Is It Normal for the Passenger Airbag to Have an Imprint?
2 Answers
It is normal for the passenger airbag to have an imprint because a relatively easy-to-damage opening is reserved to facilitate the deployment of the airbag. Locations of Car Airbags: Airbags are generally installed in three directions inside the vehicle: the front (driver and passenger seats), the sides (front and rear rows), and the roof. On the exterior of containers equipped with airbag systems, the words "Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System" (abbreviated as SRS) are printed, which directly translates to "Auxiliary Inflatable Restraint System" in Chinese. Function of Airbags: Airbags prevent injuries caused by collisions between occupants and interior components during a car crash. They serve as auxiliary safety devices to seat belts, working together with them.
As a long-time car owner, I've often noticed some slight imprints or textures on the passenger side dashboard, which is perfectly normal. The airbag itself is concealed beneath the dashboard, and manufacturers intentionally design these creases or textures to hide the airbag's location. This prevents glare from direct sunlight reflection and avoids making the airbag position obvious at first glance, as safety is always the top priority. My car has these marks too, and after years of driving, the airbag still deployed normally in an accident. However, if the imprints become abnormally raised, cracked, or are accompanied by the airbag warning light turning on, there might be an issue—such as airbag damage after a collision or a loose cover—and it's time to visit a repair shop. For regular maintenance, avoid placing heavy objects or obstructions on the cover to prevent interference with the airbag's operation. In short, this design is standard practice, not a sign of malfunction, so there's no need to worry too much. Just keep an eye on it.
