Yes, modern cars have Event Data Recorders (EDRs) or "black boxes" that permanently record crucial data, including when airbags deploy, pre-crash conditions (speed, braking, throttle), impact severity, and seatbelt use, to help understand accidents for legal, insurance, and safety analysis. This data is stored by the vehicle's airbag control module and can be retrieved by experts after a crash, providing key evidence in accident investigations.
Most EDRs store crash data for 200 ignition cycles, which typically means only six to eight weeks after an accident. If a vehicle is repaired after a crash, the EDR may be replaced or lost. Therefore, the sooner you contact an accident lawyer, the better the chances that EDR information can help your claim.
A CARFAX Vehicle History Report can tell you if the car's airbags have ever been deployed or if it has suffered flood damage. Get a pre-purchase vehicle inspection. Even if the car has a clean Vehicle History Report, have the vehicle inspected by a skilled mechanic before you buy.
Modern vehicles display an airbag warning light when the system detects an issue. If the light remains on after starting your car, its a clear sign that something is wrongpotentially a deployed or malfunctioning airbag system.
Airbags deploy when your vehicle hits something head-on at speeds between 8 and 14 miles per hour. However, the exact speed depends on several factors, such as the angle of the collision, where the car was impacted, and your car's sensor calibration.
Because of the small space between an occupant and the side of the vehicle, side airbags must deploy very quickly, typically within the first 10-20 milliseconds of a side crash.
Is it worth fixing a car with airbags deployed? You can repair a car that's airbags have deployed, but – once again – it really depends on the severity of the other damages that your car has endured. Repairing an airbag, though, is anything but a simple job, and repair in this instance really means replace.
Unreported Accidents
If a car was in an accident and it was not reported to an insurance company or the police, you won't see it in the CarFax report. Ultimately, a good repair shop can help you assess a vehicle's condition if you suspect it's been in an accident.
Airbag deployment can protect you, but it also raises repair costs, lowers resale value, and may complicate your insurance claim.
What causes the EDR to record? The EDR starts to record when the vehicle experiences a rapid change in speed (like acceleration or deceleration) that exceeds a specified threshold higher than normal use. Hard braking will not cause an EDR to record, because that may be considered normal use.
No. While some dashboard cameras turn on and off with their respective vehicle, there are dash cams that record when the car is off – dash cams that are hardwired and have an active Parking Mode feature.
EDR Recording Types
Nondeployment events: In cases where the airbags do not deploy, the same information will be tracked – but will only be stored for a period of time, then eventually overwritten. However, it can still be accessed in the short-term if necessary for investigators.
Call 9-1-1 – Always report the accident to emergency services, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. A medical evaluation is important, as some injuries can take time to manifest. Turn Off the Engine – Some vehicles automatically shut off after airbag deployment to prevent fires.
If the cost of the repairs is over the cost it's worth, it will most likely be totaled, and in exchange, you may be given money for a new car depending on your insurance.
Airbags deploy within 20 to 30 milliseconds of a collision at rates of around 200 mph. Collision severity influences whether an airbag deploys. Generally, they'll deploy after a collision with a solid, fixed barrier when going at 8-14 mph.
Every CARFAX Vehicle History Report Checks for...
AutoCheck Provides More Value Over Carfax
Even if you already have access to a vehicle history report from a provider, AutoCheck has its own set of exclusive data that may uncover further information about a vehicle you're considering.
Service Cost: The cost to reset an airbag control module typically ranges from $50 to $150, depending on the service provider. This includes clearing crash data and restoring the module to its original factory settings. Turnaround Time: Resetting usually takes less time than replacing, often within a few business days.
The deployment of airbags alone does not necessarily mean your car is totaled. However, it often indicates significant impact and potential structural damage, which can be costly to repair.
No, if your airbags deployed, your car is not automatically considered totaled.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags usually deploy when a crash has forces equivalent to: Hitting a solid, fixed object at 8 to 14 miles per hour or higher. Hitting a parked vehicle at 16 to 28 miles per hour or higher.
How much does it cost to replace airbags? On average, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 to replace an airbag. But oftentimes it's much more expensive. If the accident is quite bad, the average cost goes up to about $3,000 to $5,000.
While it may be legal to drive a car without replacing the airbags, it is not recommended. Repairing your vehicle—including all safety features—is the best way to ensure you and others in your car are protected if another collision occurs. If you must drive your vehicle immediately after a collision, take precautions.
Side airbags inflate even more quickly than frontal airbags because there is less space between the driver or passenger and the side of the car. Side airbags prevent you from smashing into the car, broken windows, or objects outside the car, such as another car, a pole, or a tree.