Where are the airbags in a Subaru?
Airbags in Subaru vehicles are distributed across several locations to protect occupants in frontal, side, and roof-rail impacts. The exact arrangement varies by model and year, but you’ll commonly find front, knee, side, and curtain airbags, with some models offering rear-seat protections as well.
Subaru employs a comprehensive supplemental restraint system (SRS) that coordinates airbags with seat belts and sensors. For precise details about your specific model-year and trim, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Subaru dealer, since configurations can change with redesigns and safety packages.
Airbag locations by category
Below is a guide to the typical placements you’ll encounter in Subaru models, noting that not every model includes every type.
Front airbags
Front airbags provide primary protection for the chest and head in a frontal crash. In most Subaru models, the driver airbag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel, while the front passenger airbag sits in the upper part of the dash on the passenger side.
- Driver's knee airbag is usually installed beneath the steering column to mitigate leg injuries during a crash.
- Passenger knee airbag is present in some models, located behind the glove box area.
Front airbags work in concert with pretensioners and seat belts to reduce injury risk in frontal impacts.
Side and curtain airbags
Side airbags protect the torso and are typically integrated into the outer portion of the front seats or into the doors, depending on the model. Curtain airbags run along the roofline above the side windows to shield heads in side impacts or rollovers.
- Torso/side airbags are commonly located in the front seatbacks or door panels, varying by model.
- Curtain airbags usually extend to both front and rear seating where equipped.
These systems deploy rapidly to minimize injury while allowing occupants to maintain some movement during a crash scenario.
Knee airbags
Knee airbags are designed to protect leg and lower-body areas and are typically found under the dash on the driver’s side; some models also include a passenger knee airbag behind the glove box area.
- Driver knee airbag is common across many recent Subarus.
- Passenger knee airbag placement is model-dependent.
Along with other airbags, knee airbags contribute to a fuller protective envelope in frontal crashes.
Rear airbags
Some Subaru models and trims offer rear-side airbags or rear-curtain airbags to protect passengers seated in the back during side impacts or rollovers. Availability varies by model year and configuration.
- Rear side airbags may be installed in the rear seat area or in the rear doors, depending on the design.
- Rear-curtain airbags run along the rear window area to shield rear occupants in certain crash scenarios.
Because rear airbag coverage is not universal, verify the exact setup for your vehicle’s year and trim.
How to verify your specific model
Before relying on airbags, confirm their presence and coverage for your exact car by checking labels and official documentation.
- Look for "SRS AIRBAG" or "AIRBAG" labeling on the airbag modules themselves (steering wheel hub, dashboard, doors, or seat edges).
- Consult the owner's manual or Subaru’s official site for the precise airbag layout for your model-year and trim.
- Ask a Subaru dealership or certified technician if you’re unsure about your car’s airbag coverage or during recalls/safety campaigns.
Understanding the exact configuration helps ensure you know what protections are included and where to seat occupants safely relative to the airbags.
Safety reminders and maintenance
Airbags are designed to deploy in a crash or during testing and are part of a broader restraint system that includes seat belts and pretensioners. Do not place objects in front of airbags or modify seating and interior materials in ways that could impede deployment. If airbags deploy, replacement and repair must be performed by an authorized dealer or qualified technician.
Summary
Subaru’s airbag system typically includes front airbags for the driver and passenger, knee airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags, with some models offering rear-seat protections such as rear-side or rear-curtain airbags. The exact configuration depends on model year and trim, so always verify with the owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer for your specific vehicle. This multi-layer protection works in tandem with seat belts to help reduce injury in frontal, side, and rollover crashes.
