Driver and passenger airbags

Updated 06/08/2023

As a supplement to the seatbelts, the vehicle is equipped with airbags on the driver and passenger sides in the front seat.

P5-1617-S90/V90–Safety–Driver and passenger airbags — Driver and passenger airbags1.

In the event of a frontal collision, the airbags help to protect the head, face and chest of the driver and passenger as well as the knees and legs1 of the driver.

A sufficiently violent collision trips the sensors and the airbag/airbags is inflated. 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.

Note

The detectors react differently depending on the nature of the collision and whether or not the seatbelts are fastened. Applies to all belt positions.

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 none, one or more airbags are deployed.

Warning

The seatbelts and airbags interact. If the belt is not used or is used incorrectly, this may diminish the protection provided by the airbag in the event of a collision.

To minimise the risk of injury if the airbag deploys, passengers must sit as upright as possible with their feet on the floor and backs against the backrest.

Warning

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

Driver airbags

Airbag in the steering wheel

This airbag is fitted into the centre of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is marked AIRBAG.

Knee airbag1

The airbag is folded up in the lower part of the instrument panel on the driver's side. Its cover panel is marked AIRBAG.

Warning

Do not place or attach any object on the top or front of the panel where the knee airbag is stowed.

Passenger airbag

The airbag is folded up into a compartment above the glovebox. Its cover panel is marked AIRBAG.

Warning

Do not put objects in front of or above the dashboard where the passenger airbag is located.

Label for passenger airbag

P5-1546–Safety–Airbag decal placement EU 1 — Label on the passenger side's sun visor.

P5-1507–Safety–Airbag decal placement EU 2 — Label on the passenger side's door pillar. The label becomes visible when the passenger door is opened.

The warning label for the passenger airbag is positioned as shown above.

Warning

If the car is not equipped with a switch to activate/deactivate the passenger airbag, the airbag will always be activated.

Warning

Never allow anybody to stand or sit in front of the front passenger seat.

Never use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat if the airbag is activated.

Front-facing passengers (children and adults) must never sit on the front passenger seat if the passenger airbag is deactivated.

Failure to follow the advice given above can endanger life or lead to serious personal injury.