Do all vehicles have airbags?
Not all vehicles come with airbags. In practice, front airbags are nearly universal in new passenger cars, but motorcycles, some very old models, and certain budget trims in various markets may lack them or offer them only as optional equipment.
Airbag safety configurations vary by vehicle type, market, and model year. This article explains where airbags are typically found, the main types of airbags, how to verify equipment, and the regulatory landscape shaping airbag availability.
Airbag coverage by vehicle type
Overview of typical availability across vehicle types, plus notable exceptions to expect in the market.
- Passenger cars (sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs) generally include front airbags for the driver and front passenger, with many models expanding to side, curtain, and knee airbags in higher trims or newer generations.
- Trucks and commercial vehicles commonly feature front airbags; side and curtain airbags depend on model year, trim level, and intended use. Some base or entry-level commercial rigs may have fewer airbags.
- Motorcycles typically do not come with built-in airbags as standard equipment. Riders may use airbag-equipped vests or jackets, but bikes themselves rarely include integrated airbags.
- High-end or safety-focused vehicles often offer a larger suite of airbags, including rear curtain airbags, pelvis or chest-protection systems, and additional seat-mounted units.
- Very old vehicles or ultra-budget models, especially in markets with weaker safety mandates, may lack airbags entirely.
In practice, the most reliable way to know a given vehicle’s airbag setup is to check the official specifications for the exact model year and trim level, as availability can vary widely even within the same model line.
Airbag types and how they work
Different airbags serve different protective roles. Below is a look at the main categories commonly found in modern cars.
Front airbags
These deploy from the steering wheel and dashboard to shield the chest and head in moderate to severe frontal crashes. Many systems include occupant-detection to determine whether a front passenger seat is occupied, adjusting inflation accordingly.
Side and torso airbags
Mounted in seats or doors, these protect the chest and hip area during side impacts. Placement and coverage vary by vehicle, with some models offering chest-protecting airbags in addition to seat-mounted types.
Curtain airbags
Routed along the roofline to protect heads in rollover events or side crashes. Curtain airbags can extend over multiple seating rows in newer designs, depending on the vehicle’s architecture.
Knee airbags
Located under the dashboard or near the knee area, these help reduce leg injuries and improve overall occupant positioning during a crash. They are more common in newer or higher-spec models.
Other protection systems
Some vehicles include pelvis airbags, thorax-protecting bags, or specialized knee/hip units. Modern airbag systems are coordinated by onboard control units that tailor deployment based on crash type and occupant detection.
Regulatory landscape and how to verify airbags
Airbag mandates and availability vary by country, region, and vehicle age. In many markets, front airbags have been standard for decades, while side, curtain, and knee airbags have become increasingly common in newer models. Consumers should verify exact equipment through official documentation and vehicle records.
- United States and Canada: Front airbags are standard in virtually all new passenger vehicles; side and curtain airbags are common in newer models but may be optional on some base trims. Always consult the vehicle’s safety specification for the exact build.
- European Union and other UNECE-regulated markets: Modern new cars typically include multiple airbags (front, side, curtain), with variations by model and safety package.
- Asia and developing markets: Airbags are increasingly standard in new vehicles, but some older or lower-cost models may lack certain airbags depending on local regulations and market offerings.
- Consumer guidance: Check the window sticker (or equivalent documentation) and the VIN-based build sheet or manufacturer’s site to confirm which airbags are installed and in which locations.
Conclusion: airbags are a critical safety feature in most new vehicles, but they are not universal across all vehicle types or trim levels. Always verify the exact airbag configuration for any car, truck, or SUV you are considering.
Summary
Airbags remain a cornerstone of modern vehicle safety, yet not every vehicle includes them by default. While most new passenger cars in developed markets come equipped with multiple airbags, motorcycles, older models, and some budget trims may lack them or offer limited protection. To stay informed, review the vehicle’s official specifications, window sticker, and owner documentation to understand exactly which airbags are installed and how they function for a given vehicle.
At what speed do airbags deploy in an accident?
Airbags typically deploy in moderate to severe frontal crashes, equivalent to hitting a solid barrier at 8 to 14 mph or faster. This speed can be higher for belted occupants and varies based on the crash's specifics, with the system detecting impact force to determine if deployment is necessary to prevent severe injury from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.
Deployment speeds and factors
- For unbelted occupants: Frontal airbags usually deploy at the lower end of the range, around 10 to 12 mph, as the car's sensors detect a higher risk of injury.
- For belted occupants: The deployment threshold is higher, often around 16 mph, because seat belts are already providing a significant level of protection.
- For side airbags: Deployment speed varies based on the type of impact. In a narrow object crash, like hitting a pole, side airbags can deploy at about 8 mph. In a more general side impact, they might deploy at around 18 mph.
- Other factors: Airbags are designed to deploy based on the combination of speed and the force of impact, not just speed alone. The system uses a variety of sensors to make a decision.
How to interpret "speed"
- The speed is not a simple speed limit, but rather a measure of the force of the impact.
- A collision at 10-14 mph with a solid object can be severe enough to cause injury from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.
- Hitting a parked car is different from hitting a solid wall. Hitting a parked car of similar size is roughly equivalent to hitting a solid wall at half the speed, according to Spada Law Group LLC.
- The deployment threshold can vary by vehicle model and the specific type of airbag.
- Even if a car is stationary, airbags can still deploy if another vehicle hits it at a sufficient speed, as long as the engine is running, notes this YouTube video.
What year did all cars get airbags?
All new cars in the United States have been required to have dual front airbags since the 1998 model year, with the rule going into effect on September 1, 1998. For light trucks, this requirement began with the 1999 model year.
- Passenger cars: All new passenger cars were required to have dual front airbags starting with the 1998 model year.
- Light trucks: The requirement for light trucks to have dual front airbags began with the 1999 model year.
- Legislation: This mandate was part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991.
- Implementation: While airbags were introduced much earlier, the 1998-1999 timeframe marks the point when they became a mandatory feature on all new cars and light trucks sold in the US.
Do all cars have to have airbags?
No, not all cars have to have airbags, but all new cars sold in the US are required to have dual front airbags for the driver and passenger. Cars manufactured before September 1, 1998, are exempt from this rule, and it is legal to drive these vehicles on public roads, even without airbags.
- New cars: Since September 1, 1998, all new cars and light trucks sold in the United States must have frontal airbags for both the driver and the front passenger.
- Older cars: Vehicles manufactured before this date are not required to have airbags. It is legal to drive older cars without them, as they were not standard equipment at the time.
- Other airbags: While dual front airbags are mandatory for new cars, other types, such as side and curtain airbags, are often optional equipment, though they are now common in many new vehicles.
- Other vehicles: Some vehicles, such as heavy-duty commercial trucks, are not required to have airbags as standard equipment, and they are often considered an optional feature.
Which cars don't have airbags?
Cars without airbags include most vehicles manufactured before 1998, as front airbags became mandatory for all new passenger vehicles in the United States starting with the 1999 model year. Some modern exceptions exist, such as certain budget-friendly models in some international markets or specialized vehicles like race cars and off-road-only industrial vehicles, which may omit airbags for specific design purposes.
Historical examples
This video explains why race cars don't have airbags: 50sDonutYouTube · May 18, 2020
- Pre-1998 vehicles: The majority of cars sold before the late 1990s did not have airbags, or only offered them as optional equipment on high-end models.
- Specific models: The last cars sold in the U.S. to lack airbags include some 1997 models like the Land Rover Defender, the 1995 Kia Sephia, and the Dodge Viper. The 1998 Toyota T100 was the last model to have a driver's side airbag but no passenger airbag.
Modern exceptions
- Budget vehicles in some markets: Some newer, low-cost models sold in certain countries outside the U.S. may be offered without airbags to keep prices down.
- Specialized vehicles: Some industrial vehicles and modified race cars do not have airbags. Race cars have different safety requirements and a compact cockpit design that makes airbags impractical. Some small industrial vehicles are only used off-highway and are not built to meet passenger car safety standards.
