Air Bag "longevity"

[Rob175]

Considering the continued news reports of the ongoing "recall" of air bags on some makes of cars, I'm wondering about the general "longevity/safety" of air bag devices in "much older" Boxsters.

My 1998 Boxster is now 25 years old and I'm positive it has the original factory air bag mechanism. Should I have any concern of it going off unnecessarily due to age?...or a concern that IF needed (hopefully never) that it won't work?

Does anyone have any knowledge about air bags in our "older" Boxsters?

Thx

[JFP in PA]

As Porsche did not use Takta igniters, they are not part of the recalls.

As for the airbags themselves, the bigger risk is the igniters fail, which would mean the airbag may not deploy.

[10/10ths]

…our airbags are not on any recall list.

They are good until they aren’t.

If they fail, it would be a failure to fire, not a fatal firing.

FWIW, they are engineered to be pretty damn robust. Think of a nuclear weapon, the safety mechanism has to be “Never/Always”, that is to say it should “Never” go off when it is not supposed to, and “Always” fire when it has to.

Just enjoy the drive.

[Rob175]

Thanks for the replies.

I realize there is no "recall" but just was curious as to it's basic "life expectancy/useful life" issues if any.

THX

[lkchris]

Back when I owned an '88 Mercedes there were words that airbag life was 15 years, at which time they were to be replaced.

Basically, I think, this has been quietly forgotten as it's the equivalent of politically incorrect to tell someone it's time to spend $800 or whatever it is for a new airbag on their 15 year old car. Be sure to wear your seatbelt.

As an aside, rolamite switch technology has been used in airbags, the rolamite being invented at my former employer. Link doesn't mention, but I think he was inspired by those toilet paper containers seen in commercial locations.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolamite

[alexc0814]

I just hooked my head unit up to the passenger door airbag last month thinking it was my speaker, can confirm it still works very well lol

[10/10ths]

That must have been exciting!

[Hamstuh]

Originally Posted by alexc0814

I just hooked my head unit up to the passenger door airbag last month thinking it was my speaker, can confirm it still works very well lol

Quite the pricey confirmation. Personally i think a crash wouldve been more ideal for testing not that i want to get into one

[evomind]

Do I really have to do this?
I guess so.
Good news! Our airbags work!

[evomind]

Actually thinking back on it, I think the side airbag failed to deploy.