Should I buy a 2005 Honda Accord with documented airbags problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented airbags issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2005 Honda Accord airbags problems

severe 203 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100

Complaints

203

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$1,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 07V001000 03/01/2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SEAT POSITION SENSOR (SPS) DETECTS THE DRIVER'S SEATING POSITION AND ADJUSTS THE AIR BAG INFLATION PRESSURE ACCORDINGLY

A FAILURE OF THE SPS CAUSES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM TO DEFAULT TO FULL INFLATION PRESSURE, REGARDLESS OF THE SEAT POSITION. FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY FOR SMALLER DRIVERS IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT POSITION SENSOR WIRING SUBHARNESS. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 8, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

severe NHTSA 04V551000 18/11/2004

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, A TEAR IN THE FABRIC OF THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG OCCURRED AFTER APPARENT CONTACT WITH THE INSIDE SURFACE OF THE AIR BAG COVER DURING DEPLOYMENT

A TORN AIR BAG MAY NOT OFFER THE SAME LEVEL OF PROTECTION, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE FABRIC FLAP BETWEEN THE AIR BAG MODULE COVER AND THE INNER MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

What owners are reporting 5 most recent

airbags · filed 12/24/2015

TAKATA RECALL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. STAYS ILLUMINATED WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. STAYS ILLUMINATED WHILE IGNITION IS ON, UNTIL SUBSEQUENT RESTART OF CAR. DEALER CLAIMS THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION AND DOESN'T KNOW IF IT IS PART OF TAKATA RECALL.

airbags · filed 12/23/2015

TAKATA RECALL LIGHT ON DASHBOARD

airbags · filed 12/23/2014

I HAVE A HONDA ACCORD 2005 AND HAVE NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO LIGHT UP SHOWING THERE IS SOME DEFECT. I COULD NEVER FIND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND THE LIGHT HAVE COME ON FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE WE ARE MILITARY AND NOW WITH THE AIRBAG RECALL ISSUE I HAVE FOUND OUT TALKING WITH THE CORPORATE HONDA DEALER THEY ARE ONLY GETTING THE VEHICLE LOCATION FROM LOCAL DMV OFFICE…

airbags · filed 12/22/2011

TL* THE DRIVER OWNED A 2005 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL TO TREAT EXTREMELY SERIOUS INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERNS OVER THE FORCE IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWE…

airbags · filed 12/22/2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ACCORD V6 EX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 30,703…

Common questions

How serious is the airbags problem on the 2005 Honda Accord?

It's a meaningful issue. 203 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.

At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to airbags?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.