🔧 FixIt
🟡

B0081 on CHEVROLET EQUINOX

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
7
Most Affected
2008, 2009, 2007

What B0081 Means on Your CHEVROLET EQUINOX

Real CHEVROLET EQUINOX Owner Reports (Source: NHTSA Complaints Database)

"The front seat passenger air bag will not come on when someone sits in the seat. i get a service air bag system on the driver info center. took to dealer was told computer shows codes b0081 and b0074. was told passenger presence system, namely the seat sensor was bad and needed to be replaced."

— 2007 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owner • AIR BAGS,SEATS • Filed 03/05/2018

"Code b0081 passenger presence module erratic. seems like a common problem caused by faulty design."

— 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owner • AIR BAGS • Filed 02/13/2021

"The light indicating the passenger airbag is armed doesn't go on anymore. i had this diagnosed and the code b0081 shows up indicating a faulty passenger presence module. with the module not sensing a passenger, the air bag probably will not deploy in the event of a crash."

— 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owner • AIR BAGS • Filed 01/11/2017

"Service air bag light is on and constant, preventing passenger air bag function. retrieved codes are: b0081, b1370 and b0074. needs passenger presence module part # 19207140 @ $533.33 plus labor and tax. i believe this part should not fail, especially when the passenger seat is used infrequently."

— 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owner • AIR BAGS • Filed 07/16/2013

"Airbag warning light on - took to mechanic yesterday and they found the following "b0074 & b0081 set. diagnosed and found passenger presence module internally failed". they told me it's a 800+ repair."

— 2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owner • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS • Filed 06/05/2015

Data from NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. All reports are filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Common Causes of B0081 on CHEVROLET EQUINOX

71.4%
14.3%
14.3%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2007
1
2008
3
2009
2
2011
1

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if your vehicle is covered.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50-$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2-3 quotes. Dealer vs independent shop prices often differ 30-50% for the same repair.

B0081 on Other Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. Department of Transportation) and the SAE J2012 OBD-II standard. Code definitions follow the SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standard. Owner reports are filed directly with NHTSA by vehicle owners. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional automotive diagnosis. Always consult a qualified mechanic for vehicle repair decisions.

Last updated: March 2026