The airbag light - also called SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) - means your car has detected a fault that could stop the airbags from deploying in a crash. The car still drives the same, but your airbags may be inoperative. Always fix this.
You can drive, but in a crash one or more airbags may not deploy. There's no warning until it matters. Get this diagnosed within a week, not later. Costs are usually moderate.
The sensor in the passenger seat or seatbelt buckle has failed or its connector under the seat has come loose. Very common cause. Often disturbed by vacuuming or moving heavy items.
The spiral ribbon cable behind the steering wheel that connects the driver airbag and horn. Wears out at 100k+ miles. Often paired with intermittent horn or cruise control issues.
A small accelerometer at the front bumper or sides. Damaged by a minor bump or corrosion. Each sensor is $50 - $150.
Get a free diagnosis →Yellow connectors under both front seats are crash-sensor connectors. Sliding a seat all the way back can stretch the wire and pop the connector loose. Free fix - just push them together.
Get a free diagnosis →The module under the center console that controls all airbags. Can be water-damaged by floor flooding. Some can be reset for $50; some need replacement at $500+.
Voltage drops during cranking can store an SRS code. Clear codes after a battery replacement and see if the light returns. Some cars need a scan tool to clear SRS codes.
Get a free diagnosis →Several vehicles have open SRS-related recalls. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov - some fixes are free at any dealer.
Get a free diagnosis →SRS faults run from a $0 reconnected plug to a $900 module. Tell us your year/make/model and any B-codes - we'll point to the most likely fix.
Get a free vehicle-specific diagnosis →Takes under a minute. Tell us your year/make/model and what you're seeing.
If your scanner is showing one of these codes alongside this symptom, that is your starting point. Click any code for the full diagnosis.
The car drives normally - but if you crash, one or more airbags may not deploy. Don't put off the diagnosis. SRS is a life-safety system.
Yes in most US states with safety inspections, and in all states that follow federal standards. Fix it before inspection.
Sometimes, if the cause is just a stored code from a low battery. Most SRS codes require a scan tool to clear, though - they don't auto-clear like engine codes.
On some cars, blinking codes are how the SRS reports faults. Count the blinks (long-short pattern) and compare to your service manual. Most cars just show a solid light and store a B-code instead.
Part: $80 - $300. Labor: $100 - $200. The job needs the steering wheel off, so an airbag-disable procedure is required. Most shops charge $250 - $500 total.
If you crash and the airbags don't deploy because of a known-but-unfixed SRS fault, insurers can argue it. Fix the light and keep the receipt.