What happens if your airbags don't deploy in an accident?

The most common injuries occur to the: Chest: Without an airbag protecting you, you may suffer broken bones and soft tissue damage in your chest. Neck and back: If you get thrown forward during a crash, you may suffer from spinal cord damage, whiplash, herniated discs, and other types of strains.

Do airbags go off if hit from behind?

Your airbags should also deploy if you accidentally rear-end another driver at a certain speed. However, if you were hit from behind or on the side by another vehicle, or if a collision causes your vehicle to roll over, your airbag sensors most likely won't be triggered

November 5, 2023

What happens if the airbag didn’t go off in an accident?

If an airbag did not deploy in a car accident when it was expected to, there could be several reasons for this:

Crash Severity: Airbags are designed to deploy in certain types of crashes, typically frontal and sometimes side impacts, when the collision is severe enough to warrant their activation. If the accident was not severe enough to meet the deployment criteria, the airbags may remain inactive.
Sensor Malfunction: Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that detect changes in acceleration, deceleration, and other factors to determine whether to deploy the airbags. If these sensors malfunction or are damaged in the crash, they may not send the necessary signals to activate the airbags.
Electrical Issues: A malfunction in the vehicle’s electrical system can prevent the airbags from deploying. This could be due to a blown fuse, damaged wiring, or other electrical problems.
Airbag System Disconnected: In some cases, a previous repair or maintenance work on the vehicle might have led to the disconnection of the airbag system, rendering it inoperative.
Recalls or Defects: Occasionally, vehicle manufacturers may issue recalls for certain models due to defects or issues with the airbag system. If the vehicle in question is subject to a recall, and the necessary repairs or replacements have not been made, it could result in non-deployment.
Incorrect Seat Position: Some airbags are designed to deploy based on the position of the occupant in the seat. If the occupant is not in the correct position, the airbag may not deploy to avoid causing unnecessary harm.

If the airbag did not deploy in an accident and it should have, it’s essential to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or technician to determine the cause. In some cases, it may be necessary to contact the vehicle manufacturer or dealer to address the issue, especially if it relates to a known defect or recall. Additionally, if the failure to deploy resulted in injury or significant damage, it might be a matter for insurance and legal professionals to assess for potential claims or liabilities.

Why is my airbag light on after accident but airbags didn t deploy?

If your airbag light is on after an accident but the airbags didn’t deploy, it suggests that there may be an issue with the airbag system. Here are some possible reasons why the airbag light might be illuminated even if the airbags did not deploy:

Sensor Damage: In a collision, the impact could damage one or more of the sensors responsible for detecting crashes and triggering airbag deployment. If these sensors are damaged or malfunctioning, they may trigger the airbag light to come on even if the airbags did not deploy.
Electrical Issues: An accident can cause electrical problems in a vehicle, including issues with the wiring or connections related to the airbag system. Damage to the wiring or connectors could result in the airbag light being illuminated.
Diagnostic Mode: Some vehicles have a diagnostic mode for the airbag system that can be triggered by a significant impact. This mode may activate the airbag light to alert you that there was a collision, even if the airbags were not deployed. It’s important to have the system checked to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Faulty Airbag Control Module: The airbag control module is the computer that manages the airbag system. If it detects a fault or malfunction in any part of the system, it may trigger the airbag light as a warning. The control module can sometimes be reset after an accident, but it should be inspected by a qualified technician to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Seatbelt Pretensioners: Some vehicles have seatbelt pretensioners that can activate in a crash to tighten the seatbelt and restrain the occupant. These pretensioners may cause the airbag light to come on even if the airbags themselves did not deploy.
Post-Accident Inspection: It’s essential to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or technician after an accident to assess any damage or issues with the airbag system, sensors, wiring, and control module. They can diagnose the specific problem and make any necessary repairs or replacements.

Driving with the airbag light illuminated could mean that your airbags might not deploy in a subsequent accident, so it’s crucial to have the issue resolved promptly to ensure your safety. Additionally, many modern vehicles have a diagnostic code associated with the airbag system, which can be read using a diagnostic scanner to pinpoint the exact issue. It’s recommended to have a professional perform this diagnostic procedure to determine the root cause of the illuminated airbag light.