Warning lights and alertsUrgency: Garage soon

Airbag warning light on: causes and the faults that trigger it

The airbag warning light, a seated person with a circle in front, normally red, indicates that the system has detected a fault and that the airbags might not deploy in an accident. Common causes include the cables under the seats, the steering wheel clock spring, the passenger seat weight sensor or a low-voltage battery. The car keeps running, but you should go to a workshop as soon as possible, and with the light on the car will not pass the MOT.^[1][2][3][4]

Colour: red. Symbol: a seated person wearing a seat belt with a circle (the inflated airbag) in front; in some cars, the letters SRS or AIRBAG.

65 documented faults cause it in 61 cars. The most important:

Critical severity: The Takata driver's airbag inflator can degrade and fragment when deployed · Toyota Auris II
Critical severity: Takata airbag with a risk of inflator rupture · Seat Ateca
Critical severity: 2015-2016 campaigns over unintended activation of the airbag and seat belt pretensioners · Volkswagen Passat B8

What it means

The airbag warning light means the system has detected a fault and an airbag or seatbelt pretensioner may not deploy in a crash. Causes range from a connector under the seat to the control unit or the airbag itself.

General explanation from MotorFiable. How it shows up in each engine, with sources, is in the list of faults.

What to do now

Garage soon

Have it diagnosed as soon as possible and check with the VIN whether the car has any outstanding airbag recall.

Reviewed on 5 October 202679 sources How we work

Most common causes

From most to least likely according to the sources. Under each cause, the part and the related OBD codes.

1. Loose cables or connectors under the seats
Common cause
RACE explains that the airbag cables run under the driver's and passenger's seats and can be damaged when the seat is moved; Motorpasión speaks of electrical connections that come loose when adjusting the seats, and Motor16 adds corrosion, contact with water or damage from a previous accident.^[1][2][5]
Faults with with the airbags Faults with with seats and the interior Faults with with the electrical wiring
2. Worn steering wheel ring or spiral spring (clock spring)
Common cause
This is the spring-shaped electrical connection that follows the turning of the steering wheel and electrically connects the driver's airbag. RACE warns that its wires can break with the turning, Motorpasión that it is a delicate part that breaks over time, and Motor16 that its wear interrupts the system's connection.^[1][2][5]
Faults with with the airbags
3. Front passenger seat weight sensor
Possible cause
RACE includes a fault in the front passenger seat weight sensor among the faults that can turn the warning light on.^[1]
Faults with with the airbags Faults with with seats and the interior
4. Low-voltage battery
Possible cause
Motorpasión points out that, with a very low battery voltage, the airbag control unit can give false errors and turn the warning light on.^[2]
Faults with with the 12 V battery Faults with with the airbags
5. Water or moisture in the airbag control unit
Possible cause
Motor16 says the control module is usually under the seats and that flooding or a spilt liquid can corrode it.^[5]
Faults with with the airbags Faults with with water leaks
6. Faulty system sensors
Uncommon
According to Motor16, damaged sensors send incorrect signals to the car's computer and trigger the warning light.^[5]
Faults with with the airbags

Depending on what you notice

The airbag light is on and won't go out

That is normal while the fault is still there: RACE explains that the warning does not go away by itself and that the mechanic has to clear it from the control unit with the diagnostic machine once the fault has been repaired. If you see it in red, that is the usual appearance, according to RACE.^[1][4]

Airbag light on: how to fix it

There is no quick trick: you have to find out what is failing. Motorpasión says the workshop must diagnose the error code and RACE says that after the repair (connections, clock spring, sensor) the warning is cleared. Autopista and Motorpasión advise against touching the airbag yourself because it contains a pyrotechnic charge and can go off.^[1][2][6]

Airbag light on: can I keep driving?

Technically yes, because the car does not stop working, but Motorpasión does not recommend it: the airbags might not work in an accident. Motor16 is more categorical: it advises stopping the car and taking it to a mechanic as soon as possible.^[2][5]

Airbag light on and the MOT

A DEKRA ITV engineer consulted by Autofácil states that the car will not pass the inspection with the airbag (or SRS) light on, because it involves passive safety systems. Autopista adds that it is considered a serious defect if it stays lit or if it does not come on at start-up as it should, and Motorpasión agrees that no car passes the ITV (the Spanish equivalent of the MOT) with that light on.^[2][3][6]

Passenger airbag off light

RACE reminds us not to confuse the fault warning light with the message that appears when the passenger airbag is deliberately deactivated, for example to carry a child seat in the front seat: in that case the car indicates it with an orange warning light.^[1][7]

What to check first

Check that it is not the orange passenger airbag off indicator, which is something else.^[1][7]
Think back to whether the warning appeared after moving the seats, after a knock or after water got into the cabin: these are causes the sources cite and they point the workshop in the right direction.^[1][2][5]
Check that the battery has enough voltage: with very little voltage the airbag control unit can generate errors.^[2]
Ask a workshop with a diagnostic machine to read the codes, and do not remove or tamper with the airbag: it contains a pyrotechnic charge.^[2][6]
Once the fault is repaired, the workshop has to clear the warning from the control unit; the light does not go out by itself.^[1]
Ask the manufacturer whether your model has any outstanding airbag recall: in February 2026, for example, Opel announced the recall of around 901,000 vehicles over Takata driver airbags.^[8]

Can I keep driving?

Urgency: Garage soon

The car keeps running, so technically you can drive it, but with the light on the system is not operational (RACE) and the airbags might not deploy in an accident (Motorpasión). Motor16 advises stopping the car and taking it to a mechanic and RACE says to go to the workshop as soon as possible. The sensible thing is not to put it off and to book in now.^[1][2][5]

How much it costs to fix

Indicative prices published by the sources cited; they depend on the car and the garage.

Repair	Price
Replacing an airbag (RACE: from about €350, and about €650 if the control unit and the pretensioners are also replaced; this is the cost of replacing the airbag, not of fixing a cable or a sensor)^[9]	€350 – €650

Faults that cause it

Suspension, brake, electronics and other faults on specific cars, from most to least important.

- Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentToyota Auris IIThe Takata driver's airbag inflator can degrade and fragment when deployedThere is no clear warning before deployment: the defect does not switch on the airbag warning light by itself, and can only be identified by checking the chassis number (VIN) at the official dealer.
Source for the symptom in the Toyota Auris II^[10]
- Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonSeat AtecaTakata airbag with a risk of inflator ruptureIf the control unit has detected a related anomaly, the airbag warning light may come on, although this is not usual with this particular defect.Repair: €0
Source for the symptom in the Seat Ateca^[11]
- Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonVolkswagen Passat B82015-2016 campaigns over unintended activation of the airbag and seat belt pretensionersThe airbag warning light may come on before an unintended activation of the system.Repair: €0
Source for the symptom in the Volkswagen Passat B8^[12]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 1 E87Risk of driver's airbag inflator rupture (Takata)There is no noticeable symptom before failure: the inflator's chemical propellant degrades over time, especially with heat and humidity.
Source for the symptom in the BMW Serie 1 E87^[13]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 2 Gran Tourer F46Airbag: recall for propellant deteriorationNo symptoms in normal use; the risk lies in an accident.
Source for the symptom in the BMW Serie 2 Gran Tourer F46^[14]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 5 E60Risk of the driver airbag inflator rupturing (Takata)There is no noticeable symptom before failure: the chemical propellant in the inflator degrades over time, especially with heat and humidity.
Source for the symptom in the BMW Serie 5 E60^[13]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 7 G11Head curtain airbag: recall for reduced or absent deploymentNo symptoms in normal use: the defect only shows if the airbag is triggered in an accident.
Source for the symptom in the BMW Serie 7 G11^[15]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW X3 E83Risk of the driver's airbag inflator rupturing (Takata)There is no noticeable symptom before failure: the chemical propellant in the inflator degrades over time, especially with heat and humidity.
Source for the symptom in the BMW X3 E83^[16]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW X6 F16Driver's airbag propellant degradation (Safety Gate recall)There is no prior symptom: the risk only shows when the airbag deploys.
Source for the symptom in the BMW X6 F16^[17]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën Berlingo IIIFront passenger seat belt out of specificationSeparately from the recall, some owners have reported false airbag or seat belt warning lights in units from the same period.
Source for the symptom in the Citroën Berlingo III^[18]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 IIDefective Takata airbags: «Stop Drive» campaign (2009-2017 production)The defect gives no reliable advance warning: the risk is that the airbag inflator ruptures at the moment of deployment, during an accident.
Source for the symptom in the Citroën C3 II^[19][20]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalDacia LodgyRecall over airbag failure on 2018 unitsThe entry mentions an owner report of the airbag warning light being on, but does not link it to the campaign.
Source for the symptom in the Dacia Lodgy^[21]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat Punto IIIFaulty deactivation of the front passenger airbagThe airbag warning light may come on if the passenger seat occupancy detection system fails.
Source for the symptom in the Fiat Punto III^[22]
- Medium severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentFiat StiloElectrical and electronic faults in the multiplex systemAirbag warning light permanently on, often related to the electrical connection of the passenger seat.
Source for the symptom in the Fiat Stilo^[23]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFord Galaxy IIIAirbag inflator with propellant degraded by moisture and temperatureThere are no noticeable symptoms; the risk only arises if the airbag deploys.
Source for the symptom in the Ford Galaxy III^[24]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda Civic IXTakata airbag: risk of abnormal inflator deployment on the Honda Civic IXThere is no symptom in normal use; the risk arises if the airbag deploys in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Honda Civic IX^[25]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda Jazz IITakata airbag: risk of abnormal inflator deployment on the Honda Jazz IIThere is no symptom in normal use; the risk appears if the airbag deploys in an accident.
Source for the symptom in the Honda Jazz II^[26]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Rio IIIPossible airbag control module (ACU) fault on the last carsThe airbag fault warning light comes on in the instrument cluster.
Source for the symptom in the Kia Rio III^[27]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Rio IVRecall over a possible airbag control module (ACU) faultThe airbag fault warning light comes on in the instrument cluster.
Source for the symptom in the Kia Rio IV^[28]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda 5 IAirbag module incorrectly configured after fitting the passenger airbag deactivation switchNo advance symptom is described in the sources: the risk only appears in a side impact, if the side and curtain airbags do not deploy as they should.
Source for the symptom in the Mazda 5 I^[29][30]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda 6 IDefect in the driver's airbag gas generatorThere is no prior symptom: the risk shows itself only when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Mazda 6 I^[31]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda CX-7Takata recall: the passenger airbag inflator can rupture on deploymentNo prior symptom is described: the risk only shows up if the passenger airbag deploys in an accident.
Source for the symptom in the Mazda CX-7^[32]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase M / GLE W166Takata recall: driver and passenger airbags with ammonium nitrate inflatorsThere is no noticeable symptom: the risk only appears if the airbag deploys in an accident.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase M / GLE W166^[33]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMINI Cooper F56Side and knee airbags may not work (2016 units) and the airbag warning light may stay on (2014)In the 2014 campaign, the airbag warning light stayed on in the cluster for no apparent reason.
Source for the symptom in the MINI Cooper F56^[34]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalNissan Note IRisk of airbag rupture or abnormal deploymentThere is no perceptible symptom before an accident: the defect affects how the airbag behaves at the moment of deployment.
Source for the symptom in the Nissan Note I^[35]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Astra LPassive safety campaigns: front seat belt pretensioner and curtain airbag (2022-2023)An incorrectly positioned curtain airbag need not give the driver any prior warning either.
Source for the symptom in the Opel Astra L^[36]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Corsa FElectrical fault that can prevent airbag deployment (2020-2021 production)A fault in the electrical circuit related to the airbag can turn on the corresponding warning light in the instrument cluster; the source itself warns that, in an accident, the airbag might not deploy.
Source for the symptom in the Opel Corsa F^[37]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Grandland IWiring chafing under the seat with a risk to the side airbag and of a short circuit (2024 build)The source describes no reliable prior signal; the risk is that, if the wiring is already damaged, the side airbag may not work normally in an impact or a short circuit may occur.
Source for the symptom in the Opel Grandland I^[38]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Meriva BPassenger airbag module recallThere is no prior symptom; the defect only shows if the airbag deploys in an accident.
Source for the symptom in the Opel Meriva B^[39][40]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Zafira Tourer CAirbag recalls due to propellant degradationNo prior symptom; the risk arises only if the airbag deploys.
Source for the symptom in the Opel Zafira Tourer C^[41]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat Alhambra IITakata recalls: driver and passenger airbags may fragmentThere is no visible symptom in normal use; the risk only arises if the airbag deploys in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Seat Alhambra II^[42][43][44]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat Alhambra IIFaulty capacitor in the airbag control unit (2015 Alhambra)The airbag warning light or a deployment without an accident would be the warnings; the source only describes the risk.
Source for the symptom in the Seat Alhambra II^[45]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat Alhambra IIFaulty weld in the passenger airbag module (2017 Alhambra)There is no visible prior symptom; the failure would show up in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Seat Alhambra II^[46]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda Fabia IIIDriver airbag recall for propellant degradationThere is no noticeable symptom: the risk only arises if the airbag deploys in an accident.
Source for the symptom in the Škoda Fabia III^[47]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda RapidRecalls for the driver's airbag inflatorNo noticeable symptom: the risk only arises if the airbag deploys in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Škoda Rapid^[48]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda RoomsterAirbag recall: risk of uncontrolled deployment (campaign 69PB)There is no noticeable symptom; the risk is an uncontrolled deployment of the airbag.
Source for the symptom in the Škoda Roomster^[49][50]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda YetiRecalls for the Škoda Yeti driver airbag inflatorThere is no symptom: the risk only arises if the airbag deploys in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Škoda Yeti^[51]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki Swift VThe side and curtain airbag can deploy when a rear door is slammedThere is not always a prior warning: the risk is that, when a rear door is slammed, the side and curtain airbag on that side deploys for no reason.
Source for the symptom in the Suzuki Swift V^[52]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Corolla XReplacement passenger airbag inflator fitted in the wrong orientationThere is no symptom you can notice while driving: the risk appears only if the passenger airbag deploys in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Toyota Corolla X^[53][54]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Urban CruiserBadly fitted front seat covers that can prevent the side airbag from deployingThere is no symptom noticeable while driving: the defect would only show if the side airbag had to deploy in an accident.
Source for the symptom in the Toyota Urban Cruiser^[54]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Verso-SPossible deployment failure of the driver's and passenger's airbagsThe source describes no prior symptom: the risk only appears if the airbag deploys in a collision.
Source for the symptom in the Toyota Verso-S^[55]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Verso-SBadly fitted front seat covers that can prevent the side airbag from deployingThere is no noticeable symptom when driving: the defect would only show itself if the side airbag had to deploy in an accident.
Source for the symptom in the Toyota Verso-S^[54]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota VersoRecall for the airbag inflation system on the Toyota VersoNo noticeable symptom; the risk only appears in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Toyota Verso^[56]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A4 B9Several one-off campaigns on seat anchorage and the front airbag (2018-2021)There is usually no specific warning light or alert for the driver; these campaigns are identified by chassis number (VIN), not by a symptom noticeable on the road.Repair: €0
Source for the symptom in the Audi A4 B9^[57]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi Q4 e-tronCampaign 68J1: faulty airbag control unitA control unit fault can switch on the airbag warning light; the data sheet describes no specific symptoms.
Source for the symptom in the Audi Q4 e-tron^[58]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën Xsara PicassoAirbag warning light on due to connectors under the seats, and a recall on the first models (2000)The airbag warning light may come on intermittently because of a faulty connector under the seats or a fault in the control unit itself.
Source for the symptom in the Citroën Xsara Picasso^[59]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda Accord VIIIHonda Accord VIII airbag module recall (June 2015)The testimonials speak of airbag warning lights being on and associated recall campaigns.
Source for the symptom in the Honda Accord VIII^[60]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota RAV4 IIRAV4 airbag recall for an assembly problem, cited by the pageThe page describes no symptom: the defect would only show when the airbag deploys.
Source for the symptom in the Toyota RAV4 II^[61]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo 156Alfa Romeo 156 electronics and airbag warning light faultsAirbag warning light on or various electronic faults, according to the page.
Source for the symptom in the Alfa Romeo 156^[62]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareDS DS 7 CrossbackIncorrect or poorly secured airbag parts in two campaigns (2017-2018 and 2021)These defects do not usually give any warning other than the airbag warning light itself if the system detects an electrical anomaly; in many cases they can only be detected by checking the chassis number (VIN).
Source for the symptom in the DS DS 7 Crossback^[63]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFiat 500XLimited airbag and seat belt pretensioner function because of the ORC control unit (2017-2019 build)No specific warning light is described: the risk is that the airbag or seat belt pretensioner does not act correctly in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Fiat 500X^[64]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFiat TalentoCorrosion in the passenger airbag gas generator housingNo prior symptom is described: the defect would affect the airbag's protection in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Fiat Talento^[65]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFord Kuga IIRisk of the side or knee airbag not deploying because of a faulty initiatorThe source does not confirm whether this particular defect lights the airbag warning light; if in doubt, check with the dealer whether the car falls within the affected production range.
Source for the symptom in the Ford Kuga II^[66]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareJeep Compass MPSide curtain airbags might not deploy correctly (2020-2021 production)There is no specific prior warning: the risk is that the side curtain airbags do not deploy correctly in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Jeep Compass MP^[67]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareJeep RenegadeLimited airbag and seat belt pretensioner function due to the ORC control unit (built 2018-2019)No specific warning light is described: the risk is that the airbag or the seat belt pretensioner may not act with full effectiveness in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Jeep Renegade^[68][69]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase E W211SAM module faults, false airbag warnings and battery drain on 2002-2003 carsThe front passenger seat occupancy mat fails relatively often and triggers airbag warnings when there is no real problem.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase E W211^[70]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz GLC X253Damaged wire in the steering column that can fire the airbag by mistake (up to 2017)A damaged wire in the steering column can turn on the airbag warning light before causing an accidental deployment, although the source does not detail a guaranteed advance warning.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz GLC X253^[71]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz SLK R171Door control unit failure and other electrical faults on the SLKAirbag warning light on; one case attributes it to the seat connector (~1,000 euros).
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz SLK R171^[72]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Clio IIIAirbag warning light on because of a connector under the seatsThe airbag warning light in the instrument cluster comes on unexpectedly and stays on.
Source for the symptom in the Renault Clio III^[73]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareRenault Trafic IIIPassenger airbag gas generator ruptureNo advance symptom is described: the defect would only show itself in an impact in which the airbag deploys.
Source for the symptom in the Renault Trafic III^[74]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareRenault Trafic IIIBadly configured crash sensors: airbags and pretensioners may not activateNo symptom is described: the fault would show itself in a crash.
Source for the symptom in the Renault Trafic III^[75]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareŠkoda Superb IIAirbag control unit fault on cars built January to August 2015The manufacturer itself warns of a possible airbag malfunction without describing any noticeable prior symptom.
Source for the symptom in the Škoda Superb II^[76]
- High severityRareFrequency: RareFiat 500eIncorrect passenger airbag deactivation warning (April 2021 campaign)The passenger airbag deactivation indicator may show a different status from the real one (on when it is off, or the other way round), as the campaign itself describes.
Source for the symptom in the Fiat 500e^[77]
- Medium severityRareFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz CLA C118Airbag warning light and SOS emergency call light staying onThe SOS or airbag warning light stays on despite several visits to the workshop.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz CLA C118^[78]
- Medium severityRareFrequency: RareNissan Micra IIIAirbag warning light comes on because of a faulty connectorThe airbag warning light comes on in the instrument cluster without any impact or any adjustment of the seat or steering wheel.
Source for the symptom in the Nissan Micra III^[79]

Airbag light: causes in your car

61 cars have several documented faults that cause this symptom. Choose yours to see only those that affect it, by engine and by year.

Alfa Romeo 1

Alfa Romeo 156

Audi 2

BMW 6

Citroën 3

Dacia 1

Dacia Lodgy

DS 1

DS DS 7 Crossback

Fiat 5

Ford 2

Honda 3

Jeep 2

Kia 2

Mazda 3

Mercedes-Benz 5

MINI 1

MINI Cooper F56

Nissan 2

Opel 5

Renault 2

Seat 2

Škoda 5

Suzuki 1

Suzuki Swift V

Toyota 6

Volkswagen 1

Volkswagen Passat B8

Airbag light by brand

Frequently asked questions

Does a car with the airbag light on pass the MOT?

No. Autofácil, with a DEKRA ITV engineer, treats it as a failure; Autopista specifies that it is a serious defect if the light stays lit or does not come on at start-up as it should, and Motorpasión states that no car passes the ITV (the Spanish equivalent of the MOT) with that light on.^[2][3][6]

Is it normal for the airbag light to come on briefly at start-up?

Autopista takes it for granted that it should come on at start-up, which is why at the ITV (the Spanish equivalent of the MOT) it is a serious defect both if it stays lit and if it does not come on at start-up. What is worrying is if it does not go out afterwards.^[6]

Can I switch off the airbag light myself?

Not reliably: RACE explains that the warning does not disappear until the fault is repaired and the mechanic clears it with the diagnostic machine, and Motorpasión and Autopista advise against tampering with the airbag because of its pyrotechnic charge.^[1][2][6]

How much does it cost to replace an airbag?

RACE gives, for replacing an airbag, from about €350, about €650 if the control unit and the pretensioners are also replaced and up to about €6,000 in cars with ten airbags. These are figures for replacing the system; the sources give no price for fixing the simplest causes, such as a loose cable or a sensor.^[9]

Does the warning light have anything to do with a Takata airbag recall?

The sources that explain the warning light do not link it to those campaigns. Separately, Autopista reported in February 2026 the recall of around 901,364 Opel vehicles over Takata driver airbags, with an order to leave certain models parked in southern Europe; the article does not explain how to check whether your car is affected, so the safest thing is to ask the manufacturer.^[8]

Other symptoms: warning lights and alerts

All symptoms

Has this happened to you? Tell us which fault it was, at how many kilometres and how much you paid: it helps other owners know what to expect. Report your fault.

Sources

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

1.La luz del airbag está encendida y el testigo no se apaga: ¿qué significa?RACE · Motoring press · published 21 October 2020 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
2.Se te ha encendido el testigo del airbag y no sabes si deberías seguir circulando o salir corriendo al taller: tenemos algo que contarteMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 23 March 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
3.¿Puedes pasar la ITV con un testigo encendido? Nos responde el expertoAutofácil · Motoring press · published 11 September 2025 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
4.Se ha encendido un testigo luminoso en el cuadro de instrumentos del coche, ¿qué significa?RACE · Motoring press · published 18 November 2022 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
5.Los motivos que pueden provocar que se encienda la luz del airbagMotor16 · Motoring press · published 11 August 2024 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
6.¿Piensas desmontar el airbag del volante? Conoce los riesgos y por qué acudir al tallerAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 6 May 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
7.¿Cómo desactivar el airbag del copiloto?RACE · Motoring press · published 15 February 2023 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
8.Casi otro millón de coches tienen que ser retirados por un grave problema de seguridad ya recurrenteAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 20 February 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
9.¿Caducan los airbags de tu vehículo?RACE · Motoring press · published 26 March 2024 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
10.Toyota Auris (2006-2017): inflador Takata del airbag del conductorCar-recalls.eu · Other source · published July 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026
11.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
12.Used Volkswagen Passat (Mk8, 2014-2021) review and buyer's guideAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
13.Fiabilité BMW Série 5 (2003-2010): pannes et avis de propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
14.Tous les problèmes sur BMW Serie 2 Active Tourer 2014-2022fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
15.Tous les problèmes sur BMW Serie 7 2015-2022fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
16.Fiabilité BMW X3 (2004-2010): pannes et avis de propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
17.Tous les problèmes sur BMW X6 II 2014-2019 (10 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
18.Fiabilité Citroën Berlingo 3 : témoignages de pannesFiches-Auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
19.Citroën: más de 62.000 airbags reemplazadosRevista DGT · Official body · published 30 June 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
20.No, Citroën no está pidiendo que dejes de conducir el C3 porque pueda tener un airbag peligroso: "En España no hay ahora ninguna campaña"Motorpasión · Motoring press · published 20 June 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
21.Tous les problèmes sur Dacia Lodgy (248 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
22.Fiabilité et pannes de la Fiat Punto (Grande Punto / Punto Evo / Punto)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
23.Fiabilité Fiat Stilo (2001-2007) - pannes et problèmes recensésFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
24.Tous les problèmes sur Ford GALAXY 2016 (11 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
25.Tous les problèmes sur Honda Civic 2012-2017 (195 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
26.Tous les problèmes sur Honda Jazz 2 2008-2015 (112 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
27.Kia Rio III (UB): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
28.Kia Rio IV (seit 2017): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 May 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
29.Mazda 5 (2005 – 2010) airbag injury recallcar-recalls.eu (Safety Gate A12/0501/17) · Other source · published 20 April 2017 · consulted 5 October 2026
30.Mazda 5 (2005 – 2010) airbag injurycar-recalls.eu (Safety Gate A12/00253/22) · Other source · published 12 February 2022 · consulted 5 October 2026
31.Mazda 6 2002-2008: fiabilidad, averías y testimonios (206 testimonios)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
32.Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2009) airbag injury recallcar-recalls.eu (Safety Gate A12/0022/19) · Other source · published 11 January 2019 · consulted 5 October 2026
33.Tous les problèmes sur Mercedes ML 3 2011-2015 (62 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
34.Mini Mini (F56) 2014-2024 : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
35.Nissan Note RecallsAutoinsider · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
36.Fiabilité et pannes de l'Opel Astra (2021-)Fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
37.Fiabilité et pannes de l'Opel Corsa 6 (2019-)Fiches-Auto.fr · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
38.Fiabilité Opel Grandland X (2017-2024), pannes et témoignagesFiches-Auto.fr · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
39.FACUA alerta de la llamada a revisión de los Opel Meriva B y Astra K por un problema en el airbagFACUA · Consumer association · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
40.Opel Meriva 2 (2010-2017): pannes et problèmes (238 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
41.Opel Zafira Tourer (2011-2019): pannes et problèmes (108 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
42.Seat Alhambra (2012-2017): recall by Takata airbags (69EC)car-recalls.eu · Official body · published 15 October 2023 · consulted 4 October 2026
43.Seat Alhambra (2009-2010): airbag Takata (69GH)car-recalls.eu · Official body · published 21 June 2024 · consulted 4 October 2026
44.Seat Alhambra (2012-2013): airbag injury (69FT)car-recalls.eu · Official body · published 4 October 2024 · consulted 4 October 2026
45.Seat Alhambra (2015): airbag control unit condenser (69Z6)car-recalls.eu · Official body · published 10 February 2020 · consulted 4 October 2026
46.Seat Alhambra (2016-2017): passenger airbag module weldcar-recalls.eu · Official body · published 4 March 2018 · consulted 4 October 2026
47.Fiabilité Skoda Fabia 3 (2014-2021) (117 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
48.Skoda Rapid 2012-2019: problemas y retiradas (31 testimonios)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
49.Fiabilité Skoda Roomster 2006-2015 (90 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
50.Škoda RoomsterWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
51.Tous les problèmes sur Skoda YETI 2009-2017 (96 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
52.Suzuki Swift (2017-2019) - Airbag electronic malfunctionCar Recalls EU · Other source · published June 2019 · consulted 27 September 2026
53.Toyota Corolla (2006 – 2013): inflador de repuesto del airbag del acompañante en orientación incorrecta (Safety Gate A12/0855/18)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 29 June 2018 · consulted 5 October 2026
54.DVSA – base de llamadas a revisiónGOV.UK – DVSA / Office for Product Safety and Standards · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
55.Toyota Verso-S (2010 – 2015): riesgo de fallo del airbag (Safety Gate A12/1497/17)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 3 November 2017 · consulted 5 October 2026
56.Toyota Verso (2009-2017): problemas y averías (173 testimonios)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
57.Fiabilité Audi A4 : pannes, rappels et témoignagesfiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
58.Todos los problemas del Audi Q4 e-tron (4 testimonios)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
59.Fiabilité Citroën Xsara Picasso (1999-2010) : pannes et rappelsfiches-auto.fr · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
60.Tous les problèmes sur Honda Accord 2008-2015 (57 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
61.Tous les problèmes sur Toyota RAV4 2001-2006 (306 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
62.Fiabilité Alfa-romeo 156 (1997-2005)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
63.Fiabilité DS7 Crossback (2018) : pannes et rappelsfiches-auto.fr · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
64.Fiat 500X – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
65.Fiat Talento (2020): recall of the front passenger airbagcar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 26 October 2020 · consulted 4 October 2026
66.Used Ford Kuga (Mk2, 2012-2019) reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 20 October 2021 · consulted 27 September 2026
67.Jeep Compass : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
68.Jeep Renegade : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
69.Jeep Renegade (seit 2014) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 2 March 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
70.Mercedes E-Klasse W211: Schwachstellen, Probleme und KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
71.Mercedes-Benz GLC (X253): Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
72.Mercedes SLK (2004-2010): testimonios de averíasfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
73.Fiabilité Renault Clio 3 : que vaut le modèle en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 26 November 2012 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
74.Renault Trafic (2020): recall of the passenger airbag gas generatorcar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 23 October 2020 · consulted 4 October 2026
75.Renault Trafic (2021-2023): recall of the collision sensorscar-recalls.eu · Other source · published January 2024 · consulted 4 October 2026
76.Fiabilité Skoda Superb (2008-2015): pannes et avis de propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
77.Tous les problèmes sur Fiat 500e 2020 (22 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
78.Mercedes CLA 2 (2019) : pannes et problèmes (12 avis)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
79.Nissan Micra III : pannes et fiabilitéfiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French