Your car’s airbags are crucial safety devices that protect you during a collision.
But did you know a faulty airbag sensor (crash sensor) can render them useless?
If your car’s sensors are acting up, understanding the airbag sensor replacement cost is essential, as it can vary based on several factors.
To help you budget, we’ll break down the costs involved and why investing in properly functioning sensors is vital for your safety on the road.
Let’s begin!
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does the Airbag Sensor Replacement Cost?
- Is it Worth Replacing Your Car’s Airbag Sensors?
- Signs You Need an Airbag Sensor Replacement
- How Are Airbag Sensor Issues Diagnosed?
- How Often Do Airbag Crash Sensors Need Replacement?
- Can You Replace the Airbag Sensor Yourself?
- Do You Need to Replace the Entire Airbag System If a Sensor Fails?
How Much Does the Airbag Sensor Replacement Cost?
Here’s how much you’ll need to pay for an airbag sensor (impact or crash sensor) replacement:
A. Range
The average replacement cost for an airbag sensor is around $200 to $670. This cost estimate includes:
- Part cost: $70-350
- Labor costs: $50-$170 per hour (replacing an airbag sensor can take anywhere from 1-3 hours)
- Diagnostic fee: A mechanic may first run a diagnostic test to assess which impact sensor needs replacing. They’ll charge an additional $75-$100 for it.
NOTE: This range doesn’t include taxes and fees or your location. Labor costs can also differ depending on where you get the replacement. Generally, local repair shops will charge less than a dealership.
B. Factors
The total cost depends on a range of factors, in addition to the sensor cost and labor. Let’s check them out.
- Car make and model: Luxury vehicles like Mercedes and BMW have more advanced sensors, leading to higher replacement costs than standard models.
- Number of sensors: A high-end vehicle may have multiple sensors, increasing the total cost if several sensors need to be replaced. Certain modern cars also have seat belt sensors that control airbag deployment based on passenger weight and position. So, if a passenger seat is unoccupied, the airbag won’t deploy. In that case, you’ll only need sensor and airbag replacement for the deployed airbag, saving potential costs.
- Replacement complexity: Sensors in hard-to-reach areas, like behind the dashboard, will require more labor, increasing costs. Easier-to-access locations, such as the front bumper, result in lower labor charges.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vs aftermarket: OEM sensor and airbag replacement is typically more expensive but offers higher reliability and compatibility. Aftermarket parts are cheaper but may lead to additional costs down the line.
- Additional repairs: When the airbag light is on, other components may also need replacement, adding to the repair cost. These include:
- Seat belt and transitioner replacement cost: $100-$250
- Clock spring replacement cost: $350
- Driver-side airbag replacement cost: $200-$700
- Side curtain airbag replacement cost: $400
- Passenger airbag replacement cost: $400 – $1,000
- Steering wheel airbag replacement cost: $1,000
- Airbag module (airbag computer): $1,000 to $1,300
NOTE: Manufacturer warranties often cover sensors and airbag replacement if they fail within a specified period. This is typically covered under bumper-to-bumper or safety system warranty coverage.
Is it Worth Replacing Your Car’s Airbag Sensors?
It’s not just worth it but highly crucial for your safety.
If an airbag sensor malfunctions, it can lead to serious consequences, like:
- Risk of injury: A defective airbag sensor could prevent airbag deployment during an accident, increasing the risk of injury to you and your passenger.
- Legal implications: A non-functional airbag system may cause your vehicle to fail state or federal inspections, making it illegal to drive until you repair it.
- Denial of auto insurance coverage: Many car insurance companies deny coverage for injuries or damages resulting from accidents if the airbags are knowingly non-functional. This can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs.
Signs You Need an Airbag Sensor Replacement
Here are some indications of a bad airbag sensor:
- Lit or intermittent airbag light
- No airbag deployment after a collision
- Airbag deployment without collision
- Noticeable damage like cracks or corrosion on the impact sensor
How Are Airbag Sensor Issues Diagnosed?
If you have a lit airbag warning light, here’s how a mechanic will diagnose a faulty airbag sensor:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to read trouble codes related to the airbag sensors.
- Check sensors and wiring for corrosion, damage, or loose connections.
- Ensure sensors are properly aligned, especially after collisions.
- Assess any past damage or repair that may have affected sensors.
- Use a multimeter to test sensor circuits for continuity and faults.
- Clear error codes to see if the issue persists.
- Run simulated tests to check the airbag control module response and if the airbags work.
How Often Do Airbag Crash Sensors Need Replacement?
Airbag sensors don’t really have a specific replacement schedule but need to be swapped out based on certain conditions. These include:
- After a collision: If your vehicle has been in a significant crash, even if the airbags didn’t deploy, the sensors may be damaged. It’s essential to have them inspected, as some sensors are designed for a single use.
- Lit airbag warning light: If the airbag warning appears on your dashboard and diagnostics reveal an issue with a crash sensor, it’ll need to be replaced to ensure safety.
- Water damage: If your vehicle was recently exposed to flooding or water damage, it could lead to corrosion or failure of the sensors, necessitating their replacement.
- Electrical issues: Persistent electrical faults can affect the airbag system and may require sensor and airbag replacement to restore proper functionality.
Can You Replace the Airbag Sensor Yourself?
Ideally, you shouldn’t.
Attempting to replace the airbag sensor yourself poses several risks, including potential damage to the vehicle and the danger of accidental airbag deployment. Additionally, improper repairs can lead to the deactivation of airbags, increasing the chances of injury in the event of a collision.
For your safety and the integrity of the airbag system, it’s best to leave any repair related to the Supplemental Restraint System (airbag system) to a certified professional.
Do You Need to Replace the Entire Airbag If a Sensor Fails?
In most cases, you only need to replace the faulty sensor, not the entire airbag.
The crash sensors operate independently from the airbags, so replacing just the sensor can restore the Supplemental Restraint System functionality. However, if the airbags activate during an accident, both the deployed airbag and sensor should be replaced.
Get Your Airbag Sensors Replaced Promptly for Road Safety
The repair cost for a new airbag sensor can vary significantly due to factors like the make and model of your vehicle, labor costs, and whether additional repairs are needed.
Nevertheless, it’s a repair you shouldn’t ignore.
And if your vehicle isn’t drivable due to a lit airbag warning light, contact AutoNation Mobile Service.
Our mobile mechanics can come and fix your bad airbag sensor right from your driveway. We also offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all services, including faulty sensor and airbag repair.
Contact us for a quote today!