could this be dangerous?
Posted by remmssie@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 12 comments
i know this might be a stupid question. but my steering wheel has a crack in it, kind of large, where the airbag is located. is this dangerous? like could it just randomly deploy due it being partially opened from the crack? i wish i could upload a photo but unfortunately i cannot.
Western-Bug-2873@reddit
When you say "steering wheel" are you actually talking about the steering wheel (the round thing you keep your hands on) or the plastic cover over the airbag inflator module? That cover has a thin spot across the center and is designed to split open during a deployment to let the airbag come out.
remmssie@reddit (OP)
update: it is a 2018 ford raptor and i am being told its not a cover, its the AIRBAG. like its all one piece. does that change anything
Western-Bug-2873@reddit
No. The cover is part of the airbag.
remmssie@reddit (OP)
i am talking about the plastic cover part! it appears it has just split open (in the center like you said)
Western-Bug-2873@reddit
It's not going to affect the functionality of the airbag, but it's not great to have a way for dirt/debris to get in and onto the bag that's going to come out into your face at 200 miles per hour if you ever need it during a crash.
TurkishSwag@reddit
No it won’t randomly deploy but it might send more flying pieces out in the event of an accident. What kind of car? Sometimes you can get junkyard replacements for pretty damn cheap
remmssie@reddit (OP)
thank you! i knew it would definitely be more dangerous in an accident, but i was mostly worried about the airbag randomly triggering due to the crack. it’s a 2018 ford raptor!
TurkishSwag@reddit
Might be more of an expensive airbag on that car but definitely still highly recommend replacing it.
hotrods1970@reddit
Reading all the comments and your answers before me has me wondering if you have a vehicle that the bag has already gone off and they dummied it up for resale? Do you know the history of the truck?
remmssie@reddit (OP)
i do! my dad bought it brand new in 2018, when he passed away i started driving it. so no worries there!
hotrods1970@reddit
Sorry for your loss. Glad it's not something underhanded.
Junebug35@reddit
Call your local Ford dealership to see if your truck is part of any airbag recalls. If not, you could ask if they'd be willing to warranty it at all. Airbags are a huge safety risk for manufacturers.