Wondering how much it costs to replace a steering wheel airbag?
On average, replacement can range from $1,000 to $2,470, depending on your vehicle and the components damaged during deployment.
Because airbags are critical safety systems and can only be used once, delaying repairs puts you at serious risk in the event of another crash.
This guide breaks down the cost, warning signs, lifespan, and whether replacement is worth it.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Steering Wheel Airbag Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Damaged Airbag?
- 5 Clear Signs You Need a Steering Wheel Airbag Replacement
- How Long Does a Steering Wheel Airbag Last?
- Can You Replace a Steering Wheel Airbag Yourself?
- 3 FAQs on Steering Wheel Airbags
How Much Does a Steering Wheel Airbag Replacement Cost?
The total cost of replacing airbags can increase if other components, such as the airbag control module, sensors, and wiring, are also damaged in the collision.
Here’s an estimate for installing the replacement airbag:
A. Range
The average cost of swapping out the steering wheel airbag falls between $1,000 and $2,470.
This includes:
- Cost of parts:
- Cost of labor: $500 to $550
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The cost of swapping out a defective airbag primarily depends on your car’s make and model.
Other factors that can influence the final bill at the repair shop include:
- Number of replacement airbags needed: If multiple airbags, such as the passenger airbag, steering airbag, or curtain airbag, deploy during an accident, the total cost of parts and labor can rise significantly.
- Type of airbag: Panoramic sunroof airbags, far-side airbags, or those made for luxury modern cars use specialized materials and technology, making them more expensive to replace. In contrast, basic frontal airbags usually cost less.
- Local labor charges: Airbag replacement usually takes one to two hours. It can take longer and cost more if the vehicle has a complex design or the crash caused extensive damage to other airbag components.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs. aftermarket parts: OEM airbags will cost more than the aftermarket replacement part, as the former are more durable and offer better performance.
- Additional repairs: The airbag replacement cost depends on how many related components are damaged. The airbag control module is one of the most expensive parts, and it may require replacement when severe collisions damage it or make it non-resettable.
- Type of car insurance: Depending on the cause of the deployed airbag, collision or comprehensive coverage may cover the replacement expense. On the other hand, if you’ve got liability insurance, it won’t help unless the other driver is at fault. In situations where the at-fault driver has insufficient or no car insurance, uninsured motorist coverage can help cover the cost of airbag replacement.
Is It Worth Replacing a Damaged Airbag?
Yes, absolutely. Driving without a functioning airbag significantly increases your risk of serious injury or death in the event of another collision. Once deployed, an airbag provides no protection at all and leaves the steering wheel and column unshielded during impact.
In addition to safety risks, a deployed or faulty airbag can trigger persistent warning lights, disable certain driver-assist features, and cause your vehicle to fail safety inspections in states where they’re required. Insurance companies may also deny or reduce coverage if a known safety system isn’t repaired.
Delaying airbag replacement can further increase repair costs over time. Exposed wiring, damaged trim, or a compromised airbag control module can worsen if left unaddressed, turning a single repair into a more extensive and expensive system fix.
Moreover, the US agency, NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), strongly recommends replacing airbags after deployment.
5 Clear Signs You Need a Steering Wheel Airbag Replacement
Replace the steering wheel airbag ASAP if you notice:
- Illuminated airbag light: If the airbag warning light stays on after you start your car, there’s likely a problem within the airbag system. This could be due to a malfunctioning airbag sensor, wiring issue, or other internal fault.
- Airbags fail to deploy: If your vehicle was involved in a crash and the airbags didn’t deploy, it could be due to faulty sensors, wiring issues, or a malfunctioning control module.
NOTE: Sometimes, airbags won’t deploy if the impact doesn’t meet the deployment threshold.
- Dashboard shows visible damage: Cracks, bulges, or warping near the airbag system can result from heat exposure, previous deployment, or internal pressure buildup. This is usually caused by a faulty component, like the airbag inflator.
- Unusual sounds from the steering wheel: Clicking, grinding, or other odd noises coming from the steering wheel could indicate a damaged clock spring.
- Malfunctioning seat belt pretensioners: Since airbags and seat belts work together in a crash, faulty seat belt pretensioners may indicate malfunctioning crash sensors. This can prevent airbags from deploying correctly, so it’s important to inspect the entire system.
How Long Does a Steering Wheel Airbag Last?
Airbags can last the lifetime of your car, somewhere around 10 to 15 years.
However, their performance can be affected by several factors, including:
- The quality of their design and materials
- Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture
- Lack of regular maintenance and inspection
Can You Replace a Steering Wheel Airbag Yourself?
Unless you’re a trained automotive technician, it’s best not to attempt replacing a steering wheel airbag yourself. Even a minor installation error can cause them to malfunction or fail to deploy during a crash. So, for your safety, always have airbags replaced by qualified mechanics.
But if you still wish to know, here’s how they’ll do it:
- Disconnect the car battery to prevent accidental deployment of other airbags.
- Remove the faulty or deployed airbag, be it the passenger airbag, steering airbag, or curtain airbag.
- Unplug the old airbag from the wiring harness.
- If it’s a deployed airbag, the technician may replace damaged trim components, such as side panels, console, or roof panels.
- Install the replacement airbag, reset the airbag control module, and replace damaged airbag sensors.
- Finally, reconnect the battery, monitor the airbag light, and clear any stored codes from the module. If the steering wheel buttons malfunction or a driver airbag circuit code appears, they may replace the clockspring.
3 FAQs on Steering Wheel Airbags
Get answers to some common queries related to airbags:
1. What Are the Different Types of Airbags?
Most modern cars have these five types of airbags:
- Frontal airbags: Deploy from the steering wheel and dashboard to protect the driver and front passenger during a frontal collision.
- Knee airbags: Located beneath the dashboard to shield the knees and lower legs from impact.
- Door-mounted airbags: Installed in the door panels to offer side-impact protection.
- Seat-mounted airbags: Positioned on the outer edge of the seat to cushion the torso during side collisions.
- Roof rail airbags: Extend from the roof lining above the windows to protect occupants’ heads in a side crash or rollover.
2. How Quickly Can Airbags Deploy?
Airbags typically inflate within 20 to 30 milliseconds of a vehicle collision.
3. Can Airbag Deployment Lead to a Totaled Car?
Airbag deployment doesn’t automatically mean your car is totaled. A car is considered totaled when the cost to fix it is more than its worth. Usually, the crash causes most of the damage, not just the airbags.
Drive Confidently with a Reliable Airbag System
Steering wheel airbags are a life-saving component you can’t do without.
If you suspect a defective airbag, don’t risk driving with a faulty one — contact AutoNation Mobile Service and let our experts handle it safely.
Our mobile mechanics can replace your steering wheel airbag right from your driveway and get you back on the road quickly. We also offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Schedule your steering wheel airbag replacement today to continue driving with peace of mind.