Tyres  /  Tyre News /  Help and Advice  / Will an Airbag Light Fail My MOT?

​ An airbag light appearing on your dashboard can be alarming, especially if your MOT test is right round the corner.

If your airbag light is showing, it may indicate that there is an issue with your airbag or seatbelt, which should be seen to as soon as possible.

This then begs the questions – will this fail my MOT? What steps should I take if this appears on my dashboard? These will be answered throughout this article.
 

What is an Airbag?

An airbag is a safety device that protects both drivers and passengers in the event of an immediate emergency.

This will deploy as soon as a dangerous collision or crash occurs, instantly inflating to cushion the impact and reduce the risk of serious injury.

Airbags use sensors that detect sudden deceleration or impact forces, triggering a reaction that rapidly inflates the bag.

Once deployed, the airbag quickly deflates to prevent suffocation or further injury.

Combined with seat belts, airbags form a critical part of modern vehicle safety systems.

 

Why Is My Airbag Light Appearing on My Dashboard?

If your airbag light is showing on your dashboard, it means there may be an issue with your airbag and/or seatbelt.

This warning can be triggered by several factors – from a faulty sensor or damaged wiring to a problem with the airbag module itself.

In some cases, the issue could be as simple as a loose connector under the seat or as complex as a malfunction in the system's control unit.

Another common cause is a drained or recently replaced car battery, which may reset the system and confuse the onboard diagnostics.

Even changes in humidity or corrosion over time can affect airbag wiring and sensors.

Whatever the root cause, it’s important not to overlook the light – when illuminated, it usually means your airbags may not deploy correctly in a collision.

To stay safe and avoid further complications with your MOT test, you should book a diagnostic check with a qualified technician as soon as possible.

 

Will an Airbag Light Fail My MOT Test?

Yes – if your airbag warning light is illuminated, your vehicle will fail its MOT.

This is because the airbag system is classed as a critical safety feature. If the dashboard warning is showing, it means the system may not function properly in the event of a collision – putting you and your passengers at serious risk.

During the MOT test, the examiner will check that the airbag light comes on and then switches off shortly after the ignition is turned on. If it stays lit, it’s treated as a major fault.

It doesn’t matter if everything else on your car passes – a warning light for the airbag system will result in an automatic fail.

To get your MOT certificate, the issue will need to be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician. This may involve replacing a faulty sensor, reconnecting a loose wire, or resolving a fault with the airbag module itself.

Whatever the cause, it’s not something to delay – fixing it will not only help your car pass its MOT but ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.

 

Can I Still Drive With My Airbag Light On?

Technically, yes – you can still drive with your airbag light on, but it’s strongly advised that you don’t.

When the airbag light is illuminated, it usually means there's a fault in the system. In many cases, this means your airbags won’t deploy at all in an accident, or they might deploy incorrectly – both of which could have serious or even fatal consequences.

While your car may seem to drive as normal, you’re putting yourself and your passengers at risk by continuing to use it without resolving the issue.

Airbags are a key part of your vehicle’s safety system, and without them, you’re left far more vulnerable in the event of a crash.

If the light appears while you're already on the road, it's best to continue to a safe location and arrange a diagnostic check as soon as possible.

Don’t ignore it – get it sorted before getting back behind the wheel.

 

Final Thoughts

Your airbag light is more than just a warning – it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right with one of your car’s most important safety features.

Whether the issue lies with a sensor, a wire, or the airbag module itself, it’s not something to push to the bottom of your to-do list.

Not only can it result in an MOT failure, but more importantly, it could leave you unprotected in the event of a crash.

If the light is on, book your car in for a professional diagnostic check as soon as you can.

It’s a simple step that could make all the difference – to your safety, your passengers’, and your peace of mind.