Airbag light on: what it means, and the passenger airbag OFF light
The airbag (SRS) warning light should come on briefly when you start the car and then go out. If it stays on, flashes, or comes on while driving, the airbag system may have a fault and the airbags might not work as designed in a crash. The manuals say to have it checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
139 of the 196 owner’s manuals we read describe airbag lights. 106 of them also explain a separate passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator, which is different from the warning light.
Passenger airbag OFF light: usually not a fault
Many cars switch the front passenger airbag off automatically when the seat is empty, or a child or small adult is sitting there, and show “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF”. That’s the system working. If an adult is in the seat and the light says OFF, the manuals generally say to have them sit upright and centered, and to have the system checked if it stays off. Children are safest in the back seat.
Examples from owner’s manuals
- Chevrolet Equinox: Airbag Readiness Light. If it stays on after start or comes on while driving, the airbag system may not work properly; airbags might not inflate or could inflate without a crash.
- Nissan Rogue: Supplemental air bag warning light. If on, the front, side, curtain air bags and/or pretensioners may not operate in an accident.
- Honda Accord: Supplemental Restraint System Indicator. Problem detected in the airbag system or seat belt tensioners; airbags may not work properly.
- Ford Explorer: Passenger airbag status indicator. The off lamp shows the front passenger frontal airbag is disabled; the on lamp shows it is enabled.
Every model’s lights are in Warning lights by vehicle.