Airbags are worth $50 to $200 each in a junk car, but selling them is heavily regulated and often impractical for individual sellers.
Airbag value in junk vehicles:
| Airbag Type | Potential Value |
|---|---|
| Driver front airbag | $50 to $150 |
| Passenger front airbag | $75 to $200 |
| Side curtain airbags | $50 to $150 each |
| Knee airbags | $30 to $75 |
Why selling airbags is complicated:
- Safety regulations: Federal law restricts airbag sales to licensed dealers and recyclers
- Liability concerns: Sellers can be held responsible if an airbag fails after resale
- Special handling: Undeployed airbags are explosive devices requiring careful removal
- Limited buyers: Only licensed salvage yards and certified recyclers legally purchase airbags
What happens to airbags in junk cars:
- Salvage yards remove and resell them through proper channels
- Auto recyclers deploy and dispose of them safely
- Junk car buyers factor intact airbags into their vehicle offer
For most junk car sellers, leave the airbags in place. The buyer includes their value in the quote and handles removal according to regulations. Attempting to remove or sell airbags yourself creates legal risk and safety hazards. When you get cash for your junk car, intact airbags add to the overall offer.