B0081: First Row Center Seat Belt Load Limiter Deployment Control
What Does B0081 Mean?
B0081 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: First Row Center Seat Belt Load Limiter Deployment Control. This code relates to the body electrical system. It has been reported in NHTSA complaints across 5 different vehicle models.
Symptoms of B0081
- ⚠️ Airbag warning light on
Common Causes
- 🔍 Stuck or failed EGR valve
- 🔍 Sensor or control module malfunction
B0081 Reports by Year
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
"THE LIGHT INDICATING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ARMED DOESN'T GO ON ANYMORE. I HAD THIS DIAGNOSED AND THE CODE B0081 SHOWS UP INDICATING A FAULTY PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE. WITH THE MODULE NOT SENSING A PASSENGER, THE AIR BAG PROBABLY WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE DEALER SAID IT'S NOT"
— Chevrolet Equinox owner, 01/11/2017
"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
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Most Reported Vehicles for B0081
Based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
| # | Vehicle | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CHEVROLET EQUINOX | |
| 2 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | |
| 3 | CHEVROLET CAMARO | |
| 4 | CHEVROLET TRAVERSE | |
| 5 | GMC ACADIA |
B0081 Reports by Vehicle
Detailed NHTSA complaint analysis for each vehicle model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with this code?
Will this code clear itself?
How do I find the exact cause?
Reported Repair Costs for B0081
Based on 4 owner-reported repair costs from NHTSA complaints.
⚠️ These are owner-reported costs, not estimates. Actual costs vary by location, labor rates, and root cause. Source: NHTSA complaints database.
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)
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1
Find your vehicle above
Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.
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2
Check for recalls
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.
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3
Get a professional diagnosis
A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.