Airbag system

Updated 06/08/2023

In the event of a frontal collision the airbag system helps to protect the head, face and chest of the driver and passenger.

SRS-systemet (vänsterstyrd bil) — Airbag system viewed from above, left-hand-drive car.

SRS-systemet (högerstyrd bil) — Airbag system viewed from above, right-hand-drive car.

The system consists of airbags and sensors. A sufficiently violent collision trips the sensors and the airbag(s) are inflated and become hot. The airbag cushions the initial collision impact for the occupant. The airbag deflates when compressed by the collision. When this occurs, smoke escapes into the car. This is completely normal. The entire process, including inflation and deflation of the airbag, occurs within tenths of a second.

If the airbags have deployed, the following is recommended:

Recovering the car. Volvo recommends that you have it conveyed to an authorised Volvo workshop. Do not drive with deployed airbags.
Volvo recommends that you engage an authorised Volvo workshop to handle the replacement of components in the car's safety systems.
Always contact a doctor.

Warning

The airbag system's control module is located in the centre console. If the centre console is drenched with water or other liquid, disconnect the battery cables. Do not attempt to start the car since the airbags may deploy. Recovering the car. Volvo recommends that you have it conveyed to an authorised Volvo workshop.

Warning

Never drive with deployed airbags. They can make steering difficult. Other safety systems may also be damaged. The smoke and dust created when the airbags are deployed can cause skin and eye irritation/injury after intensive exposure. In case of irritation, wash with cold water. The rapid deployment sequence and airbag fabric may cause friction and skin burns.

Warning

Volvo recommends that you contact an authorised Volvo workshop for repair. Defective work in the airbag system could cause malfunction and result in serious personal injury.

Note

The detectors react differently depending on the nature of the collision and whether or not the seatbelt is fastened. Applies to all seatbelt positions apart from centre seat rear.

It is therefore possible that only one (or none) of the airbags may inflate in a collision. The detectors sense the force of the collision on the vehicle and the action is adapted accordingly so that one or more airbags are deployed.