
Modern cars have airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin to protect occupants in a collision. The primary locations are the steering wheel and front passenger dashboard for frontal impacts. Additional airbags include side-impact airbags in the front seats' outer bolsters, side-curtain airbags that drop down from the roof lining above the windows, and often a driver's knee airbag under the steering column. Some vehicles also feature rear-seat side airbags and even a front-center airbag.
These components are part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which works with seatbelts. The system's computer (the SDM) uses crash sensors to decide which airbags to deploy based on the collision's severity and type. It's crucial to pair airbags with proper seatbelt use, as they are designed to work in tandem.
For a visual guide, here are common airbag locations found in many modern vehicles:
| Airbag Location | Protects Against | Common Vehicle Examples (Model Years Vary) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Frontal (Steering Wheel) | Frontal Collision | Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Ford F-150 |
| Front Passenger (Dashboard) | Frontal Collision | Chevrolet Silverado, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Rogue |
| Front Seat-Mounted Side Torso | Side-Impact Collision | BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Kia Sportage |
| Side-Curtain (Front & Rear Rows) | Side-Impact & Rollover | Subaru Outback, Tesla Model 3, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Driver Knee Airbag | Lower Leg Injuries | Honda Accord, Volkswagen Golf, Lexus ES |
| Front Center Airbag | Front-Seat Passenger Interaction | Toyota Highlander, Genesis G80, GMC Acadia |
| Rear Seat-Mounted Side Torso | Rear Passenger Side-Impact | Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Cadillac Escalade |
Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact locations and specific features of your car's SRS. Never place a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat if the airbag is active, as the force of deployment can cause serious injury. Proper maintenance is also key; if your SRS warning light stays on, have the system inspected by a qualified technician immediately.


