Airbag Replacement Cost in 2026
$1,000 – $2,000
Replacing a deployed airbag costs $1,000 to $2,000 per airbag (part + labor). A full post-accident restoration — driver and passenger airbags, SRS module reset, crash sensors, and seatbelt pretensioners — typically totals $2,500–$6,000.
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Airbag system cost by component
| Repair type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Driver airbag (steering wheel) | $600 – $1,200 |
| Passenger airbag (dashboard) | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Side / curtain airbag | $800 – $1,500 |
| SRS module reset or replacement | $150 – $600 |
| Seatbelt pretensioner (each) | $200 – $400 |
What affects the price
- How many deployed — each airbag, sensor, and pretensioner adds to the bill.
- Passenger airbags — often require removing the entire dashboard, doubling labor.
- Part availability — new OEM airbags are pricey; verified recycled units cut cost 40–60%.
- SRS module — after deployment the control module locks crash data and must be reset or replaced before the light goes off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with deployed airbags?▾
Legally yes in most states, but it's unsafe — the car has no airbag protection, and the SRS warning light means the whole system may be offline.
Does insurance cover airbag replacement?▾
Yes, when the deployment results from a covered collision. Airbag costs are a common reason moderate-looking accidents total a car.
Can deployed airbags be repaired instead of replaced?▾
No — airbags are single-use pyrotechnic devices and must be replaced. Only the SRS module and pretensioners can sometimes be reset by specialty services.
Why does airbag replacement total so many cars?▾
On a car worth $6,000, a $3,000–$5,000 airbag restoration plus body damage quickly exceeds the 70–80% total-loss threshold insurers use.
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All prices are estimated US national averages for 2026 (parts + labor) and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual quotes vary by vehicle, region, and shop.