No Air bag Steering wheel?

[John.Boswell11]

Hi guys

I’m thinking of changing the steering wheel in my MX-5 NC. I’m getting mixed information about fitting this steering wheel, as I will not be able to fit the airbag to it. The horn will work as normal; there is a resistor to be placed to avoid the airbag light coming on the dashboard.

My question is, as there is no airbag, is this an MOT failure in the UK? I’ve done a few searches. Some say it is an MOT failure, some say it’s not, as long as the airbag light is not displayed on the dashboard

Has anybody fitted a steering wheel that has no airbag and was it a problem during the MOT? Any info would be great, thank you.

[CBRDEANO]

As of 2013 the MOT test manual says :

section 5.4 of the VOSA MOT Testing Manual:

This inspection applies to airbags, seat belt

*pretensioners and seat belt load limiters fitted as
original equipment.

Method of inspection:
As far as practicable, check that all airbags
fitted as original equipment are present and
not obviously defective

Reason for failure:

1. An airbag obviously missing or defective.*

[John.Boswell11]

Damn shame.

Thanks so much for the reply.

[Mad_Malc]

@John.Boswell11

Damn shame.

Not really as it might just save your life one day.

[sam-534]

the only instance would be if it’s clearly set up for “rally” and modified vehicle where a roll bar, harnesses, fixed back seats etc. has been fitted and the standard airbag may interfere with the new safety equipment.