Toyota Yaris, Prius C, Scion iA Passenger Airbag Guide (2012-2020)
An in-depth guide to the front passenger dashboard airbag for the Toyota Yaris, Yaris iA, Prius C, and Scion iA, covering SRS light diagnosis, recalls, and replacement.
- An illuminated SRS light means your airbags WILL NOT deploy in an accident. This is a critical safety issue.
- These vehicles were part of the massive Takata airbag recall. You must verify the free recall repair has been done using the vehicle's VIN.
- There are two different, non-interchangeable passenger airbags for these models. Match the OEM part number exactly.
- Airbag replacement is NOT a DIY job. It requires professional installation and specialized tools to reset the SRS control module.
Critical Safety Component: The Passenger Dashboard Airbag
This guide covers the front passenger dashboard airbag used in several related Toyota and Scion models: the 2012-2020 Toyota Yaris, 2016 Scion iA, 2012-2019 Toyota Prius C, and 2017-2018 Toyota Yaris iA. These vehicles share platforms, but key differences in their manufacturing history mean that two different part numbers are used across these models. This article will help you diagnose problems, understand safety recalls, and select the correct used part.
Warning: Professional Installation is Required. Airbags are explosive devices (pyrotechnics) and are part of a complex, high-voltage electronic system. Incorrect handling can cause accidental deployment, leading to serious injury. Replacement requires specialized tools to clear error codes and ensure the system is functioning correctly. Attempting a DIY replacement is extremely dangerous and may carry legal liability.
Symptoms of a Failing Airbag
The most common sign of a problem with any component in the SRS system is an illuminated warning light on your dashboard.
🎬 Watch: How to diagnose and fix an SRS warning light.- Solid SRS Warning Light: A constant red or orange light showing a person with an airbag, or the letters "SRS," is the most common symptom. This indicates the system has detected a fault and has been disabled. The airbags, including this one, will NOT deploy in a crash while this light is on.
- Flashing SRS Warning Light: In some cases, the light may flash. This is often a diagnostic code. For example, on some Yaris models, a code of 3-1 (three flashes, pause, one flash) was reported by owners to indicate an issue.
- "Passenger Airbag OFF" Light Stays On: The passenger airbag system uses a weight sensor in the seat (the Occupant Classification System, or OCS) to determine if a passenger is present. If the "OFF" light stays on even with an adult in the seat, it indicates a fault with the OCS, which will prevent the airbag from deploying. This can be caused by a bad sensor, faulty wiring under the seat, or a problem with the OCS control module. 🎬 See this walkthrough for repairing the Prius C seat scale.
Common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) associated with these symptoms include B1650 (Occupant Classification System Malfunction) and other codes related to the airbag squib (igniter) circuit.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
Critical Takata Airbag Inflator Recall
Many of the vehicles covered in this guide, including the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris and 2012-2015 Toyota Prius C, were part of the massive Takata airbag recall. The propellant in the airbag inflator could degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat and humidity. This degradation could cause the metal inflator housing to rupture during deployment, sending dangerous shrapnel into the cabin.
- Action: This is a FREE repair performed by any Toyota dealership. It is absolutely essential to check your vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website or Toyota's recall site to see if your car was affected and, more importantly, if the repair was completed.
- For Used Part Buyers: Never purchase a used airbag that has not had the Takata recall performed. It is unsafe and potentially illegal to install a recalled, unrepaired safety component.
Other Recalls and Issues
- 2020-2021 Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) Recall: While slightly newer than some vehicles in this guide, a recall was issued for some Toyota models due to an OCS sensor that could short circuit, preventing the airbag from deploying. This highlights the sensitivity of the passenger seat sensor system.
- Wiring Under Seat: Forum users frequently report that the SRS light can be triggered by loose or damaged connectors under the passenger seat, which are part of the Occupant Classification System. Cleaning the car or storing items under the seat can sometimes disturb these connections.
- Clock Spring: While the clock spring is located in the steering column for the driver's airbag, a fault in this component can sometimes trigger a general SRS system error.
Vehicle and Part Number Compatibility Guide
There are two distinct platforms covered by these vehicles, and they use different passenger airbag assemblies. It is critical to match the correct part number to your vehicle.
| Part Number | Platform | Vehicles It Fits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73960-WB002 | Mazda-Based |
|
These models are mechanically based on the Mazda2. This part is often described as "Air Bag Assembly, Instrument Panel" or "Passenger Inflator Module". |
| 73905-52020 | Toyota B-Platform |
|
This part fits the Toyota-designed Yaris hatchback and the Prius C. It does NOT fit the Mazda-based Yaris sedan or iA models. |
Pro Tip: The easiest way to tell the platforms apart is by the body style in the 2016-2018 model years. If you have a Yaris Sedan from this era, it's a Yaris iA and uses the Mazda-based part. If you have a Yaris Hatchback from 2016-2018, it is the Toyota-built version and uses the other part.
Cost of Replacement
Replacing an airbag is a significant expense, involving both the part itself and specialized labor.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM Airbag Assembly | $250 - $550 | Part cost from a dealer. Part 73960-WB002 is generally priced between $240 and $420. Part 73905-52020 may have a different price. |
| Used OEM Airbag Assembly | $150 - $400 | Price for a guaranteed, non-deployed part from a reputable auto recycler. |
| Shop Labor | $250 - $500 | Includes installation and resetting the SRS control module with a diagnostic scanner. 🎬 Watch: Professional replacement of the SRS module on a Yaris. This is not a simple bolt-in procedure. |
| New Aftermarket | Not Recommended | Due to safety regulations and liability, new aftermarket airbag assemblies are generally not available or recommended. |
Buying a Used Airbag: What to Look For
Buying a used OEM airbag is a cost-effective solution, but it requires careful inspection to ensure safety and compatibility.
- Verify the Part Number: This is the most important step. Match the part number from your original airbag EXACTLY to the replacement. The two part numbers listed in this guide are not interchangeable.
- Confirm Non-Deployment: Only buy an airbag from a vehicle that was not in a collision severe enough to deploy the airbags. Reputable sellers will guarantee this.
- Inspect the Connectors: Check the electrical connectors for any signs of corrosion, bent pins, or damage. A bad connection will trigger an SRS fault code.
- Check the Casing: Look for any cracks, deep scratches, or signs of water damage on the airbag module's plastic or metal housing. A module exposed to moisture can fail internally.
- Ask About the VIN: If possible, get the VIN of the donor car to double-check its accident history and verify that the Takata recall (if applicable) was performed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I reset the SRS light myself by disconnecting the battery?
No, this is unlikely to work. Once the SRS module stores a "hard code" from a faulty component, it must be cleared with a specialized diagnostic scan tool that can access the SRS system. Disconnecting the battery may clear some temporary codes but will not fix an underlying component failure.
Is it legal for me to install a used airbag myself?
While laws vary by state, it is strongly discouraged and carries significant legal and safety risks. If you sell the vehicle later and the airbag fails to deploy in an accident, you could be held liable. Professional installation by a certified technician is the only safe option.
My SRS light came on after my battery died. Is it related?
Yes, this is possible. A low voltage condition during starting can sometimes trigger a temporary fault in the SRS module. However, if the light does not go away after the battery is fully charged and the car has been driven, there is likely a separate, real fault in the system that needs to be diagnosed.
What other parts might need to be replaced after an airbag deploys?
If the airbag has deployed in an accident, you must also replace the SRS control module (it stores crash data and is typically single-use), any impact sensors that were triggered, and the seat belt pretensioners. The dashboard itself is also often destroyed and will need replacement.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 73960-WB002 73905-52020
Fits front passenger dashboard location. System includes airbag module, inflator, and requires connection to the SRS control module and Occupant Classification System.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Toyota Yaris:
- Scion iA:
- Toyota Prius C:
- Toyota Yaris iA:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Critical Safety Component: The Passenger Dashboard Airbag
- Symptoms of a Failing Airbag
- Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
- Critical Takata Airbag Inflator Recall
- Other Recalls and Issues
- Vehicle and Part Number Compatibility Guide
- Cost of Replacement
- Buying a Used Airbag: What to Look For
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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