Honda Civic

The front, front side, and side curtain airbags

The front, front side, and side curtain airbags are deployed according to the direction and severity of impact. Both side curtain airbags are deployed in a rollover.

The airbag system includes:

  1. Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) front airbags. The driver’s airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger’s airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked SRS AIRBAG.
  2. Two side airbags, one for the driver and one for a front passenger. The airbags are stored in the outer edges of the seatbacks. Both are marked SIDE AIRBAG.
  3. Two side curtain airbags, one for each side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored in the ceiling, above the side windows. The front and rear pillars are marked SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG.
  4. An electronic control unit that monitors impact sensors, seat and buckle sensors, rollover sensor, airbag activators, seat belt tensioners, and other vehicle information. During a crash event, the unit can record information.
  5. Automatic front seat belt tensioners. The driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt buckles include sensors to detect whether the belts are fastened.
  6. A driver’s seat position sensor that determines the optimal airbag deployment force.
  7. Weight sensors in the front passenger’s seat. The front passenger’s airbag turns off if the detected weight is approximately 65 lbs (29 kg) or less.
  8. Impact sensors that detect moderate-to-severe front or side impacts.
  9. A dashboard indicator that alerts when the front passenger’s airbag is turned off.
  10. An instrument panel indicator that alerts to a possible problem with the airbag system or seat belt tensioners.
  11. A rollover sensor that can deploy both side curtain airbags.
Warning: Airbags inflate with tremendous force. Always wear your seat belt properly and sit upright, as far back from the steering wheel or dashboard as possible.
  • Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag.
  • Do not attach or place objects on airbag covers marked SRS AIRBAG.
  • Do not attempt to deactivate airbags.
  • Keep hands and arms out of the airbag deployment path.

How the Front Airbags Work

Front airbags inflate during moderate-to-severe frontal collisions. Sensors detect sudden deceleration and signal the control unit to deploy one or both airbags.

Airbags deflate immediately after deployment so they do not interfere with visibility or vehicle control.

When Front Airbags Should Not Deploy

  • Minor frontal crashes
  • Side impacts
  • Rear impacts
  • Rollovers

Advanced Airbags

The advanced airbag system uses a driver’s seat position sensor and front passenger weight sensors to determine optimal deployment force.

  • Do not spill liquids on or under seats.
  • Do not place objects under the passenger’s seat.
  • All occupants must sit upright and wear seat belts properly.

Side Airbags

Side airbags protect the torso and pelvis during moderate-to-severe side impacts and are housed in the outer edges of the front seatbacks.

Warning: Do not lean into the path of a side airbag or attach accessories near side airbags.

Side Curtain Airbags

Side curtain airbags protect occupants’ heads during side impacts and rollovers and help reduce the likelihood of ejection through side windows.

Airbag System Indicators

If a problem occurs, the SRS indicator will come on and a message will appear. Have the system checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

Warning: Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in serious injury or death.

Passenger Front Airbag Off Indicator

This indicator comes on when the front passenger’s airbag is turned off due to low seat weight (about 65 lbs / 29 kg or less) or when the seat is empty.

Airbag Care

  • Have the system inspected if airbags deploy.
  • Have the system inspected after a moderate-to-severe collision.
  • Do not modify or remove front seats without consulting a dealer.

Protecting Child Passengers

Children age 12 and under should always ride properly restrained in a rear seat. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children in this age group.

Warning: Never place a rear-facing child seat in the front seat.

Child Seat Guidelines

  • Use rear-facing child seats for infants and small children.
  • Use forward-facing child seats only after exceeding rear-facing limits.
  • Use booster seats as needed until seat belts fit properly.

LATCH-Compatible Child Seats

Most child seats are LATCH-compatible and can be installed using lower anchors and top tethers according to manufacturer instructions.

Warning: Never attach two child seats to the same anchor.

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