B0074 — Second Row Center Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment Control

Q: "Can I drive with this code?"

"It depends on the severity. If the vehicle runs normally, short trips are usually OK. If you notice performance issues, drivability problems, or warning lights beyond the check engine light, get it checked soon."

Q: "Will this code clear itself?"

"Some codes clear automatically after the underlying issue is fixed and several drive cycles pass. But the root cause must be addressed first."

Q: "How do I find the exact cause?"

"A code alone doesn't pinpoint the failed part. You need a diagnostic scan ($50-150 at most shops) that reads freeze frame data and live sensor readings to identify the specific component."

What Does B0074 Mean?

B0074 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Second Row Center Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment Control. This code relates to the body electrical system. It has been reported in NHTSA complaints across 4 different vehicle models.

Symptoms of B0074

⚠️ Airbag warning light on

Common Causes

🔍 Sensor or control module malfunction

B0074 Reports by Year

2016

3

2018

1

2013

1

2015

1

2014

1

Real Owner Reports

From NHTSA complaint database — actual owner descriptions.

"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. R"
— Chevrolet Equinox owner, 03/05/2018

"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."
— Chevrolet Equinox owner, 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. CALLED DEALER PRIORITY CHEVEROLET IN CHESAPEAKE VIRGINIA AND THEY SAID TO CHECK CONNECTIONS BELOW "
— Chevrolet Equinox owner, 06/05/2015

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Most Reported Vehicles for B0074

Based on NHTSA owner complaint data.

#	Vehicle	Reports
1	CHEVROLET EQUINOX
2	CHEVROLET MALIBU
3	CHEVROLET IMPALA
4	CHEVROLET CAMARO

B0074 Reports by Vehicle

Detailed NHTSA complaint analysis for each vehicle model.

CHEVROLET EQUINOX

6 NHTSA reports · Peak: 2009, 2011, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with this code?

It depends on the severity. If the vehicle runs normally, short trips are usually OK. If you notice performance issues, drivability problems, or warning lights beyond the check engine light, get it checked soon.

Will this code clear itself?

Some codes clear automatically after the underlying issue is fixed and several drive cycles pass. But the root cause must be addressed first.

How do I find the exact cause?

A code alone doesn't pinpoint the failed part. You need a diagnostic scan ($50-150 at most shops) that reads freeze frame data and live sensor readings to identify the specific component.

What To Do Next

Possible Fixes

🔧 Have the code scanned with a professional-grade scanner to read freeze frame data
🔧 Test the relevant sensor(s) with a multimeter before replacing
🔧 If DIY repair isn't feasible, get a diagnostic from a trusted mechanic ($50-150)

1
Find your vehicle above
Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.
2
Check for recalls
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.
3
Get a professional diagnosis
A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.

B0074: Second Row Center Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment Control