Airbag Expiration Response from Volvo

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 19 May 2010, 13:39

The reputation for safety of Volvo cars is often an important factor in the decision to purchase one. As mine ages, I’d like to know that the safety features of the vehicle continue to protect its occupants.

As you know, there is an expiration sticker for the Safety Restraint System (SRS) located on the driver’s door frame that states that some SRS components (airbags and seat belts as specified in the owner’s manual) should be replaced every 10 years.

Numerous references can be found on web forums to a 2003 Volvo Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) which extended the expiration on 850/S/V70 models to 15 years (and 20 years on some older models). A 2006 TSB is also referenced in which it is said that Volvo extended the SRS component lifetime to the life of the vehicle.

Since I was unable to find a copy of the referenced TSBs on the web I contacted Volvo North America last week to request the most current Volvo policy with regards to airbag expiration. I received an email response today (May 19, 2010) which stated:

Dear Mr. *******,

Thank you for your patience.

There is no need to have the air bags inspected as Volvo has extended the lifetime of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components to be the same as the lifetime of the car.

If the vehicle has been involved in a collision, regardless of crash severity, or if the SRS warning lamp is lit, immediately contact an authorized Volvo dealer for further action and inspection.

Sincerely,
Jan Engel
Volvo Customer Care
1-800-458-1552 x 1970

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 19 May 2010, 18:54

I guess they tested the system and made sure it still works after 10 years. Either that or they did not think the car would still be on the after 10 years and they are now trying to cover their butts. I wish there was a way to test the system without crashing the car or blowing the air bag.

Post by **jblackburn** » 19 May 2010, 19:30

I was curious about it too, as I saw my date was coming up for that when I bought the car. I asked, and was told the same thing and that they had done testing to make sure that the SRS system still worked and did not require servicing; those dates were just put there as a tentative thing because the SRS system was a relatively new technology at the time, and they weren't sure about how long it would hold up.

LOB · Post by **LOB** » 19 Jan 2018, 09:20

Volvo says;
There is no need to have the air bags inspected as Volvo has extended the lifetime of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components to be the same as the lifetime of the car.

What's the life expectancy of a 850? Does this answer take into account that my 1997 850 might last until 2028?

Post by **abscate** » 19 Jan 2018, 10:13

It wont matter. Everyone is leaving Norway and Sweden to come here for health care and retirement benefits , and you can’t bring your cars.

Seriously, no one really knows how these things will age over 30 years

LOB · Post by **LOB** » 19 Jan 2018, 10:36

My job is supplying benefits to Norwegians and "Norwegians" living abroad (about 40-50% freeloaders who don't feel like working) and I can assure you that you don't want to know how much you can get from the Norwegian pension/petrol fund even if you hardly ever worked in Norway.... Really, you don't want to know! Of course I'll bring my Volvo back to the US, it's a US spec Volvo bought in Illinois by the former owner. Almost 20 years ago I drove a van from San Antonio to Seattle so I have some favorite locations to choose from.

On topic; I guess there would be some reports of 20-25 year old airbags that didn't go off by now if there was a high risk of malfunction by now. Luckily we don't have these Japanese airbags in our Volvo's!

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 19 Jan 2018, 16:13

The first fatality that it could have been prevented had it not been faulty is the length they'll set it for in the future.

Short of moisture intrusion - I would expect 20-30 years should be a doable lifetime. If I remember correctly the detonator is tested for continuity on every power on - this doesn't guarantee the explosive won't be degraded to the point of not firing, but it means the detonator should at least fire.

Those Norwegians would never come here for our super awesome, globe leading, best on the planet health care - they'd be in the poor house in no time... Besides - they live in a country without "fake news" and yet somehow survive without our "superbly most excellent and intelligent" leaders =) Sounds like they do something right!