Airbags in the Honda Accord are distributed across several locations to protect both front and rear occupants in a crash. In general, you’ll find a driver’s airbag in the steering wheel, a front passenger airbag in the dashboard, a driver’s knee airbag in the lower dash area, side airbags in the front seats, and curtain airbags along the roofline that protect both rows.
Understanding airbag placement helps owners know what to expect in a crash and how to maintain the interior safely. The exact locations can vary by model year and trim level, but the ninth-generation Accord (2018–present) typically includes the above airbags, with additional variants depending on region and configuration. This article outlines the typical locations and how they work.
Airbag locations in the Honda Accord
The following overview covers the main airbags you’ll encounter in most Accord configurations, organized by where they sit in the vehicle. The list explains where each airbag is housed and what it protects.
- Driver’s front airbag — located in the center of the steering wheel, designed to cushion the driver’s chest and upper body in a frontal crash.
- Front passenger airbag — housed in the upper dash on the passenger side, intended to protect the front passenger.
- Driver’s knee airbag — tucked under the lower portion of the instrument panel near the footwell, helping to support the legs and reduce injury to the lower body.
- Front side airbags — embedded in the outer portion of the front seatbacks, providing chest/torso protection for occupants in a moderate to severe side impact.
- Curtain airbags — mounted along the roofline above the windows, spanning both front and rear seats to shield heads during side impacts or rollovers.
- Rear-side airbags (where equipped) — in some trims or markets, additional side airbags may be installed for rear occupants in certain configurations.
Airbag systems are part of Honda’s supplemental restraint system (SRS). They work in concert with seat belts and crash sensors to deploy when needed. If the airbag warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster, have the system inspected by a dealer or qualified technician promptly.
Driver’s front airbag
The driver’s front airbag sits inside the steering wheel hub and inflates toward the driver’s torso in a frontal collision. It is part of the steering wheel assembly and is designed to reduce chest injuries while the driver remains restrained by a seatbelt.
Front passenger airbag
The front passenger airbag is embedded in the passenger-side section of the dashboard. It deploys toward the occupant in a frontal crash, working alongside the seatbelt and, in some models, occupant detection systems that may deactivate the bag if the seat is unoccupied or a child seat is detected.
Driver’s knee airbag
The knee airbag is installed under the lower dash near the driver’s feet. It helps prevent leg and lower-body injuries by distributing crash forces away from the pelvis and spine during a frontal impact.
Front side airbags
Front side airbags are integrated into the outer portion of the front seatbacks. They inflate to shield the chest and torso on the side of impact, providing protection in moderate to severe side crashes.
Curtain airbags
Curtain airbags run along the roofline from A-pillar to C-pillar. They deploy to cushion heads during side impacts and in rollover scenarios, helping reduce head injuries for both front and rear occupants.
Notes on variations and safety reminders
Airbag configurations can vary by model year, trim level, and regional market. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the exact airbag layout for your specific Accord. Do not place objects in front of airbags or modify seating or trim in ways that could obstruct deployment. Keep children properly restrained and follow all safety guidelines to maximize protection.
Summary
The Honda Accord houses multiple airbags across five core zones: the driver’s and front passenger front airbags, the driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, and curtain airbags along the roofline, with rare variations that may include rear-side airbags in certain trims or markets. This multi-zone design works with seatbelts and sensors to protect occupants in various crash scenarios. Always consult the manual or a dealer for model-specific details and ensure you maintain proper seating and belt use for optimal safety.