As said, tests on air bags over 20 years old have shown a very low failure rate. Manufacturers put an earlier expiration date on the devices to protect them from law suits. Also, until enough time has passed and enough tests performed, we can't really know the life expectancy of these units. I suspect that you won't see and manufacturer rushing to test and certify old air bags, either!! They don't want to open a can of legal worms. I do believe, though, Volvo has conducted tests on their old air bags for a number of years with excellent results.