In this guide 6 sections
Arrange inspection of the protection system without delay
Part of the airbag or seat-belt pretensioner system may not function as intended in a crash. Continue wearing your seat belt and do not tamper with system wiring.
What does this light mean?
The warning may depict a person with a circle in front or show SRS. Symbol colour varies between vehicles, so identify it using the shape, text and owner manual rather than colour alone.
Airbag or SRS fault warning
It may indicate a fault in an airbag, belt pretensioner or associated circuit. The component cannot be identified from the symbol alone.
Passenger airbag OFF indicator
It may indicate intentional deactivation or a state determined by the vehicle system. Check that the state suits the passenger and seat instructions; do not always treat it as a fault or switch it off arbitrarily.
Practical steps before inspection
- Record whether the warning appears and disappears during the self-check or remains afterwards.
- Mention any seat repairs, accident or electrical work before it appeared. This is information for the technician, not a diagnosis.
- Request an SRS inspection using equipment that supports the vehicle. Do not use resistors to bypass the light or test airbag connectors with household equipment.
A question that changes the decision
Can a rear-facing child seat be placed in front of an active passenger airbag?
No. Follow the child-seat instructions and vehicle manual to choose the location and confirm the airbag state before placing the child.
Guides related to this signal
Brakes before a road trip: warning signs to check before setting off
A trip-preparation checklist that distinguishes preliminary observations from a proper workshop brake inspection.
Sources and scope of this guide
Prepared with reference to the sources below on 12 September 2026. Manufacturer recommendations are examples for their models; your vehicle manual and display message take priority.
- Volkswagen — airbag and belt fault
- Volkswagen — passenger airbag deactivation
- NHTSA — safety guidance • 3
The icon is illustrative and may differ from your vehicle's. This explanation helps you take an initial step; it is not a remote diagnosis or permission to continue driving. Do not open the page or photograph the display while driving.