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Airbag
The airbag is the supplemental restraint system (SRS) cushion that deploys during a collision to help protect the driver, passenger, or rear occupants. Variants include driver, passenger, side curtain, side impact, and knee airbags.
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Buying Guide
Airbag Buying Guide
Airbags must be replaced after deployment, and the cost of new OEM airbags can be substantial. Used, undeployed airbags are a legitimate option — but this category requires careful attention to safety and legality. This guide covers what to verify before you buy.
What's Included
The airbag inflator/cushion assembly for the specific location (driver, passenger, side curtain, knee, etc.). Not included: the SRS control module, clock spring, crash sensors, or any wiring.
Federal law — it is a federal crime under the Safe Air Bag Act to knowingly install a counterfeit, stolen, or previously deployed airbag and misrepresent it as functional
Always inspect before installation — a used airbag should show no signs of prior deployment: the module should not be unsealed, the trim cover should not be cracked or separated, and the inflator should have no corrosion
Check the vehicle history — a VIN check on the donor vehicle can help verify it was not in a collision where the airbags deployed
Takata recall — some vehicles have been recalled due to defective Takata airbag inflators. Check NHTSA's recall database (nhtsa.gov) with your vehicle's VIN before purchasing any used airbag
When any airbag deploys, the SRS control module typically records the crash event and must be replaced or reset — it will not allow the system to arm with a new airbag unless the module's crash data is cleared. Additionally:
The clock spring (if a steering wheel airbag deployed) must be replaced
Any deployed seat belt pre-tensioners must be replaced
Crash sensors may need replacement
Installing a new airbag without addressing the SRS module and sensors means the new airbag will not deploy in a subsequent collision.
Airbags are application-specific — a driver airbag for a 2018 F-150 is not the same as one for a 2016 F-150. Match on:
Location (driver, passenger, side/curtain, knee, rear seat)
Year, Make, Model, Trim
OEM part number if possible
Airbag replacement should be performed by a trained technician. The SRS system must be disabled before work begins (disconnect the battery and wait at least 10 minutes for capacitors to discharge). Improper installation creates a risk of accidental deployment.
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ShopEarl.com is a network of American auto part suppliers - salvage yards, aftermarket vendors, and powertrain remanufacturers.
Our mission is to make finding the right auto part easy, affordable, and environmentally friendly by giving quality used parts a second life and keeping them out of landfills.
We use a comprehensive vehicle fitment database that matches parts to specific makes, models, years, and engine types.
For critical components like engines and transmissions, we also require VIN verification for your vehicle to ensure an exact match. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) contains specific information about your vehicle's configuration that helps identify the exact parts it needs.
If you're ever unsure about fitment, our team is available to help verify compatibility before you make a purchase.
ShopEarl.com accepts the following payment methods:
- Major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
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All payment data is encrypted using TLS technology. We never see or store your full payment information—only a secure token provided by our processor to complete your purchase.
ShopEarl.com offers free shipping within the continental United States. Shipping times can vary depending on shipping methods, and ‘unbolted’ used parts typically ship a day faster than ‘yard’ parts that have to be professionally dismantled from the vehicle first. You’ll receive email and text notifications every step of the way.
Delivery to commercial locations is always free, but larger parts that ship freight may incur surcharges if they are delivered to a residential address. You can always ship these for free to a repair facility or our team can help find a nearby commercial address for local pickup.
At the moment, we don’t offer expedited shipping options. However, we’re always looking for ways to improve our services, and we hope to offer faster shipping options in the future.
All parts come with a minimum 30 day return window from the date your part arrives. See full return policy for all the details.
A core charge is a refundable fee charged when you buy a part that can be rebuilt or remanufactured, like an engine, alternator, or transmission. It works like a deposit:
- You pay the core charge upfront when you buy the part.
- After installing the new part, you return the old part (the “core”) to the seller.
This system encourages recycling and helps manufacturers refurbish used parts instead of making new ones from scratch.
Used parts are OEM auto parts professionally dismantled by certified auto recyclers.
Remanufactured parts are used OEM parts that have been completely disassembled, cleaned, and rebuilt with new components where necessary. They're tested to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, and often come with warranties similar to new parts.
New parts are new, aftermarket components that have never been installed on a vehicle.