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Knee airbag cover under the steering column is loose or hanging down: Causes & How to Fix It

If your vehicle is showing knee airbag cover under the steering column is loose or hanging down, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.

Most likely causes

Broken or Missing Retaining Clipsminor

The plastic clips holding the knee airbag cover or lower dash panel can easily break from accidental kicks or improper removal during previous maintenance.

Improper Reinstallation After Under-Dash Serviceminor

If work was recently performed under the dashboard (such as replacing an ignition switch, BCM, or HVAC actuator), the technician may have failed to fully seat the knee bolster clips.

Warped or Damaged Lower Dash Panelminor

Extreme cabin heat over time or physical impact can cause the plastic knee bolster cover to warp, preventing the retaining tabs from staying locked in place.

Improperly Repaired Deployed Airbagurgent

In some used vehicles with a hidden accident history, a deployed knee airbag may have been stuffed back in and the cover poorly reattached instead of being properly replaced.

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