Where are airbags located in a car?
Airbags are located in multiple spots around the cabin to cushion occupants in crashes, including the front, sides, head region, knees, and sometimes between occupants or in rear areas. The exact locations depend on the vehicle model and trim.
Front airbags
Front airbags are the primary protection for drivers and front passengers in frontal crashes. They deploy from specific housings to cushion the chest and face during impact.
Common front-airbag housings include:
- Driver front airbag in the center of the steering wheel
- Front passenger airbag in the dashboard above the glove box
These placements are designed to reduce injuries to the torso and head in a front-end collision. Not every car has the same configuration, so check the owner's manual for exact locations.
Deployment basics
Airbags deploy within milliseconds when onboard sensors detect a crash that meets the vehicle’s deployment criteria. They are designed to work with seat belts and seating position to maximize protection.
Side airbags
Side airbags protect occupants during lateral crashes by cushioning the torso and hips. They can be integrated in different components of the car’s structure.
Typical locations include:
- Seat-mounted side airbags inside the driver’s and front passenger’s seats
- Door-mounted side airbags in the front doors or behind a door panel
Many models pair side airbags with curtain airbags to provide head protection as well. Availability varies by model and trim.
Curtain/Head protection airbags
Curtain airbags rise along the roofline above the windows to shield the head in side impacts and rollover events. They extend across the window area to cover multiple seating rows in some vehicles.
Common locations:
- Roof-mounted curtain airbags along the A-, B-, and/or C-pillars
- Rear curtain airbags in some models to protect passengers in the back seats
Curtain airbags offer protection for the head and face by creating a protective air cushion between occupants and the window or interior structure.
Knee airbags
Knee airbags are situated under the lower portion of the dashboard to help protect legs and improve occupant positioning during a crash.
Typical locations:
- Driver knee airbag under the steering column/dashboard
- Front passenger knee airbag under the glove box or lower dashboard
While increasingly common on newer or higher-trim models, knee airbags are not universal across all vehicles.
Center airbags
Center airbags are designed to reduce forces between the driver and front passenger in certain side-impact scenarios, potentially preventing occupant-to-occupant contact.
Typical locations:
- Between the driver and front passenger, often integrated into the seat or center console
Center airbags are less common than front or side airbags and depend on the vehicle’s safety configuration.
Rear airbags
Some vehicles offer airbags for rear-seat passengers in addition to front-seat protection, expanding protection to more occupants.
Common locations:
- Rear side airbags integrated into the rear seats or backrests
- Rear curtain airbags along the rear roofline
Rear airbags are more typical in newer or higher-end models and may not be present in all vehicles.
How to know what your car has
The best way to confirm which airbags your car has is to consult the owner's manual, check safety labels on interior pillars or the glove box, or reference the vehicle’s window sticker or build sheet. Dealerships and manufacturers can also verify airbag configurations using the VIN.
Summary
Modern cars typically house airbags in front (steering wheel and dashboard), sides (seat or door), curtains (roofline), knees (under the dashboard), and sometimes center or rear locations. The exact network depends on the model and trim, but all airbags are part of an integrated safety system designed to work with seat belts and occupant positioning to reduce injuries during crashes. Always review your specific vehicle’s safety features for precise locations and coverage.
