Not sure where to post this...anyone ever had an airbag replaced in your car?

[joeybee12]

Short of it is my car, per the insurance company, is totaled, I can either take the money or take slightly less to have it fixed on my own. The driver side airbag went off, and it needs to be replaced and I'm a little leery of having that done and am leaning towards totaling it. Has anyone had it done? Is it safe? Thanks!

[cloudbase]

1. I had mine replaced

as part of the Takata airbag recall.

Insurance companies like to use used parts for repairs, and that's generally not an issue of safety. For an airbag, I'd make sure that the replacement wasn't one affected by the recall. If it all checks out, you should be good to go.

[joeybee12]

4. Thanks. Why so you think of an off market airbag?

One salvaged from a car where the irbg never deployed. That takes off about $500, but again, would that be safe?

[cloudbase]

5. Just make certain that the replacement wasn't one of the ones

subject to recall. A reputable shop wouldn't use a bad one, but as in all things, caveat emptor.

[joeybee12]

6. Very true. Thanks again

[Frustratedlady]

2. Mine had to be replaced because of an accident (the other guy had no insurance)

When you replace an airbag, every single component has to be replaced...by law. It is NOT cheap.

[joeybee12]

3. Yeah, it's the most expensive part of the repair

Thanks