This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Equinox airbags problems
severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 22 airbags complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Airbags accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT RESTRAINTS, AIR BAG (SIR) INDICATOR/LAMP ON WITH DTC(S) B0012, B0013, B0016, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 OR B0044 SET. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A LOOSE, MISSING, OR BROKEN CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE (CPA) RETAINER AT THE AIR BAG FOR THE SET DTC. INCLUDES TRAILBLAZER EXT. UPDATED 8/16/10. UPDATED 3/12/12.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The passenger airbag occupant detection system is the main complaint across these 22 narratives. Owners consistently report that the airbag indicator reads 'OFF' even when an adult passenger is seated, accompanied by a 'SERVICE AIRBAG' warning light that stays on intermittently or continuously. This happens both while driving and stationary. Multiple owners state they took their vehicles to dealerships and independent shops that found no fault, yet dealers ultimately diagnosed a failed passenger presence module—charging $800 to $1,200 for replacement. GM distributed a workaround PDF instructing owners to position the passenger in a specific way and wait for the light to reset, which several owners view as an admission the issue is known.
Several narratives mention the passenger dashboard cracking in a pattern that outlines the airbag opening, raising structural safety concerns. Two owners describe crash incidents where the passenger airbag did not deploy: one at a pole strike causing injury, another at 55–60 mph. Owners frequently reference Takata airbag recalls on other GM models and question why the 2009 Equinox has not been recalled despite the number of similar complaints online. Dealerships told some owners recalls did exist, while others said they did not. Most notably, owners report being denied warranty coverage for what they perceive as a known defect.
Same Chevrolet Equinox airbags reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger Occupant Detection Sensor Malfunction
The passenger airbag occupant detection sensor fails to recognize an adult passenger, causing the airbag to display 'OFF' and the 'SERVICE AIRBAG' warning light to illuminate intermittently or continuously. This occurs whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion. The sensor may work sporadically or remain stuck in the 'OFF' position despite an occupied seat.
When: Reported across various mileages (60,000 to unknown); some owners report onset within 1-3 years of ownership or after 2018 for older vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag indicator shows 'OFF' with adult passenger seated; 'SERVICE AIRBAG' warning light illuminates on dashboard; Intermittent or continuous malfunction regardless of vehicle motion or seat occupancy; Issue may temporarily resolve with specific seat positioning, then recur; Multiple diagnostic attempts at dealerships find no fault code or intermittent faults
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report replacement of passenger presence module/occupant detection sensor module at costs ranging $800–$1,200, including labor. One shop charged $1,070 for module replacement (part cost ~$560 plus labor). Multiple owners report GM offered no warranty coverage or recall despite repeated occurrences.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a PDF document with workaround instructions (turn off vehicle, remove seat materials, position passenger upright, restart and wait 2–3 minutes); no recalls issued as of complaint dates. Some dealers incorrectly suggested recalls existed; others confirmed no recall coverage.
Dashboard Cracking Around Passenger Airbag
The dashboard on the passenger side cracks radially outward from the airbag module opening, creating a visible outline of the airbag deployment zone. Owners express concern that the cracked panel may inadvertently trigger airbag deployment or that the structural failure signals an underlying defect.
When: Timing not specified; at least one owner reports the crack has been developing over an extended period
Symptoms owners cite: Visible crack on passenger dashboard panel outlining the airbag opening; Crack pattern suggests potential structural weakness or deployment risk
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives. Body shops and dealerships did not provide cost estimates in the provided narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No official response documented. Owners note that other GM models have received recalls for similar airbag issues, but the 2009 Equinox has not been recalled.
Airbag Non-Deployment in Crash
In two separate crash incidents, the passenger airbag failed to deploy despite vehicle collisions at significant speeds. In one case, a passenger seat airbag did not inflate during a crash where the granddaughter hit a pole and sustained injuries. In another, no airbags deployed in a 55–60 mph frontal crash.
When: Mileage/timing not specified for either incident
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag fails to deploy in frontal collision; Occupant sustains injuries that would normally be mitigated by airbag deployment (concussion and bruises in one case; hospitalization in another)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; incidents resulted in vehicle damage and personal injury.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The airbag sensor light comes on and off and after review of this info online there are so many complaints against this same issue not sure why no one will look into the recall needed for these airbags the dealer is saying it will 1200 to replace sensor light put in by manufacturer this is insane amount of money needed to keep people safe on the ride this is must have item in a car
Passenger airbag light will turn itself off/on while driving or if vehicle is at a standstill. Even if no one is sitting in the seat. Service airbag light comes on every time passenger airbag sensor turns off. *tr
Airbag warning light on - took to dealership yesterday and they found the following "b0074 & b0081 set. Diagnosed and found passenger presence module internally failed". They told me it's a 800+ repair. *tr
My airbag light and 'service air bag' light and ABS light and stabalize track light were all on for a few week and I took it to local shop who said the sensor for the brakes under driver seat was bad so that cost $580.00 for new module. That took care of ABS/stabilize lights. Had to to go dealer for airbag lights and they charged $1070.00 because the airbag module under passenger seat was out…
Takata recall. Service air bag for passenger seat is on and air bag is off. Began while stationary with passenger in the seat. This vehicle has 58,000 miles on it. Unacceptable that it is not under recall.
I am filing my complaint due to some re-accruing issues that I continuously have with my truck I just bought in june of 2017. I have problems with the car overheated needle fluctuations and shutting down on me. The air bags does not work for the passenger seat and there are a couple of sensors that are on and constantly stays on when cranking the car and driving. I also have problems when I turn…
Had airbags trouble with your 2009 Chevrolet Equinox?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 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?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 56,000 and 98,300 miles, with the median around 63,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,000; a quarter make it past 98,300. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Chevrolet/Equinox.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.