What Happens When Airbags Go Off

When airbags go off, crash sensors detect a severe impact and trigger a pyrotechnic inflator that fills the airbag with gas in milliseconds; the bag bursts through its cover, cushions the occupant as it rapidly vents, and leaves behind loud noise, dust-like residue, and a single-use safety system that must be replaced. In practice, deployment feels like a loud explosion, a sudden white cloud, and a powerful shove—followed by the realization that the system did its job in a fraction of a second to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.

How an airbag decides to deploy

Airbag control units use accelerometers, pressure sensors, and algorithms to judge whether a crash is severe enough to warrant deployment. They look for a rapid change in speed and confirm direction, duration, and seat-belt status before firing one or more inflators.

• Frontal airbags typically deploy in moderate to severe frontal crashes—roughly equivalent to hitting a rigid barrier at about 12–18 mph (19–29 km/h), with specifics varying by vehicle, belt use, and impact characteristics.
• Side and curtain airbags deploy even faster, often within 10–20 milliseconds of a side impact, because occupants are closer to the striking object.
• Rollover sensors (gyros and accelerometers) can trigger curtain airbags to remain inflated longer to help protect heads during rollovers.
• Advanced systems weigh and classify occupants, adapt to seat position, and coordinate with seat-belt pretensioners to modulate force or suppress deployment when appropriate (for example, a light or rear-facing child seat on the front passenger side in vehicles with proper suppression systems).

Together, these inputs aim to fire airbags only when benefits outweigh risks—reducing deployments in minor bumps and ensuring rapid protection in serious crashes.

What you experience in the cabin

To occupants, airbag deployment is startling but purposeful. The system works so quickly that most people perceive it as a bang, a flash of white fabric, and a rush of air and dust, followed by ringing ears and the smell of something burned.

• A sharp bang and pressure wave—peak impulse can exceed 140 dB, similar to a gunshot inside a vehicle.
• A visible white or gray cloud—mostly cornstarch or talc used to help the bag deploy, plus small particulates from the inflator; it can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs (especially for people with asthma).
• Strong, acrid odor and warmth near the bag—byproducts of the gas generator and heated gases.
• Rapid cushion, then deflation—bags vent through holes so you don’t rebound; curtain airbags may stay inflated longer for rollover protection.
• Possible minor injuries—friction “burns,” abrasions, bruises, temporary hearing effects, or eye irritation; serious injuries are far more likely without airbags.
• Automatic vehicle responses (model-dependent)—fuel pump shutoff, door unlocking, hazard lights, and automatic emergency calling in vehicles equipped with telematics/eCall.

While alarming, these sensations signal that the system deployed as designed to manage forces your body would otherwise absorb.

What happens mechanically inside the module

Behind the scenes, a carefully choreographed sequence plays out on the order of milliseconds, transforming a sealed module into a life-saving cushion.

1. Impact detection: Sensors register a crash pulse and the control unit decides to fire—often within 5–15 ms after impact begins.
2. Ignition: An electrical signal ignites a small charge in the inflator.
3. Gas generation: Modern inflators rapidly produce or release inert gases (often nitrogen or argon mixtures) from solid propellants such as guanidine nitrate; older designs used sodium azide.
4. Deployment: The module’s cover splits at pre-weakened seams, and the folded airbag unfolds toward the occupant.
5. Cushioning and venting: The occupant loads the bag as it reaches full size—roughly 30–50 ms for frontal bags, about 10–20 ms for side bags—with controlled venting to manage deceleration.
6. System lockout: The airbag control unit records the event and disables redeployment; airbags are single-use and must be replaced.

This timeline, invisible to occupants, is the result of strict engineering to match human biomechanics and crash physics.

After deployment: What to do

Once airbags deploy, prioritize safety, health, and proper handling of the single-use system. The scene is chaotic; a calm checklist helps.

• Check for injuries and call emergency services; even if you feel fine, get evaluated—adrenaline can mask symptoms.
• If safe, move the vehicle out of traffic, turn off the engine, and open windows to clear the air; avoid inhaling the dust.
• Do not touch undeployed airbags or wiring; they can still deploy. If trained, disconnect the battery and wait at least 10 minutes before working near SRS components.
• Document the scene and damage for insurance, including photos of deployed airbags and seat-belt status indicators.
• Arrange a tow; driving with deployed airbags is unsafe and may be illegal in some jurisdictions.
• Start a claim and have the vehicle inspected by a qualified collision center; many repairs involve calibrations that require factory scan tools.

Taking these steps helps protect your health, preserves evidence for insurance, and ensures the safety systems are repaired correctly.

Repair and costs

Airbag deployment triggers a cascade of necessary repairs that go well beyond replacing the fabric bag. Costs vary widely by vehicle and extent of damage.

• Replace deployed airbags (driver, passenger, side, curtain) and associated trim components.
• Replace seat-belt pretensioners and any load limiters that activated; belts may require new anchor hardware.
• Replace clockspring/steering angle components if the driver airbag deployed.
• Inspect and, if required, replace crash sensors and the airbag control module; some modules must be replaced after any deployment.
• Perform OEM-required calibrations (occupant classification, steering angle, radar/camera ADAS) and clear event data with proper procedures.
• Typical repair totals range from about $1,000–$6,000 for limited deployments to well over $10,000 for multi-airbag events; severe cases can lead to a total loss determination.
• Avoid used or counterfeit airbags; tampering with SRS warning lights or resistors is illegal and dangerous.

Because the SRS is a regulated safety system, quality parts, correct installation, and factory procedures are essential to restore protection.

Risks and injuries: what’s normal, what’s not

Airbags reduce fatal and serious injuries, especially to the head, neck, and chest. However, they can cause minor injuries and, in rare circumstances, more serious harm—usually when occupants are out of position.

• Common minor effects: abrasions, “airbag burns” (thermal/friction), temporary hearing loss, and eye irritation.
• Higher-risk scenarios: sitting too close to the wheel, leaning forward at impact, hands/arms across the bag path, or placing feet on the dash.
• Best practices: sit at least 10 inches (25 cm) from the steering wheel, hands at 9 and 3 o’clock, seat and head restraint adjusted properly, and always wear seat belts.
• Children: never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active passenger airbag; the back seat is the safest place for kids. Use airbag on/off switches only as directed by the manufacturer.
• Pregnancy: keep the seat back and belts properly positioned (lap belt low on hips, shoulder belt between the breasts), maintaining distance from the wheel.

Following seating and belt guidance maximizes the benefits of airbags while minimizing deployment-related injuries.

When airbags do and don’t deploy

Airbags are not meant for every crash; they’re targeted at specific severity levels and directions to avoid unnecessary risk.

• Likely to deploy: severe frontal, near-frontal, side, or rollover events meeting algorithm thresholds.
• Unlikely to deploy: low-speed fender-benders, minor rear-end taps, or glancing blows that don’t generate the right crash pulse.
• Angle matters: a crash must deliver sufficient force along the axes monitored by the control unit; offsets and oblique angles can change the outcome.
• Adaptive behavior: seat-belt use, occupant position, and seat classification influence deployment decisions and force.

This selectivity is by design, balancing lifesaving potential against the inherent risks of deploying a powerful restraint.

Recalls and safety advisories

Airbag safety also depends on inflator integrity. The most prominent issue in recent years is the Takata inflator recall, which remains active for many vehicles.

• Takata recall: certain ammonium nitrate inflators can rupture, spraying shrapnel; heat and humidity increase risk. As of 2025, millions of vehicles worldwide remain unrepaired.
• Check your VIN: use your national safety authority’s site (for example, NHTSA.gov/recalls in the U.S.) or your automaker’s portal to verify open recalls; repairs are free.
• Heed “Do Not Drive” notices: some models have urgent warnings; contact a dealer immediately for towing and priority repair.
• SRS warning light: if it stays on, the system may not deploy or may deploy improperly—have it serviced promptly.

Staying current on recalls and addressing warning lights are critical steps in ensuring your airbag system performs when needed.

Frequently asked quick facts

A few concise answers address common concerns owners have after an airbag deployment or while maintaining their vehicles.

• Are the gases toxic? The dust is mostly cornstarch/talc plus inflator byproducts; it’s generally not toxic but can irritate—ventilate and avoid prolonged exposure.
• Can airbags redeploy? No. They are single-use and must be replaced after deployment.
• Do airbags work without battery power? The system includes reserve energy (capacitors) to fire during a crash even if the battery is damaged.
• Do airbags expire? Most modern vehicles do not have a routine replacement interval for airbags, but follow your owner’s manual and address warning lights immediately.
• Glasses and airbags? Wearing glasses is generally fine; keep proper seating distance to reduce injury risk.
• Noise and hearing: Impulse noise can be very loud; most people recover quickly, but seek medical care if you experience persistent ringing or hearing loss.

These points underscore how airbags are engineered for rare, critical moments—and what owners should know between those moments.

Summary

When airbags go off, sensors judge a severe crash and ignite inflators that fill and vent cushions in milliseconds to manage your body’s deceleration. You’ll hear a loud bang, see a dust-like cloud, and may feel minor abrasions—trade-offs that dramatically reduce the risk of severe injury. Afterward, ventilate the cabin, get medical evaluation, and have the vehicle professionally repaired with new SRS components and required calibrations. Keep up with recalls, maintain proper seating and belt use, and treat warning lights as urgent; the system’s split-second performance depends on careful preparation long before a crash occurs.

Can you drive a car after the airbags go off?

No, you should not drive a car after the airbags have deployed because the vehicle is not safe to operate. Airbags deploy during a significant impact that likely caused other structural or mechanical damage, compromising the car’s safety systems. Additionally, the deployed airbags need replacement, and driving without them leaves you unprotected in another accident, which is dangerous and potentially illegal. 
Why you shouldn’t drive the car:

• Compromised Safety Systems: A deployed airbag means the airbag system is damaged and will not provide protection in a future collision. You would also need to replace other parts of the safety system, like the seatbelt pretensioners. 
• Significant Damage: The force required to deploy airbags usually results in substantial damage to the vehicle’s structure, which can make it unsafe to drive. 
• Visibility and Comfort: The deployed airbag itself, which looks like a large white ball and fills the car with powder, can obstruct your view and make the vehicle uncomfortable to drive. 
• Potential Legal Issues: In some places, it may be illegal to drive a vehicle with deployed airbags, and doing so could void your car insurance. 
• Fuel Cut-Off Switch: Many vehicles have a safety feature that disables the fuel pump after a collision to prevent post-accident fires, which may prevent the car from starting and must be reset manually. 

What you should do instead:

• Get a Professional Inspection: Opens in new tabHave the car inspected by a certified collision center to determine the extent of the damage and what repairs are needed. 
• Allow for Repairs or Replacement: Opens in new tabThe deployed airbags and other affected safety components must be replaced for the vehicle to be safe again. 
• Do Not Drive Unsafely: Opens in new tabDriving with deployed airbags is a risk to your life and the lives of others, as you are not protected by the safety system. 

Can a car be repaired after airbags deploy?

Yes, a car can be repaired after its airbags deploy, but the decision to repair or declare it a total loss depends on the overall cost of repairs versus the vehicle’s actual cash value. While a deployed airbag necessitates replacement and specialized repairs, the car is only considered a total loss if the repair costs—including the airbags, sensors, and other collision damage—exceed a certain percentage of the car’s value, a threshold that varies by state.
 
Factors that determine if a car can be repaired

• Cost of Repairs vs. Car Value: The primary factor is whether the total repair cost, including replacing the deployed airbags and any other damage from the accident, exceeds the vehicle’s actual cash value. 
• Severity of Damage: A deployed airbag often indicates a serious impact, so it’s important to assess all other damage to the car’s structure and components. 
• Specialized Repair Needs: Deployed airbags must be replaced by professionals, making these repairs a significant cost that adds to the overall repair bill. 
• State Regulations: Each state has different thresholds for determining when a vehicle is a total loss, which affects the decision to repair or write off a car. 

When a car might be declared a total loss

• High Repair Costs: If the combined cost of replacing the airbags, repairing structural damage, and replacing sensors exceeds 70-80% of the car’s pre-accident value. 
• Structural Damage: Damage to the vehicle’s core structure or frame can be very expensive to fix and is a strong indicator of a total loss. 

What to do after an airbag deployment

1. Get an Inspection: Opens in new tabHave the vehicle inspected by a qualified professional or a trusted collision repair center to assess all damage. 
2. Consult Your Insurance Company: Opens in new tabProvide the inspection report to your insurance company to determine if the vehicle is repairable or a total loss. 
3. Ensure Professional Repairs: Opens in new tabIf the car is deemed repairable, take it to a certified body shop experienced with airbag replacement for proper and safe repairs. 

How bad is an accident if airbags deploy?

An airbag deployment indicates a serious accident with significant impact forces, though the specific severity and your injuries depend on many factors, including the type of crash, your position in the vehicle, and whether you were wearing a seatbelt. While designed to prevent fatal injuries, the rapid, forceful deployment of an airbag itself can cause serious harm, such as burns, fractures, and head, neck, or internal injuries. 
Signs of a Serious Accident

• Forceful impact: Airbag deployment signals a high-force collision, often at 10-16 mph or greater, which is forceful enough to cause serious injury from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard. 
• Intent to protect: Airbags are a safety feature that deploys to protect occupants in moderate to severe crashes, preventing more severe injuries. 

Potential Airbag-Related Injuries

• Burns and Abrasions: Opens in new tabThe chemicals and friction from the fast-inflating bag can cause skin burns or abrasions. 
• Facial and Head Injuries: Opens in new tabDirect impact can cause facial fractures (nose, jaw) and head trauma, including concussions. 
• Chest and Internal Injuries: Opens in new tabThe forceful impact can lead to broken ribs, collarbones, or internal injuries. 
• Neck and Spinal Injuries: Opens in new tabThe force of the deployment can cause whiplash, neck pain, or more serious spinal injuries. 
• Hearing and Eye Injuries: Opens in new tabThe loud noise of deployment can lead to hearing loss, and chemicals or impact can cause eye injuries. 

Factors Influencing Injury Severity

• Proximity to the Airbag: Opens in new tabSitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard increases the risk of severe injuries. 
• Seatbelt Use: Opens in new tabThe forceful impact of a deployed airbag is mitigated when a seatbelt is worn, as it keeps the occupant in the correct position. 
• Vehicle Safety Features: Opens in new tabThe vehicle’s overall safety system, including the effectiveness of the airbags, determines how well it protects occupants. 

What to Do After an Airbag Deployment

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is crucial to diagnose potential internal injuries or conditions like whiplash that may require prompt treatment. 
• Contact a Lawyer: Airbag deployment provides evidence of a severe crash, which can be used to strengthen a personal injury claim. A lawyer can help investigate the cause of the accident and determine if there were any defects in the airbag system. 

Is a car totaled if the airbags go off?

No, a car is not automatically totaled just because the airbags go off, but it’s a strong indicator that the vehicle may be a total loss. An insurance company determines if a car is totaled by comparing the cost of repairs to the car’s actual cash value. Since airbags are expensive to replace and deployment signals a severe impact, the combination of high repair costs (including other potential damage to the frame, engine, or other critical components) often pushes the repair estimate over the vehicle’s value. 
Factors that influence the decision

• Cost of Repairs vs. Value: Opens in new tabThe primary factor is whether the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds its actual cash value. 
• Severity of Damage: Opens in new tabA collision severe enough to deploy airbags often results in other, significant damage to the vehicle’s structure, engine, or other systems, increasing repair costs. 
• Car’s Value and Age: Opens in new tabNewer or more valuable cars have a higher actual cash value, making them less likely to be totaled for the same level of damage compared to older, lower-value vehicles. 
• Insurance Threshold: Opens in new tabInsurers have different thresholds for what they consider a total loss, often a percentage of the car’s value (e.g., 75% in California). 

What to do after airbag deployment

1. Contact your insurance adjuster: An insurance adjuster will assess the damage to determine the scope of repairs and compare it to the car’s market value. 
2. Address other damage: Airbag deployment is often accompanied by other damage to essential safety features, such as frame, engine, or other structural integrity issues, which must also be considered. 
3. Evaluate your options: If the car is totaled, the insurer will issue a check for its actual cash value. If it’s not totaled, a qualified mechanic can perform the necessary repairs to restore the vehicle to a safe condition.