changes and release fragments when it deploys.
  112. 112Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S60 IDefective driver's airbag inflators on the 2001 to 2009 S60Volvo has launched two European campaigns over the driver's airbag inflator of the first-generation S60: in November 2020 (R10058) for the 2001 to 2003 S60 and S80 with the FG2 Twin inflator, and in October 2021 (R10125) for those built between 2001 and 2009, with 767,000 cars worldwide according to the notice.
  113. 113Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S60 IIIRecall: insufficient tightening torque on the passenger airbag mountingsVolvo has recalled S60s in case the passenger airbag mountings were fitted with insufficient tightening torque, which could prevent the airbag from deploying correctly in an accident. It affects few cars (585 according to Safety Gate, 526 according to Germany's KBA) and is checked using the VIN.
  114. 114Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S80 IVolvo S80 driver airbag recalls: the inflator can rupture and throw out fragmentsYes: Safety Gate published two alerts on the first-generation S80's driver airbag: the 2020 one (campaign R10058, 2001-2003 S60 and S80 with a degraded inflator propellant) and the 2021 one (2001-2006 S60 and S80, 767,000 vehicles worldwide). Both warn of fragments being thrown out on deployment.
  115. 115Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V60 IDriver airbag with a defective gas generator that may deploy only partlyA European alert from August 2016 (A12/0977/16) warned that, because of a defective gas generator, the driver airbag in V60 cars produced in 2015 and 2016 might deploy only partially in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the driver.
  116. 116Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V70 IIRecall: faulty inflator in the driver's airbagA 2021 Safety Gate alert (R10136) warns that the driver's airbag on certain 2001 to 2008 V70 and XC70 cars may be defective and project fragments of the inflator when it deploys, with a risk of injury. It affects 1,240 cars worldwide and is checked with the chassis number.
  117. 117Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo XC70 IIVolvo XC70 driver's airbag recall: the inflator can throw out fragmentsYes: Volvo recalled V70 and XC70 models from 2001 to 2008 (campaign R10136, Safety Gate alert 44/2021) because the driver's airbag can be defective and throw out fragments of the inflator when it deploys. It covers 1,240 vehicles worldwide; it is worth checking the chassis number with an official service centre.
  118. 118High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A4 B5Unintended deployment of the driver's airbag due to static electricity (1997 campaign)In November 1997 the British DVSA recorded the recall of 50,523 Audi A4s from 1995-1996: with accumulated static electricity, the driver's airbag could go off on its own when getting into or out of the stationary car. The fix was to install an earth wire on the steering wheel.
  119. 119High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A4 B9Several one-off campaigns on seat anchorage and the front airbag (2018-2021)Between 2018 and 2021, Audi ran several one-off campaigns on the A4 B9, each on a different and limited build batch: the front seat anchorage, the airbag control unit, a screw on the passenger airbag module and the windscreen adhesive that supports it.Repair: €0
  120. 120High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi Q4 e-tronCampaign 68J1: faulty airbag control unitAccording to the fiches-auto.fr data sheet, campaign 68J1 affects the airbag control unit in cars built between 16 and 20 March 2023; it is a very small batch.
  121. 121High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën Xsara PicassoAirbag warning light on due to connectors under the seats, and a recall on the first models (2000)The Xsara Picasso's airbag warning light comes on fairly often because of faulty connectors under the seats or intermittent faults in the control unit; Citroën also ran a recall in 2000 on airbag control on the first models.
  122. 122High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat Doblò ISteering column wiring that chafes and can set off the driver's airbagA campaign from April 2002 recorded in the United Kingdom (DVSA R/2002/080, Fiat reference 4427) affected 1,522 early-series Doblòs: the wiring harness can chafe against the steering column and cause the driver's airbag to deploy unintentionally. It appears in the British register and we have not been able to confirm its scope in Spain.
  123. 123High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat QuboPassenger airbag that may reactivate after being switched off from the menu (July 2014 Qubo)In 2015 Fiat recalled (in the United Kingdom) Qubos and Fiorinos built in July 2014: after the passenger airbag was switched off from the dashboard menu, a quick turn (under 2 seconds) of the ignition key could reactivate it. The fix was to replace the airbag control unit.
  124. 124High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda Accord VIIIHonda Accord VIII airbag module recall (June 2015)According to the fiches-auto.fr page, in June 2015 there was a recall to replace an airbag cartridge in more than 25,000 vehicles. We have not been able to confirm the exact scope for Spain or the campaign number with an official source.
  125. 125High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalLancia Ypsilon IIIFront seat belt pretensioner with badly crimped gas micro-generator (September to December 2016 cars)Yes: in August 2017 a recall was notified over a faulty crimping of the gas micro-generator in the front seat belt pretensioner of the Ypsilon built between September and December 2016. If the pretensioner activates, defective parts could come loose and injure the occupants.
  126. 126High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase B W247Recall for faulty airbag fitting in August 2020 unitsAccording to the fiches-auto.fr entry, Mercedes recalled some units for a faulty airbag fitting in August 2020. The entry does not specify which airbag or how many cars; check with your chassis number whether yours is included.
  127. 127High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda KamiqFaulty seat stitching that could affect the side airbag (campaign 74D7)Yes: Škoda recalled Kamiqs built between February and September 2019 (campaign 74D7) because faulty stitching in the seats could reduce the protection offered by the side airbag built into the seat back.Repair: €0
  128. 128High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda KaroqA-pillar trim that could come loose in cold weather and affect airbag protectionYes: in January 2018 Škoda recalled part of the Karoq production run because the A-pillar trim could come away at low temperatures, reducing the protection it was meant to provide when the side or curtain airbag deployed.Repair: €0
  129. 129High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda ScalaDefective seat seam that could affect the side airbag (campaign 74D7)Yes: Škoda recalled Scalas built between February and September 2019 (campaign 74D7) because a defective seam in the seats could reduce the protection offered by the side airbag built into the seat back.Repair: €0
  130. 130High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota RAV4 IIRAV4 airbag recall for an assembly problem, cited by the pageThe fiches-auto.fr page cites a May 2015 campaign that would affect around 35,000 RAV4s because of an airbag assembly problem. We have not been able to verify it from an official source.
  131. 131High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S40 ILoose driver's airbag module mounting caused by the Volvo S40's horn mechanismPart of the horn mechanism may rub against the driver's airbag module and work it loose from its mounting. The British campaign R/2002/089, which covers the S40 and V40, replaces the airbag mounting plate; it affected 1,696 vehicles in the UK.
  132. 132High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V40 IDriver's airbag module that works loose through interference with the horn mechanismVolvo recalled the V40 and S40 in 2002 because a part of the horn mechanism could rub against the driver's airbag module and release it from its mounting. The fix was to replace the airbag mounting plate (campaign R62054, DVSA R/2002/089).
  133. 133Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonCitroën C5 ICitroën C5 electronics and BSI module faults (ESP, airbag, parking brake)The C5 I had reliability problems because of the integration of its electronic multiplexing (French Wikipedia). According to fiches-auto.fr, 82 of 447 reports cite electronic and BSI faults: ESP, ASR, airbag, power steering, parking brake and display.
  134. 134Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonMercedes-Benz Clase C W203False ESP/airbag warning lights, a humidity-sensitive SAM module and EWS immobiliser faultsIt is one of the areas with the most complaints on the W203: ESP, SRS or airbag warning lights that come on for no reason, temperamental central locking, SAM modules that age badly with damp and, in units built before the 2004 update, faults with the EWS immobiliser and the steering column switch.
  135. 135Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonMercedes-Benz Clase C W204False ABS/ESP/airbag warning lights and a COMAND screen that freezesOwners report with some frequency ABS, ESP or airbag warning lights that come on for no apparent reason, along with a COMAND screen or controller that freezes or runs very slowly.
  136. 136Critical severityRareFrequency: RareCitroën Berlingo IIRisk of the airbags not deploying in a collision (November 2017 production)A 2018 campaign (ref. r2018128) covers vehicles built between 13 and 20 November 2017 in which the airbags might not deploy in a collision.
  137. 137Critical severityRareFrequency: RareCitroën C5 IIRisk of the driver's airbag not deploying in a collision (April-May 2016 production)An EU safety alert (RAPEX A12/1011/16) covers C5s built between 22 April and 5 May 2016 in which the driver's airbag might not deploy in a collision because of the possible failure of one of its components.
  138. 138Critical severityRareFrequency: RareDacia Duster IIRecalls for airbag defects in cars built in 2022Yes: Dacia recalled Duster II cars built in 2022 over two different airbag defects: in one batch, the side airbag may deploy with excessive force and, in another of 356 cars, the left window airbag may fail to deploy in an accident.
  139. 139Critical severityRareFrequency: RareDS DS 7 CrossbackIncorrect or poorly secured airbag parts in two campaigns (2017-2018 and 2021)DS has recalled the DS7 Crossback in two airbag campaigns: one over an incorrect part fitted in the airbag device (built 2017-2018) and another over an incorrect mounting of the curtain airbags that could cause them to be ejected (built March-September 2021).
  140. 140Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFiat 500XLimited airbag and seat belt pretensioner function because of the ORC control unit (2017-2019 build)Yes: a campaign covers vehicles built between 24 October 2017 and 18 April 2019 in which the occupant restraint control unit (ORC) could limit the operation of the airbag and seat belt pretensioners; it is corrected with a software update.
  141. 141Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFiat TalentoCorrosion in the passenger airbag gas generator housingFiat warned in October 2020 that the passenger airbag module on Talentos built between 29 January and 18 February 2020 could have corrosion in the gas generator housing and lose protection.
  142. 142Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFiat TipoPotentially faulty airbag control unit (April 2021 campaign)In April 2021 Fiat opened a campaign to check the airbag control unit on Tipos built between October 2020 and February 2021, which might be faulty.
  143. 143Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFord Focus IRisk of the airbags firing unintentionally (1999 cars)Ford recalled Focus I cars built between February and March 1999 over a fault in the airbag control unit that could unintentionally fire all the airbags and the seat belt pretensioners at once.
  144. 144Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFord Kuga IIRisk of the side or knee airbag not deploying because of a faulty initiatorIn 2017 Ford recalled just under 2,000 vehicles, including Kuga models built between July and December 2016, because a faulty airbag initiator could stop the side or knee airbag deploying in an accident.
  145. 145Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFord Mondeo IIIDriver's airbag recall (2006-2007 cars)According to the KBA (the German vehicle authority), a fault in the driver's airbag gas generator can cause an uncontrolled rupture on deployment and metal fragments to be projected, which could injure the occupants. Mondeo III cars built in 2006 and 2007 are affected.
  146. 146Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFord Mondeo VTakata airbag recallThe Ford Mondeo V is included in the worldwide recall for defective airbag inflators made by Takata, which in rare cases can fragment violently when the airbag deploys.
  147. 147Critical severityRareFrequency: RareJeep Compass MPSide curtain airbags might not deploy correctly (2020-2021 production)Yes: an October 2022 recall covers vehicles built between December 2020 and July 2021 in which the driver's and passenger's side curtain airbags might not deploy correctly in a crash.
  148. 148Critical severityRareFrequency: RareJeep RenegadeLimited airbag and seat belt pretensioner function due to the ORC control unit (built 2018-2019)Yes: two independent sources, one French and one German, document a September 2019 campaign for vehicles built between March 2018 and April 2019 in which an incorrect update of the occupant restraint control unit (ORC) could limit the function of the airbag and seat belt pretensioners.
  149. 149Critical severityRareFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz GLC X253Damaged wire in the steering column that can fire the airbag by mistake (up to 2017)On GLC X253 models built up to 2017, a damaged wire in the steering column could cause the airbag to fire accidentally, according to a specialist German source.
  150. 150Critical severityRareFrequency: RareOpel Corsa EDefective curtain airbagsAccording to Auto Express, Opel recalled the Corsa in March 2017 over defective curtain airbags; we have not located an official Spanish notification with more technical detail or the number of units affected.
  151. 151Critical severityRareFrequency: RareOpel Vectra CFront airbag recall (code KU3, 2005-2008 cars)In 2026 Opel recalled Vectra C cars built between 22 June 2005 and 10 October 2008 (campaign code KU3): the structure of the front airbag can deteriorate and, if it deploys, fragments of the gas generator may break off and injure the occupants.
  152. 152Critical severityRareFrequency: RarePeugeot 206Airbag safety campaigns (failure to deploy and unintended deployment)Peugeot recalled the 206 twice over its airbags: in 2000 over the risk of unintended deployment of the side airbags, and in 2001 over the risk of the passenger airbag not deploying in a crash.
  153. 153Critical severityRareFrequency: RarePeugeot 307Risk of unintended airbag deploymentA 2006 campaign (ref. r2006005) recalled all Peugeot 307s over the risk of the airbag deploying unintentionally, without a crash having occurred.
  154. 154Critical severityRareFrequency: RarePeugeot 508 IRisk of the front airbag not deploying (August-September 2016 production)A 2017 campaign (ref. R2017090) covers vehicles built between 25 August and 27 September 2016 in which the front airbag might not deploy in a collision.
  155. 155Critical severityRareFrequency: RarePeugeot Partner IIRisk of the airbags not deploying in a collision (November 2017 production)A 2018 campaign (ref. r2018127) covers vehicles built between 13 and 24 November 2017 in which the airbags might not deploy in a collision.
  156. 156Critical severityRareFrequency: RareRenault KadjarRecall for the side airbags and the fuel filler neck fixing (2015 cars)Renault recalled Kadjar cars built in Palencia between January and June 2015 because the side curtain airbags could deploy incorrectly in an accident, and it also found insufficient fixing of the fuel tank filler neck.Repair: €0
  157. 157Critical severityRareFrequency: RareRenault Mégane III2011 recall to reprogramme the airbag control unitIn April 2011 Renault recalled 2,384 Megane III built in Turkey up to 23 August 2010 to reprogramme the airbag control unit, because of the risk that it would not deploy in a collision.Repair: €0
  158. 158Critical severityRareFrequency: RareRenault Trafic IIIPassenger airbag gas generator ruptureRenault recalled Trafic vans built between 29 January and 16 March 2020 because the passenger airbag gas generator could crack and fail to inflate the airbag properly. It is notified on the EU's Safety Gate.
  159. 159Critical severityRareFrequency: RareRenault Trafic IIIBadly configured crash sensors: airbags and pretensioners may not activateSafety Gate lists a Renault recall for Trafic vans built between February 2021 and November 2023: the crash sensors may be badly configured and the airbags and pretensioners may not activate as they should.
  160. 160Critical severityRareFrequency: RareSeat Ibiza IIIAn airbag module software fault could fire the curtain or side airbag without a collisionThe KBA (the German road transport authority) documented a software fault in the Ibiza III's airbag control unit that, on certain units, could cause the curtain or side airbag to deploy unintentionally without a collision.
  161. 161Critical severityRareFrequency: RareŠkoda Fabia IManufacturing defect in the driver's airbag (2001-2002 production)Driver's airbags fitted to Fabia I units from 2001-2002 production had excess moisture in the pyrotechnic propellant of the gas generator; in a crash with frontal deployment, the generator's metal casing could burst and throw out fragments, according to gebrauchtwagenberater.de.
  162. 162Critical severityRareFrequency: RareŠkoda Kodiaq IFaulty airbag in early-production carsYes: in May 2019 Skoda recalled 393 Kodiaqs built between January and February 2018 over factory-faulty airbags. The inspection and replacement were carried out free of charge through the official network.Repair: €0
  163. 163Critical severityRareFrequency: RareŠkoda Superb IIAirbag control unit fault on cars built January to August 2015fiches-auto.fr documents a February 2020 campaign on Superb cars assembled between January and August 2015: the airbag control unit could cause the airbags to malfunction. We have not found a second source confirming the detail of this campaign.
  164. 164Critical severityRareFrequency: RareToyota Auris IThe driver's airbag Takata inflator can degrade and fragmentA European safety alert (Safety Gate, Rapex 26/2024) covers Auris cars built between 2006 and 2017 for the same Takata inflator defect that affected millions of cars of many makes worldwide: the propellant can degrade over time and release metal fragments when the airbag deploys. An official Toyota dealer inspects the vehicle free of charge if it falls within the affected batch.
  165. 165Critical severityRareFrequency: RareToyota Corolla IXThe Takata driver's airbag inflator can degrade and fragmentA European safety alert (Safety Gate, Rapex 26/2024) covers Corolla units built between 1999 and 2017 for the same Takata inflator defect that affected millions of cars of many brands worldwide: the propellant can degrade over time and release metal fragments when the airbag deploys. The official Toyota dealer checks the vehicle free of charge within the affected batch.
  166. 166Critical severityRareFrequency: RareToyota Prius IVThe front passenger airbag can inflate partially because of a badly welded rupture disc (2016 units)On ZVW50 units built in 2016, the rupture disc of some front passenger airbag inflators may be badly welded or badly assembled, which can cause a partial activation without a deployment command having been given. Toyota recalled these units in September 2016.
  167. 167Critical severityRareFrequency: RareToyota Prius IVAn accessory seat cover kit can prevent the side airbag deploying (2014-2019)On Prius models built between 2014 and 2019 with the accessory seat cover kit fitted, the cover may not be designed to tear when the side airbag built into the seat deploys, which could prevent it from deploying correctly. Toyota recalled these units in November 2019.
  168. 168Critical severityRareFrequency: RareToyota RAV4 IIIThe driver's airbag Takata inflator can degrade and fragmentA European safety alert (Safety Gate, Rapex 26/2024) covers RAV4s built between 1999 and 2017 for the same Takata inflator defect that affected millions of cars from many brands worldwide: the propellant can degrade over time and release metal fragments when the airbag deploys. An official Toyota dealer checks the vehicle free of charge if it is in the affected batch.
  169. 169Critical severityRareFrequency: RareToyota RAV4 IVThe Takata driver airbag inflator can degrade and fragmentA European campaign (Rapex 26/2024) covers RAV4s built up to 2017 for the same Takata inflator defect that affected millions of cars worldwide: the propellant can degrade over time and release metal fragments when the airbag deploys. Toyota inspects the vehicle for free at an authorised dealer.
  170. 170Critical severityRareFrequency: RareVolkswagen Golf IVDriver airbag recall campaign on units with a wooden steering wheel (1997-2000)Yes, but it is a very limited campaign: codes 69AR/69CO cover only Golfs (and Passats) built between 5 November 1997 and 20 August 2000 fitted with a wooden steering wheel, because of a Takata gas generator (NADI line) in the driver's airbag that might not guarantee its full restraint function in an accident. In total, 4,895 vehicles worldwide across both codes.
  171. 171Critical severityRareFrequency: RareVolkswagen Touran IIMarch 2017 campaign for a possible airbag and seat belt pretensioner faultIn March 2017, Volkswagen recalled part of the second-generation Touran production over a possible fault in the airbag and seat belt pretensioners, according to the specialist British press, with no further detail on the exact technical cause or the number of units.Repair: €0
  172. 172Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo 156Alfa Romeo 156 electronics and airbag warning light faultsAccording to owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, 43 of about 244 owners of the 156 mention electronic or airbag faults, the second category outside the engine after the suspension.
  173. 173Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase E W211SAM module faults, false airbag warnings and battery drain on 2002-2003 carsThe first E-Class W211s (2002-2003) account for more electronics complaints: the SAM module can fail and cause lights or wipers to stop working, the front passenger seat occupancy mat triggers airbag warnings for no reason, and in 2005 Mercedes-Benz issued a software update for the on-board power supply manager because of battery drain.
  174. 174Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz CLK C209Sensor and electronics faults: airbag, ESP/ABS warning lights and parking sensorsIt is the largest group of non-mechanical complaints for the CLK C209 on fiches-auto.fr (22 testimonies): airbag or ESP/ABS warning lights on, and parking and steering angle sensors that fail. There is no known official campaign.
  175. 175Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Clio IIIAirbag warning light on because of a connector under the seatsThe airbag warning light comes on unexpectedly on some Clio IIIs because of a connectivity problem in the wiring under the front seats; repairing or soldering that connection usually fixes it, according to Caradisiac.
  176. 176High severityRareFrequency: RareFiat 500eIncorrect passenger airbag deactivation warning (April 2021 campaign)In April 2021 Fiat recalled 500e cars built between September 2020 and January 2021 over an electronic fault that could display incorrect information about the passenger airbag being deactivated, which matters when fitting a child seat.
  177. 177Low severityCommonFrequency: CommonAudi TT IInstrument cluster and on-board electronics faults (pixels, ESP and airbag warning lights)According to owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (149 for this model), electrical and electronic faults are the most frequently cited non-mechanical category: a cluster display with missing pixels, ESP and airbag warning lights coming on and erratic temperature sensors.
  178. 178Medium severityRareFrequency: RareHyundai i20 IIThe eCall system may fail to transmit the chassis number after an accidentThe ADAC reports a recall of the Hyundai i20 II whereby, when the airbag deploys, the eCall system may not correctly transmit the vehicle's chassis number to the emergency services; it is fixed by checking and correcting that data at the garage.
  179. 179Medium severityRareFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz CLA C118Airbag warning light and SOS emergency call light staying onAccording to the fiches-auto.fr data sheet, the owner of a CLA 200 had the SOS warning light permanently on at 2,000 km, after four visits to the workshop; the data sheet cites other cases of airbag warning lights that persist. It is an isolated case.
  180. 180Medium severityRareFrequency: RareNissan Micra IIIAirbag warning light comes on because of a faulty connectorOn some Micra III cars, a faulty connector in the airbag system can switch on the corresponding warning light on the dashboard without there being a mechanical problem in the airbag itself.

Problems with the airbags by make

Problems with the airbags in your car

12 cars have several documented faults with the airbags. Choose yours to see only the ones that affect them, by engine and by year.

Audi 1
BMW 1
Fiat 1
Mercedes-Benz 1
Renault 1
Seat 3
Škoda 1
Toyota 3

How much it costs to repair a fault with the airbags

Sorted from the most expensive repair to the cheapest. Prices in Spain including VAT (parts and labour); what each figure includes is on its page.

How we calculate costs · The most expensive repairs across all engines

Frequently asked questions

Which cars have problems with the airbags?

Among those we have analysed: Mercedes-Benz Clase C W204 (takata airbags with a defective inflator), Seat Ibiza V (the passenger airbag gas generator can rupture and throw out fragments), Mercedes-Benz Clase A W176 (takata airbags with a defective inflator), Mercedes-Benz Clase C W205 (takata airbags on the first vehicles (2014-2016)), Mercedes-Benz Clase E W212 (takata airbags with a defective inflator), Peugeot 208 II (windscreen trim clip incorrectly fitted, a risk with the curtain airbag (2023 production)), Seat Arona (the front passenger airbag gas generator can rupture and project fragments) and Škoda Octavia III (takata airbag recall over risk of rupture). In total, 165 cars with documented faults with the airbags.

How much does it cost to repair a fault with the airbags?

It depends a lot on the engine or car. At a dealer, from €0 to €0, including VAT, based on the 20 faults with a documented cost. The most expensive is takata airbag recall over risk of rupture (Škoda Octavia III).

What symptoms does a fault with the airbags cause?

The most frequently cited in the documented faults: airbag warning light on, intermittent electronic warnings or sensor faults, esp warning light on or flashing, abs or esp warning light on, seatbelt fault warning light or message and hard starting or engine will not start.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. 1.¿Tienes un Audi, un Skoda o un BMW fabricado entre 2004 y 2017? Ojo, podrían explotarle los airbagsAutofacil · Motoring press · published 19 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. 2.Si tienes uno de estos BMW, Skoda o Audi, tendrás que pasar por el taller: su airbag puede disparar metrallaMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 4 May 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. 3.Audi A4 (2004-2011): recall by Takata airbagcar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. 4.Seat llama a revisión a 300.000 coches por problemas en los airbags. Cómo actuar si nuestro coche está afectadoXataka · General press · published 31 October 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. 5.Used Volkswagen Passat (Mk8, 2014-2021) review and buyer's guideAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. 6.Seguimos a vueltas con los airbags defectuosos de Takata: ojo si tienes un Audi, BMW o Skoda de hace unos añosCoches.com · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. 7.Fiabilité BMW Série 3 (1998-2005)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. 8.Defekte Takata-Airbags: Mega-Rückruf bei BMWADAC · Consumer association · published 20 May 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. 9.Takata-Airbags: BMW-Rückruf für 460.000 GebrauchtwagenAuto Motor und Sport · Motoring press · published 11 July 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. 10.Used Cupra Formentor (Mk1, 2020-date) buyer's guide: stylish and family-friendlyAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. 11.VW Tiguan I (5N): Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  12. 12.Fiabilité Audi A4 : pannes, rappels et témoignagesfiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. 13.Llamadas a revisión semana 13/2020: Duster, Galaxy, Kamiq, Scala, Mazda3, Clase A y más…Autonoción · Motoring press · published 27 March 2020 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. 14.Used Skoda Karoq reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  15. 15.Renault Kadjar: llamada a revisión por problemas en los airbags lateralesActualidad Motor · Motoring press · published 12 July 2016 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  16. 16.Detectan problemas en los airbags laterales de los Renault KadjarInfotaller · Motoring press · published 11 July 2016 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  17. 17.Fiabilité Renault Mégane 3 : que vaut le modèle en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 25 November 2015 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  18. 18.Used Skoda Kodiaq (Mk1, 2017-2024) reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  19. 19.Used Volkswagen Touran reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026