Installing a child seat

Child Restraint Categories

CAUTION

When purchasing a child restraint, ask the manufacturer which type is suitable for your child and your vehicle.

(Europe)

Child restraints are classified into the following 5 groups in accordance with European standard ECE R44.

(Other countries)

Observe the applicable laws regarding the use of child restraints in vehicles.

Types of Child Restraints

(Europe) This owner's manual describes three types of child restraints secured with seat belts: infant seats, child seats, and booster seats.

CAUTION

• The installation position depends on the type of child restraint. Always read the child restraint manufacturer's recommendations and the child restraint installation instructions carefully.
• Due to the variety of child restraint models, seats, and seat belts, not all child restraints can be fitted in every seat position.

Before purchasing, the child restraint should be checked in the specific position (or positions) in which it will be used. If a previously purchased child restraint proves unsuitable, it may be necessary to buy a different, suitable one.

Infant Seat

Corresponds to groups 0 and 0+ of ECE R44.

Child Seat

Corresponds to group 1 of ECE R44.

Booster Seat

Corresponds to groups 2 and 3 of ECE R44.

(Other countries)

Observe the applicable laws regarding the use of child restraints in vehicles.

Installation Position for Infant Seats

An infant seat must only be installed facing the rear of the vehicle.

For installation positions of infant seats, see the "Child Restraint Installation Table" (page 2-35).

WARNING

Always install the child restraint in the correct position: Installing a rear-facing child restraint without first reviewing the "Child Restraint Installation Table" is dangerous. A child restraint installed in the wrong position cannot be properly secured. In a crash, the child may strike an object or another occupant in the vehicle and suffer serious injury or death.

Never use a rear-facing child restraint on a front seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG: NEVER install a rear-facing child restraint on a front seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG.

This may result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the CHILD.

The deploying airbag may strike the child restraint and change its position. This may cause serious injury or death to the child. If the vehicle is equipped with a Passenger Front Airbag Off Switch, always set the switch to the OFF position when installing a rear-facing child restraint on the front seat.

Child Restraint Installation Position

Child restraints are installed facing forward or rearward, depending on the child's age and height. When installing, follow the child restraint manufacturer's recommendations regarding the child's age and height, as well as its installation instructions.

For the installation position of child restraints, refer to the "Child Restraint Installation Table" (page 2-35).

Child restraint installed rear-facing

WARNING

Always install a forward-facing child restraint in the correct position: Installing a forward-facing child restraint without first reviewing the "Child Restraint Installation Table" compromises safety. A forward-facing child restraint installed in the wrong position does not provide protection. In a crash, the child may strike an object or another passenger in the vehicle and suffer serious injury or death.

Never use a rear-facing child restraint on a front seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG: NEVER install a rear-facing child restraint on a front seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG.

This may result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the CHILD.

The deploying airbag may strike the child restraint and change its position. This may cause serious injury or death to the child. If the vehicle is equipped with a Passenger Front Airbag Off Switch, always set the switch to the OFF position when installing a rear-facing child restraint on the front seat.

Child restraint installed forward-facing

WARNING

Never install a forward-facing child restraint in an incorrect position: Installing a forward-facing child restraint without first reviewing the "Child Restraint Installation Table" compromises safety. A forward-facing child restraint installed in the wrong position does not guarantee the child's safety.

In a crash, the child may strike an object or another passenger in the vehicle and suffer serious injury or death.

If not necessary, do not install a forward-facing child restraint for older children on the front passenger seat: In a crash, a deploying airbag can cause serious injury or death to the child. If installing a forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat cannot be avoided, move the seat as far back as possible and make sure the front passenger airbag switch is in the OFF position. See the "Front Passenger Airbag Switch" section (page 2-50).

Installation position of child restraint for older children

A child restraint for older children is installed only in the forward-facing position.

For the installation position of child restraints for older children, refer to the "Child Restraint Installation Table" (page 2-35).

WARNING

Always install a child restraint for older children in the correct position: Installing a child restraint for older children without first reviewing the "Child Restraint Installation Table" compromises safety. A child restraint for older children installed in the wrong position does not guarantee the child's safety.

In a crash, the child may strike an object or another passenger in the vehicle and suffer serious injury or death.

If not necessary, do not install a child restraint for older children forward-facing on the front passenger seat: In a crash, a deploying airbag can cause serious injury or death to the child. If installing a forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat cannot be avoided, move the seat as far back as possible and make sure the front passenger airbag switch is in the OFF position. See the "Front Passenger Airbag Switch" section (page 2-50).