Buick Enclave

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver frontal airbag is in the center of the steering wheel.

The front outboard passenger frontal airbag is in the passenger side instrument panel.

The front center airbag is in the inboard side of the driver seatback.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar

The driver and front outboard passenger seat-mounted side impact airbags are in the side of the seatbacks closest to the door.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar

The roof-rail airbags for the driver, front outboard passenger, and second and third row outboard passengers are in the ceiling above the side windows.

Warning: If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or death. Keep the path of an inflating airbag clear. Do not place or attach anything on or near airbag covers, steering wheel hub, seats, or roof areas.

When Should an Airbag Inflate?

Airbags are designed to inflate if the impact exceeds the deployment threshold. Electronic sensors evaluate crash severity, direction, and vehicle deceleration.

Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal crashes to reduce injury to the head and chest.

  • Inflation does not depend only on vehicle speed
  • Depends on impact direction, object type, and deceleration
  • May inflate at different speeds depending on crash conditions

Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, rear impacts, or many side impacts.

Advanced technology airbags adjust restraint based on crash severity or occupant interaction.

The front center airbag inflates in certain side crashes or rollover predictions but not in frontal or rear impacts.

Seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate on the side struck during moderate to severe side or some frontal crashes.

Roof-rail airbags inflate in moderate to severe side crashes, rollovers, or severe frontal impacts. They are not designed for rear impacts.


What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

Sensors send an electrical signal triggering gas release from the inflator. The airbag fills with gas, breaks out of the cover, and deploys.


How Does an Airbag Restrain?

Airbags supplement seat belts by spreading crash forces over a larger area of the body.

Roof-rail airbags help reduce the risk of full or partial ejection in rollover events, though no system can prevent all ejections.

Airbags are supplemental restraints and should never replace seat belts.


What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?

Some airbags deflate immediately; others may stay partially inflated. Parts may feel warm, and dust or smoke may be present.

Airbag inflation does not prevent occupants from exiting the vehicle.

Warning: Airbag dust may cause breathing problems. Exit the vehicle as soon as safe. If breathing problems occur, seek medical attention.
Warning: A crash severe enough to deploy airbags may damage critical vehicle systems. Use caution if restarting the vehicle.
  • Airbags deploy only once and must be replaced
  • Crash data may be recorded by the vehicle
  • Only qualified technicians should service airbags

Passenger Sensing System

The passenger sensing system turns the front outboard passenger frontal airbag ON or OFF depending on occupant size and seating position.

The airbag status indicator shows ON or OFF on the overhead console.

Children aged 12 and under should always ride properly restrained in the rear seat. Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat.

Warning: A rear-facing child restraint in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the airbag inflates—even if the airbag is turned off.

The passenger airbag turns OFF when:

  • The seat is unoccupied
  • An infant seat is detected
  • Passenger weight is temporarily removed
  • A system fault is detected

The airbag turns ON when an adult-sized occupant is properly seated.

Warning: If the passenger airbag is OFF for an adult-sized occupant, serious injury or death may occur in a crash.

Additional Factors Affecting System Operation

Seat belts and proper seating position help the passenger sensing system work correctly. Aftermarket seat covers, heaters, cush

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