Where are the airbags in my car?
Airbags are built into several parts of a car: the driver's airbag in the steering wheel, the front passenger airbag in the dashboard, side airbags in the seat or door, curtain airbags along the roofline, and knee airbags under the dash. Some newer models also add center airbags between the front seats or rear airbags for additional protection. They remain hidden until deployment in a crash.
Where airbags live is influenced by the vehicle's design, year, and trim. To know the exact locations for your car, check the owner's manual, the inside trim labels, or a company diagram. In most cases, you’ll find front airbags, knee airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags, with center or rear airbags appearing on select models.
Common airbag locations in modern cars
The following list covers the most common placements you’ll find across many new cars. Not every model has all of these; some may have additional or specialized airbags.
- Driver's front airbag — housed in the center of the steering wheel to cushion the driver’s head and chest.
- Front passenger airbag — mounted in the dashboard on the passenger side, deploying toward the chest and upper body.
- Knee airbags — located under the steering column or lower dash to reduce leg injuries and help manage the movement of other airbags during deployment.
- Thorax/side airbags — integrated into the outer part of the seat (seat-mounted) or the door panel to protect the torso in a side impact.
- Curtain airbags — run along the roofline above the windows, deploying to shield the head on both front and rear seats.
- Center airbags — installed between the front seats in some models to reduce chest impact and head collisions with the opposite occupant in a crash.
- Rear-side airbags — present in some vehicles, located in rear door panels or rear seats to protect rear occupants during side impacts.
Knowledge of these locations helps you understand how occupants are protected from different crash scenarios. If your vehicle lacks a particular airbag configuration, it’s typically due to trim, design, or model year differences. Always refer to the official diagrams for your car.
How to identify airbags in your specific car
To locate the airbags in your exact vehicle, use these steps. They help you confirm which airbags exist and where to avoid interfering with them during maintenance or seating placement.
- Check the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for a model-specific airbag diagram.
- Look for SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) labeling near the steering wheel, dashboard, seats, or door panels.
- Inspect the passenger side dashboard and steering wheel for visible seam lines or labels indicating an airbag location.
- Observe warning lights on the dashboard; a temporary airbag indicator at startup is common but should go out normally once the system is checked.
- Ask a dealer or a certified mechanic if you’re unsure about a specific model’s airbag layout.
By using these steps, you can identify where airbags live in your car and ensure you don’t place objects or aftermarket accessories in critical zones. If in doubt, refer to the manual or contact the manufacturer for precise diagrams.
Safety tips and maintenance related to airbags
These best practices help ensure airbags function properly and occupants stay safe.
- Avoid placing heavy items, aftermarket seat covers, or child seats in front of airbags; keep the seat at proper distance from the steering wheel and dashboard.
- Do not modify, disassemble, or cover the airbag modules; avoid tampering with the airbag warning light.
- Ensure seat belts and seating positions follow the vehicle’s guidelines, especially for front-seat occupants and children.
- If an airbag has deployed in a crash, have the vehicle inspected by a professional; the airbag system may need replacement or reset.
- Have sensors and electronics checked during routine maintenance; if the airbag warning light stays on, seek service promptly.
Regular service and proper seating arrangements help ensure airbags deploy correctly when needed. Always refer to the owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals and safety warnings.
Summary
Airbags in modern cars are distributed across several locations to protect occupants during different types of crashes. Common placements include the driver's and front passenger airbags in the steering wheel and dashboard, knee airbags under the dash, side airbags in seats or doors, curtain airbags along the roof, and occasionally center or rear airbags depending on the model. To know exactly what your car has, consult the owner’s manual or official diagrams. Maintain proper seating position, avoid obstructing airbag modules, and seek professional service if an airbag has deployed or the warning light stays on.
Where in the car are airbags being installed?
Airbag Locations
Door mounted airbags are located in the front doors on both sides of the vehicle. Seat mounted airbags are located in the outboard side of the seats for the driver, front passenger and, in some vehicles, the rear passenger side.
Where can you find out if your vehicle has airbags?
You can find out if your vehicle has airbags by checking the owner's manual, looking for "SRS" or "Airbag" labels on the steering wheel and dashboard, or performing a VIN check online. The owner's manual is the most comprehensive source, while visual checks are quicker.
How to check for airbags
- Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable way to get detailed information about your specific vehicle's safety features, including whether it has airbags and what types.
- Look for labels: Search for "SRS" (Supplemental Restraint System) or "Airbag" logos on the steering wheel, dashboard, and other areas like side pillars or the glove box.
- Inspect the steering wheel and dashboard: The driver's airbag is typically in the steering wheel, and the passenger's is in the dashboard. You will likely see a cover with a logo on it.
- Perform a VIN check: Use your vehicle's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to look up its specifications online. Some VIN decoders can provide details about installed safety systems.
- Consult the vehicle's website: The manufacturer's website may have a feature to look up your car's details by VIN or model, which will include its safety features.
Where are the airbags located in the car?
The main component of the system is a large nylon bag which is inflated and deflated rapidly during certain types of collision. The driver's airbag is usually located in the steering wheel whilst passenger airbags are installed in the head impact area of the dashboard.
Where are the six airbags located?
Airbags are generally installed in the steering wheel and dashboard of the car for the safety of the driver and the co-driver. Some luxury cars airbags are also offered on the side of the seats and on the knees for extra protection.
