Audi S8 Airbag Warning: Common Fixes & Costs

I had a similar issue with my 2004 Audi A8 last year. I have some experience working on basic car maintenance, but airbag systems require special attention due to safety concerns. The airbag warning light in my case was also continuously illuminated. Like you, I first checked for any airbag recall notices. The restraint system warning turned out to be caused by a faulty wiring connection at the driver seat. This is actually quite common in these models as the cables can wear out from seat movement over time. My repair cost was 95 Euro for diagnosing and fixing the loose connection. The workshop had to use specialized diagnostic equipment to properly identify the crash sensor signals and verify the airbag deployment system was functioning correctly after the repair. To better assist you, could you share: Current mileage, Whether you notice the issue more after driving over bumps, If you recently had any work done on the seats or center console, Whether you hear any rattling sounds under the seats These details would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced with the wiring harness.

Just had my car serviced at 102342 KM and the mechanic found the issue is related to the seat occupancy sensor. A full diagnostic scan showed multiple crash sensor faults storing in the system memory. The workshop quoted 450 Euro for parts and labor to replace the faulty sensor and recalibrate the automotive safety system. The vehicle safety tech confirmed the airbag sensor malfunction is not affecting the airbag deployment capability, but recommended fixing it soon to ensure the restraint system works as designed. They will need special tools to reset the airbag module after repair. Has anyone managed to get this fixed for less? The parts alone are quite expensive for these models.

Thanks for the update on your S8 SRS light issue. When I had my seat occupancy sensor replaced on my A8, I encountered similar high repair costs. The airbag repair pricing you were quoted actually sounds reasonable, my total came to 520 Euro for a similar fix including the diagnostic work. The seat occupancy sensor is a critical component of the vehicle safety system. While my airbag control module showed crash sensor faults too, replacing just the seat sensor resolved all the stored codes. Make sure they perform a full system calibration after the repair. I know the price seems steep, but considering it affects the airbag system functionality, using quality parts and proper installation is essential. The SRS light should clear once they complete the repair and reset the fault codes. One tip, have them check the wiring harness condition while they are replacing the sensor. The cables can degrade over time and cause similar issues again if they are worn. This saved me from having to do a second repair later.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. After getting multiple quotes, I went ahead with the original workshop that diagnosed the SRS light issue. The total repair came to 430 Euro, slightly less than initially quoted since they found the wiring harness was still in good condition. The automotive safety system is now working perfectly with no more airbag sensor warnings. The mechanic showed me the old sensor which had visible corrosion on the connectors. They performed a complete airbag repair procedure including recalibration of all crash sensors and the restraint system. For anyone else encountering this problem, while expensive, proper repair by qualified technicians is crucial given the safety implications. The SRS light cleared immediately after the fix and has stayed off for over a week now. Really appreciate all the feedback shared here about similar experiences. It helped confirm I was getting a fair price for this type of specialized work.