Transporting Older Children in the Front Passenger Seat

It is strongly recommended that children under the age of 12 be transported in child restraint systems installed in the rear seat of the vehicle.

Rear seats are the safest location for transporting children of any age and size.

The front airbag, which inflates in a moderate or severe impact, poses a serious hazard to a child seated in the front passenger seat.

The front passenger side airbag, which may be equipped on your vehicle, can also cause serious injury to a child. If any part of the child's body is within the zone of the inflating airbag, the child may be seriously injured.

Of course, all children are different. Therefore, age is not the only factor you should consider when deciding whether a child may ride in the front passenger seat.

Child's Weight and Height

The height and weight of older children usually allow them to use the vehicle's lap/shoulder belts correctly (see pages 17 and 60). However, if the child's height and weight do not allow proper positioning on the seat (with or without a booster cushion), the child must be seated in the rear seat.

Child's Maturity

To sit in the front passenger seat, the child must follow certain rules throughout the trip, including sitting properly and correctly positioning the seat belt.

If you decide to transport a child in the front passenger seat:

Carefully read this Owner's Manual, particularly the sections on seat belt use and safety instructions in general.

Move the seat fully rearward.

Make sure the child is seated properly, with the back pressed firmly against the seatback and the feet on the floor or as close to the floor as possible.

Check that the child's shoulder belt is positioned correctly relative to the child's body, and that the belt is securely fastened.

Do not allow the child to lean toward the door.

Supervise the child during the trip. Even fully conscious and adult passengers sometimes need a reminder to sit upright and fasten the seat belt.