Airbags are a supplemental restraint system designed to work with seat belts to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries. Airbags do not inflate slowly; there is a risk of injury from a deploying airbag.
Airbags inflate and deflate rapidly when deployed. After deployment, it is normal to notice a smoky powdery residue or a burnt-fuel smell. It may consist of cornstarch, talc (used to lubricate the bag), or sodium compounds (such as baking soda) produced by the combustion process that inflates the airbag. A small amount of sodium hydroxide, which may cause irritation to the skin and eyes, may be present, but none of the residue is toxic.
Although the system is designed to reduce serious injuries, contact with a deploying airbag may also cause abrasions or swelling. Temporary hearing loss is also possible due to the noise associated with airbag deployment. Because airbags must inflate quickly and with considerable force, there is a risk of death or serious injury, such as fractures, facial and eye injuries, or internal injuries, especially to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of airbag deployment. Therefore, it is extremely important that occupants are properly restrained and positioned as far away as possible from the airbag module while maintaining control of the vehicle.
Routine maintenance of the airbag system is not required.
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