B0028: Right Side Airbag Deployment Control
A generic body trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes mechanically - but assume the right side airbag is disabled until repaired. Prompt fix, and mind who rides on that side meanwhile.
Symptoms
- Airbag warning light
- Code for the right side deployment loop
- Often follows seat or upholstery work
- No driving symptoms
Likely causes, most common first
- Under-seat connector disturbed or corroded
- Seat airbag squib circuit fault
- Harness flexed to failure by seat movement
- Curtain circuit fault on designs routing it here
Read B0028 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
B0028 mirrors its left-side twin B0020 across the cabin: the deployment circuit for the right side airbag - seat bolster or curtain, by design - has drifted outside the resistance window the airbag computer accepts, and the system has likely benched itself while the light burns.
Everything true of the left side applies here, with the passenger-seat twist: this is the seat that gets folded flat for cargo, slid on its rails by every passenger, and detailed around most aggressively, all of which exercises the under-seat connector this circuit depends on. The code appearing the week after a cleaning or a big cargo run is a strong hint. And the family's standing warning applies unchanged: while the airbag light is on, plan as if that side's protection is absent - which argues against long trips with a passenger before the repair.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning B0028
“Left Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0020 Right Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0028 Driver Seat Belt Sensor - Circuit open B0050 Occupant Classification System- missing message - BOOAO Driver Seat Track Position - BOOB5 Passenger Seat Belt Sensor - B0052”2016 Honda Odyssey · Apr 2026
“Airbag warning light came on. Took to Jeep dealership and they did diagnostic . Their finding: Code ORC-B0028-13, right side seat diployment squib 1 circuit open dx. Found wiring is not damaged in connectors . Needs new front seat passenger air bag. Car has never had front end damage.”2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee · Oct 2023
“B0028-13 is the code that appears when a scanner tool is used because the "service airbag system" warning message came on. Reading the other U-Tube post concerning this problem it seems to be common and a possible danger to the driver and the front passenger.”2016 Chrysler 200 · Jun 2023
Show 5 more owner reports
“On my 2015 Nissan Altima, the SRS warning light came on and my dealership advised me that there is an OBD error code of B0028-13 for the Passenger Seat OCS. Upon researching recalls for my vehicle, I discovered several NHTSA Campaign Numbers, including 15V681000 and 16V244000, which appear to cover this problem with 2013-2016 Nissan Altimas. However, when searching my VIN for recalls, I get a zero. I'm trying to learn why four model years of Altimas are covered for this problem, but mine doesn't seem to be. Thanks for any guidance.”2015 Nissan Altima · Oct 2022
“Saturday, October 23rd at around 11:00 am the airbag system check light came on. Brought it to my local mechanic who reviewed the code for the warning and it stated Code B0028-13 Ride Side Seat Deployment Squib 1 Circuit Open. Asked him if it could have been hit with one of my kids feet and he stated absolutely no based on where the connections where located under the seat.”2017 Ram 1500 · Oct 2021
“Wire connector under the passenger seat disables the airbag and turns on the SRS light with the code B0028-13 Right side Airbag circuit open. I have noticed that FCA is aware of the problem as the fix is to replace the wire Connectors under the seat. As an alignment mechanic I am in and out of a lot of vehicles and just about all of the 2015 to 2017 Chrysler 200s I have worked on have this code, some also have B0020-13 which is the left side seat air bag circuit open.”2016 Chrysler 200 · Oct 2020
“Airbag sign came on at millage 112000 all of a sudden and the passenger occupancy sensor turn off and on intermittently while vehicle is in motion. Mechanic are recommending to replace airbag module which might cost couple of thousand dollars. Please help me! The diagnostic code says b0028-13”2013 Nissan Altima · Oct 2020 · 112,000 mi
“The airbag sign came (code b0028) on at 110000 miles although I haven't been on any accidents for last 12000 miles. When I checked with dealers, they said airbag control module is malfunctioning and need to replace that with right side passenger airbag wires and might cost 2000 or more dollars. I am an international student and it's hard for me to arrange that much money. Please help me, as I have come to know that this is a common problem in nissan vehicles. The airbag sign comes back after clearing the code if someone sits in the passenger side. Thank you for reading my request.”2013 Nissan Altima · Sep 2020 · 110,000 mi
Cars that report B0028 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with B0028?
Yes mechanically - but assume the right side airbag is disabled until repaired. Prompt fix, and mind who rides on that side meanwhile.
How much does it cost to fix B0028?
Typical US repair costs range from $60 for the simplest fix (under-seat connector reseat or repair) to $900 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to B0028. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.