Airbags are fine forever.

[BLINGMW]

Something about that just doesn't strike me as being possibly true, but I've not found any data.

Now, that being said, before 2002 some automakers recommended having the airbag system inspected after 10 or 15 years, which I'm sure we all did. :evileye: But they weren't finding issues, so they don't recommend it anymore.

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Speaking of things I'm sure we all did, the Takata airbag recall is up to 34 million now...

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First gen airbags <'90- ~'98 were never fantastic anyway. So at what point do we just start disconnecting these things? Will the automakers or the NHTSA tell us? It's not like there's going to be a recall on 20+ yr old cars. But clearly an ABS light being off doesn't mean the bag will operate properly.

*edit*
in a semi-related the-more-you-know category: a lot of automakers offer lifetime seatbelt warranties. :thumbup:

[Senor_Taylor]

Thanks, I needed something new to worry about.

[BLINGMW]

Thanks, I needed something new to worry about.

:lol: you're welcome! Hey, at least your ABS light is off. Mine flashes only when it's raining. :dunno: But it is what got me curious. I could *fix it*, but have I really? Don't worry, when cruising around with the top down these concerns go away.

[SlimKlim]

I just keep the SRS system in the E36 clear of error codes and try not to think about it too much.

[ScottyB]

i've thought about this too Chan. i think the early bags (pre '00-ish) are harsher than later but we're still talking about an explosive planted in your steering wheel that's going on a decade and a half old now, after sitting through every kind of temperature. if I was buying an old car today i think i'd put in an aftermarket wheel and take my chances.

the Takata thing has been under my skin since both my cars have been deep south vehicles their entire lives in high humidity but no recall notice yet...