Imagine you're driving and suddenly the airbag light comes on in the dashboard…

“You start wondering: How much will I have to spend to fix this problem?”

Then the questions begin: Is it safe to keep driving? Where can I take the car to get this fixed? And so on...

The airbag is undoubtedly one of the most important safety systems in a car, and when it stops working properly, the concern goes beyond safety. The truth is, repair costs can range from a few dozen to several hundred euros, depending on the source of the issue… But stay with us until the end — we have good news!

You don’t always need to replace the entire system. In many cases, the problem lies in the flat airbag cable — a discreet but essential component that can be repaired quickly, safely, and at a much more affordable cost than you might think.

What are the signs of a faulty flat airbag cable?

Here are the most common alerts:

✓ Airbag warning light stays on: This is the clearest sign. If the airbag light remains on after starting the vehicle, there may be an issue in the circuit, and the flat airbag cable could be the cause;

✓ Horn stopped working: It could be a contact failure. The flat cable is responsible for maintaining the electrical connection between the steering wheel buttons and the car’s systems;

✓ Steering Wheel Controls: Just like the horn, the steering wheel controls are part of the integrated electrical connections in the wheel. So, if you suddenly can’t use the volume button, answer calls, or other functions, it could also be a warning sign;

✓ Steering Wheel Alignment: Although less common, a damaged flat cable can make the steering feel misaligned or even cause noises when turning the wheel. These are more subtle signs but should not be ignored.

When is repair possible?

It’s important to remember that repairing and replacing are not the same thing.

Replacing the flat airbag cable means installing a brand-new part. Repairing it, on the other hand, involves fixing the issue while keeping the original structure of the cable. This alternative can be more economical and sustainable — but it’s not always applicable.

It is possible to repair a flat airbag cable when there are simple internal issues, such as:

✓ Dirty or oxidized internal wire connections
If the issue is caused by corrosion or dirt buildup on the electrical contacts, a proper cleaning with suitable products may be enough to restore the connection and solve the problem.

✓ Loose wires or poorly fitted connectors
A broken wire or a loose or poorly connected plug can be repaired with soldering or simply by properly reconnecting it, as long as the cable is not structurally damaged.

✓ Electronic system miscalibration
The issue isn’t always with the cable itself. In some cases, the vehicle's electronic control unit may stop recognizing the signals from the flat cable correctly due to a miscalibration. This situation can often be resolved with a simple electronic recalibration, avoiding the need to replace the part.

How much does it cost to repair a flat airbag cable?

It’s only natural to want to know the exact cost. But the truth is, the price can vary depending on the vehicle, the type of fault, and the time required for the service.

Factors that influence the price

✓ Type of fault
Simple issues, such as oxidized contacts or loose wires, usually have a lower repair cost. More complex interventions, which require electronic recalibration or partial replacement of components, may increase the final price.

✓ Vehicle make and model
Access to the flat airbag cable varies from car to car. In some models, removing the steering wheel or other components may be more time-consuming, which increases service time and, consequently, the cost.

✓ Electronic diagnostics
Before any repair, it’s common to perform a fault code scan on the electronic control unit. This diagnostic may incur an additional cost depending on the garage and the equipment used.

✓ Parts availability
If, during the repair, any part of the flat cable needs to be replaced and the part is not immediately available, this can affect both the cost and the service time.

✓ Specialized labor
Repairing a flat airbag cable requires specific technical knowledge. Workshops with specialized professionals tend to deliver better results, which may be reflected in the service cost — but also in the safety and durability of the repair.

So, how much does it actually cost?

This is the answer everyone wants to know: Repairing a flat airbag cable typically costs between €45 and €160.

Is it worth repairing the flat airbag cable?

Yes, absolutely. When the part’s structure is in good condition and the fault is localized, the repair can solve the problem at a low cost.

It’s a much more affordable option than a full replacement, which can exceed €100 or even €200 depending on the model and brand — not including the price of the flat cable itself. If you’re considering this alternative, be sure to also check out our article “How much does a new airbag cost?”.

Of course, these prices may vary depending on the factors mentioned above, but in many cases, repair is the most economical, quick, and effective option.

Where can you safely repair a flat airbag cable?

We are Nova Luz, and we have a team with proven experience in repairing flat airbag cables. We have stock for more than 40 car brands and are committed to helping you with speed, professionalism, and full transparency.

Schedule your visit to our location in Vialonga or explore our online solutions, with fast deliveries and always-available technical support.

Get in touch with us — we have the solution your car needs.