Airbag warning light on: causes and what to do

The airbag warning light (often shown as a figure with a balloon in front of the face) indicates a fault in the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner system. When it stays on or flashes after starting, the system may be disabled: the cause should be identified to restore protection.

Light on at start then off

When starting, all warning lights come on briefly. If the airbag light goes out after a few seconds, the system is operational. No action needed.

Light stays on or flashes

A fault has been stored. Common causes: failed crash sensor or seat position sensor, connector under the seat loose or corroded, clock spring (steering wheel) damaged, pretensioner or airbag module faulty. A fault code read with a diagnostic tool identifies the component concerned.

What to do

Driving with the light on means airbags may not deploy in a crash: increase following distance and have the vehicle checked at a garage. Do not attempt to repair airbag components yourself (risk of deployment). First check connectors under the seats (often disconnected after seat removal): reconnecting them may be enough.

Order of magnitude for costs

Fault code read: often included in a diagnostic. Clock spring: about €150–400 (part and labour). Sensor: about €100–300. Airbag module: much more (€500–2,000 and more depending on vehicle). My Auto Check-up helps you prepare your visit by listing symptoms for an initial estimate.