Margolite Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 My Ford Fiesta Zetec hatchback 1.2 is coming up to 16 years old, I've seen in the manual that the manufacturer recommends that the airbag be replaced after 15 years. There's no warning light coming on. Is there anyone else that has a car this old and has replaced the airbag or has any thoughts on this? I did read online that airbags fitted after 1997 should last the lifetime of the car, but not sure how long that means. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodkat Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Depends on how long you plan to keep the car and how much it will cost to have it replaced I guess. I am no expert, but if you like your face I would contemplate seeking dealer/Ford advice on this subject and proceeding from there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well Spoken Waffle Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 faces are so overrated 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MONDEO TXS 2.2 Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Not when it's the only one you've got ! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodkat Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Speaking as someone who has just had major surgery on the facial region, I would recommend getting the airbag replaced. Having work done above the shoulders is highly unpleasant. And no, it wasn't a facelift or a nose job or owt. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iantt Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 i do wonder where you stand insurance wise if airbags are past there use by date as such, as for replacing , there possibly 2 airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to replace, cost more than the cars worth. cheaper to change to a newer car if it concerns you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodkat Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 I doubt insurance really puts it in as a factor, I have never heard of it before. Interesting concept though... Does someone fancy binning a car with a out-of-date airbag, then try to claim a Brad Pitt face instead of the Mickey Rourke courtesy of our beloved NHS, the report back? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mills705 Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 it will be the cartridge that will be out of date- if you cycle those little co2 ones have a best before! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well Spoken Waffle Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 to be fair, i didn't know airbags could go out of date, but reading this thread it just makes sense. i've driven cars with seat belt tensioners so bad you might as well not be wearing one, but as far as i'm aware there isn't an mot test for the airbag being valid (only that it's there and that it hasn't gone off yet) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David73 Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 If the manufacturer says 15 years it means they have determined that at least 99% of bags would still be effective after 15 years and they give the advice to cover themselves. They would not say 15 years if they knew a lot of bags had already reached a failed state. This might help you http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/do-car-airbags-expire.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margolite Posted August 23, 2015 Author Share Posted August 23, 2015 Thanks for everyone's comments. Have decided on the basis of an article sent to me, not to go ahead and change the airbag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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