What Happens If Your Airbags Weren’t Reinstalled Correctly?

You expect your repairs to be completed the correct way so that you can get back on the road. Unfortunately, not every repair shop in South Jersey is going to follow manufacturer procedures—particularly when reinstalling airbags. Incorrect airbag reinstallation isn’t a trivial problem. When your airbags aren’t properly installed after an accident, your driving a vehicle that may not perform as required when you’re in danger.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we pay attention to manufacturer directions when reinstalling airbags, because we want you to be safe when driving your car. Here’s what happens when your airbags aren’t reinstalled correctly, and some steps you can take when you suspect something’s wrong.

The Role of Airbags in Collision Safety

Airbags haven’t been around for a long time, but they have saved countless lives. First developed in the 1950s and made common in the 1990s, airbags are a safety feature that creates a protective cushion around the driver and passengers in the vehicle. This makes them a crucial feature in all modern vehicles. Airbags work in conjunction with seatbelts, frame structure, and crash sensors.

It doesn’t matter if the airbags deployed during a collision or not. Most of the time, airbags need to be replaced and reinstalled. Furthermore, the process needs to be handled by a technician whose been trained to use manufacturer-approved parts and processes. That way, everything will function as intended.

What Can Go Wrong When Airbags Aren’t Reinstalled Correctly

As mentioned previously, the reinstallation process for airbags needs to be handled by professionals. Any mistake during the reinstallation can have serious consequences.

1. Airbags Fail to Deploy in a Crash

In order for an airbag to deploy, various sensors and electrical components also have to work. If those modules aren’t properly attached, your airbags may not deploy when you need them. Imagine if that were to happen during a high-speed crash on Route 55…failure to deploy could be the difference between minor injuries and life-threatening ones.

2. Airbags Deploy Unexpectedly

On one end of the spectrum, your airbags may not deploy at all. Now, what happens if those airbags go off at the wrong time? Incorrect wiring during reinstallation may cause even a bump in the road to trigger airbag deployment. Should that happen when you least expect it, you may lose control of your vehicle, causing a collision.

3. Faulty or Non-OEM Components

Some low-cost repair shops use non-OEM or recycled airbags to save money. These parts may have unknown histories, missing inflators, or damaged wiring, leading to unpredictable behavior during deployment.

4. Dashboard Warning Lights Ignored

When you received your vehicle, was there a warning light on the dashboard? Warning lights don’t happen out of the blue and for no reason. They’re a sign that something is amiss. Don’t overlook those lights, because it means that your airbag may not protect you in a collision.

5. Improper Sensor Placement or Calibration

Airbag systems rely on precise measurements from sensors mounted on the frame and within the cabin. If a frame is even slightly misaligned or a sensor isn’t calibrated correctly, airbags may deploy too late—or too early—to offer protection.

Signs Your Airbags Weren’t Reinstalled Correctly

Now that you know about the issues and consequences underlying an incorrect airbag reinstallation, let’s discuss the signs. Knowing what to look and listen for can help you recognize issues before they worsen.

Here are red flags that may indicate a problem with your airbags:

• The airbag warning light stays on or flashes.
• You notice new rattling or clicking sounds near the steering wheel or dashboard.
• The horn or steering wheel buttons don’t work properly.
• You were in another minor accident and your airbags didn’t deploy.
• You weren’t informed of airbag replacement or reinstallation details after repairs.

Notice any of these symptoms of a poor airbag reinstallation? Don’t wait to let an auto body repair shop know. Get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.

Why Airbag Reinstallation Requires Certified Auto Technicians

Airbag systems are tightly integrated with your vehicle’s structure, sensors, and electrical systems. That’s why manufacturers provide specific procedures for reinstallation that must be followed precisely. At Elmer’s Auto Body, our certified technicians use OEM parts and manufacturer-approved procedures to ensure your airbag system is fully restored. We verify sensor alignment, recalibrate your vehicle’s ADAS systems, and test all safety components before your vehicle leaves the shop.

You can trust that when we say your car is ready, it truly meets safety standards.

Get Your Airbags Properly Reinstalled at Elmer’s Auto Body

Airbags are lifesavers, but they need to be reinstalled correctly after a collision. Make sure you are choosing safety and selecting a trusted collision repair shop in South Jersey. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we take repairs seriously and never cut corners. Our technicians are certified by numerous manufacturers and will follow repair guidelines. We want you to be safe, which is why we check and double check every sensor and safety component.