Airbag (SRS) warning light on
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Supplementary restraint system malfunction indicator lamp indicates a malfunction”
- “Airbag warning lamp indicates a failure”
What it is
The airbag and seat belt pre-tensioner system (SRS) has its own warning light, which shows when the system has detected a fault.
Why it matters
With the light on, the airbags may not deploy in a crash. It's an MOT fail.
What to check when viewing a car
The light should come on briefly at start-up and go out. If it stays on, have the fault code read.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
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What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: seat belts, warning lights and other checks
- Seat belt damaged or not working
- Horn not working
- Oil leak
- Drive shaft CV boot split or damaged
- Fuel leak
- Battery insecure or leaking
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.