The simple answer is YES, it is possible.

The more complex answer is that a lot of additional conditions must be met in order to have a fire.

Of course, to begin with you must be able to identify an area/point of origin, and of course, you must identify a suitable fuel. Assuming you have done that, the question is whether or not the alleged electrical failure is a competent ignition source.

One purpose of the wiring is to transmit the signal for the airbag to actuate in the event of a crash. The nature of the signal (current, voltage, frequency, duration, etc.) can be determined by the design. If there's no crash, then no signal. If there is evidence that the wiring is fractured, the airbag won't work, but you might have exposed wiring from damaged insulation. If the wires happen to touch at exactly the instant a crash signal is transmitted through the wires, a short could occur.

The control wiring also serves the purpose of monitoring the status of the system. If the wiring breaks, the system causes the SRS light to come on. The magnitude of current this requires is also determined by the design.

Finally, you will need to be able to explain why the circuit protection device (e.g., fuse or circuit breaker) also failed to protect the circuit.


In summary, a lot of other things have to happen besides a wire break. If you can't show that all of the necessary steps are in place, then it is NOT possible for this to cause a fire after all.

Allan Magee, PE
mageeelect@yahoo.com