When you’re looking at Second Hand vehicles, the first thing most buyers check is paint, tyres, or maybe engine noise. Fair enough. But here’s the real kicker – airbags and safety systems are the bits you’re hoping you never need, yet they have to work perfectly every time.
In Australia, even a clean-looking second hand car can hide crash history or electrical faults that mess with SRS (Supplementary Restraint System). And yeah, it’s not always obvious when you’re checking a used car for sale in a car yard on a Saturday arvo.
Faulty Airbag Warning Lights in Second Hand Vehicles(and what they’re really saying)
If the airbag light is on, don’t ignore it. Simple as that.
How to spot it:
- Light stays on after ignition
- Flickers randomly while driving
- Sometimes doesn’t turn on at all (which is worse)
Could be a faulty sensor, seat belt buckle issue, or even crash data stored in the ECU.
Rough fix cost:
- AUD $150 – $600 for diagnostics and basic sensor fixes.
- Up to $2,000+ if modules need replacement or reprogramming.
Broken Clock Springs in the Steering Wheel
This one’s sneaky. The clock spring connects your steering wheel buttons and airbag system. When it fails, your airbag might not deploy properly.
How to spot it:
- Horn stops working
- Steering wheel buttons glitchy or dead
- Airbag light comes and goes
Rough fix cost:
- AUD $300 – $900 depending on the vehicle.
- A common issue in many Second Hand vehicle purchases, especially older imports.
Previous Accident Damage Hidden in the System
Even if a car pre purchase inspection shows clean panels, the electronics can tell a different story. Some sellers clear crash codes without fixing the root issue.
How to spot it:
- Mismatched airbag module numbers
- Signs of dashboard removal
- Weird wiring under seats
Rough fix cost:
- AUD $800 – $3,500+ depending on severity.
- This is where a proper diagnostic scan saves you from a nasty surprise later.
Also Read – Used Cars Suspension Systems | What Inspectors Look for?
Second Hand Vehicles | Don’t just eyeball it. Get it checked properly.
Airbag systems aren’t something you gamble with. A proper inspection digs into scanners, crash data, and hidden faults most buyers never even think about.
At the end of the day, whether it’s a second hand car or a fresh used car for sale, what you can’t see often matters more than what you can. A detailed car pre purchase inspection can easily save you thousands and a lot of headaches down the road.
If you’re about to buy, the best move is simple – book a pre purchase inspection with us before you hand over your cash. We’ll check the lot properly, so you don’t end up with surprises after you’ve driven off the yard.