The IIHS in the USA has found that airbags should remain serviceable for the life of the vehicle.

I have some information about the long-term reliability of airbags. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US has crash-tested a rusty 1972 Chevrolet Impala, the oldest vehicle that they could find with airbags. Apparently they worked perfectly. They say that, provided the electronic control system is satisfactory, and the vehicle has never been immersed in water, the airbag's explosive charge should be reliable for the life of the vehicle. Hope this helps.

Asked on 30 August 2010 by Dr Alan F. Avery

Answered by Honest John

That is good, and a great relief to anyone with a nine-year-old car that has 12 airbags and who has been told they all need replacing at 10 years old.

Tags: air bags safety

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