How does the airbag system work?

• The airbags are enabled (ready to inflate if necessary) only when the Start/Stop button is in the ON position or the engine is running.
• The applicable airbags inflate instantly in a severe frontal or side impact collision to help protect occupants from serious bodily injury.
• There is no single speed at which the airbags will deploy. In general, airbags are designed to deploy depending on the severity and direction of the collision. These two factors determine whether the sensors send an electronic deployment/inflation signal.
• Airbag deployment depends on a number of factors, including vehicle speed, impact angles, and the density and stiffness of the vehicle or object your vehicle strikes in a collision. The determining factors are not limited to those mentioned above.
• The front airbags inflate and deflate almost instantly. It is practically impossible to see the airbags inflate during a crash. It is far more likely that you will only see the deflated airbags hanging out of their storage compartments after a collision.
• In addition to inflating in severe side impacts, the side and/or curtain airbags will deploy if the sensor system detects a rollover.
• When a rollover is detected, the side airbags and/or curtain airbags remain inflated for a longer time to help provide protection against ejection, especially when used in combination with seat belts.
• To provide protection, airbags must inflate quickly. The inflation speed of an airbag results from the extremely short time in which the airbag inflates between the occupant and the vehicle structures before the occupant strikes those structures. This inflation speed reduces the risk of serious or life-threatening injuries and is therefore a necessary part of airbag design. However, airbag deployment may also cause injuries, which may include facial abrasions, bruises, and broken bones, because the inflation speed also causes the airbags to expand with great force.
• There are even circumstances in which contact with the steering wheel or the front passenger airbag can cause fatal injuries, especially if the occupant is too close to the steering wheel or the front passenger airbag.

WARNING – Airbag Deployment

Sit as far back from the steering wheel as possible while maintaining comfortable control of the vehicle. A distance of at least 25 cm (10 in.) between the chest and the steering wheel is recommended. Failure to do so may result in the driver being injured by the deploying airbag.

Noise and Smoke

When an airbag deploys, it makes a loud noise and leaves smoke and powder in the vehicle interior. This is normal and is the result of the airbag igniting. After airbag deployment, you may experience significant breathing discomfort due to contact of the chest with both the seat belt and the airbag, and from inhaling smoke and powder. Open the doors and/or windows as soon as possible after the collision to reduce discomfort and prevent prolonged exposure to smoke and powder.

Although the smoke and powder are non-toxic, they may cause skin irritation (eyes, nose, throat, etc.). In this case, immediately wash and rinse with cold water, and consult a doctor if the symptoms persist.

WARNING - Hot Components

Do not touch the internal components of the airbag compartments immediately after airbag deployment. Parts associated with the airbag in the steering wheel, instrument panel, and roof rails above the front and rear doors are very hot. Hot components may cause burns.

WARNING

Do not install or place any accessories near airbag deployment areas, such as the instrument panel, windows, pillars, and roof rails.

Do not install a child restraint on the front passenger seat.

Never install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat. If the airbag deploys, it will strike the rear-facing child restraint, resulting in serious or fatal injury.

Also, do not install forward-facing child restraints in the front passenger seat. If the front passenger airbag deploys, it may result in serious or fatal injury to the child.

WARNING. Airbag Deployment

• When children are seated in the rear side seats of a vehicle equipped with side airbags and/or curtain airbags, install the child restraint system as far away from the door as possible. Inflation of the side and/or curtain airbags may injure the child.
• Do not install or place any accessories near airbag deployment areas, such as the instrument panel, windows, pillars, and roof rails.