Airbag deployment

If an airbag has deployed, your car needs to be recovered and serviced.

When the car deploys an airbag, it inflates almost instantly with considerable force accompanied by a loud noise. After that point, it behaves differently depending on the type of airbag. The front and side airbags deflate as they are compressed and provide controlled cushioning for a single severe impact. The inflatable curtains stay inflated longer to protect against repeated impacts.

 Warning

Airbag-related injuries

No safety feature can prevent all possible injuries in a collision. The airbags are designed to reduce the risk of severe injuries. Impacting an airbag often results in some form of injury, and several factors affect the type and severity of the injury. Reading the manual allows you to recognise and avoid practices known to increase the risk of injury.

To reduce the risk of airbag-related injuries in a collision:
  • Follow the manual’s instructions for proper seating and use of seatbelts.
  • Learn the placement of all airbags and how they affect the use of your car.
  • Properly stow loose objects when driving and do not place or mount any objects around the airbag deployment areas.
  • Do not make any modifications to the interior or electrical systems of your car that are not approved by Volvo.

 Note

Deployment conditions

Not all airbags may deploy in a collision. This is because different airbags require different conditions and forces to deploy. The severity of damage to the car after a collision is not a reliable indicator of whether any airbags should have deployed.

Airbag gases and smoke

  • The gas inside an airbag contains smoke that releases into the interior compartment when the airbag deflates.
  • Always be attentive to signs of fire after a severe collision, but keep in mind that some smoke is normal if an airbag has deployed.

After airbag deployment

After a collision in which the airbags have deployed, prioritise the safety and medical needs of those involved in the accident. Before handling the car, contact an authorised Volvo workshop. Follow the manual's instructions for safe handling and recovery of a car that's immobilised or in safety mode.

 Important

Do not try to drive or move the car if any of the airbags have deployed. If the car poses an acute traffic hazard and is able to move, an exception can be made to move it a short distance out of immediate danger.

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