Undeployed airbags are worth $50 to $300 each in the used parts market. A car with intact airbags has more value than one where they’ve deployed in an accident. However, selling airbags privately is heavily regulated, and most people should leave them for the junk car buyer to handle.
Airbag values by type:
- Driver front airbag: $75 to $200
- Passenger front airbag: $100 to $250
- Side curtain airbags: $50 to $150 each
- Knee airbags: $50 to $100
- Airbag control module: $50 to $150
Why airbag sales are complicated:
- Federal regulations govern airbag sales and installation
- Only licensed dealers and recyclers can legally sell most airbags
- Improper handling creates explosion risk
- Liability concerns if an airbag fails after resale
- VIN tracking requirements in some states
Junk car buyers and salvage yards have proper licensing to remove, test, and resell airbags. They handle the regulatory requirements and assume the liability. This is one reason complete cars are worth more than stripped ones.
If your car was in an accident and airbags deployed, expect a lower offer. Deployed airbags have no resale value, and replacing the airbag system for resale costs hundreds of dollars. The vehicle’s value drops to its remaining parts and scrap metal.
