Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Side airbags

Fig. 73 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: deployment zones of side airbags (variant A). On the side of the front seat: location and deployment range of the side airbag (variant B)

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

The side airbags are located in the outer seat backrest cushions of the driver seat and front passenger seat   B. Depending on the vehicle equipment level, side airbags may also be fitted for the outer rear seats. They are located between the door opening and the backrests. The locations of the airbags are marked with stickers with the word AIRBAG. The areas marked in red   indicate the side airbag deployment zones.

During a side collision, the side airbags will be deployed on the vehicle's side of impact, thus reducing the risk of injury to the areas of the vehicle occupants' bodies facing the impact.

WARNING

Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.

• Always leave the deployment zones of the side airbags clear.

• Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any people, pets or objects in the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags.

• The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not leave any heavy or sharp objects in the pockets.

• Do not fit any accessories to the doors.

• Do not fit seat covers or protective covers over the seats unless they have been expressly approved for use in the vehicle. Otherwise the side airbag may not be able to inflate if it has been triggered.

WARNING

Incorrect use of the driver and front passenger seat could hinder the proper function of the side airbag and cause serious injury.

• Never remove the front seats from the vehicle or alter any components of these seats.

• If too much pressure is applied to the backrest side bolster, the side airbags may not be triggered correctly, may not trigger at all, or may trigger unexpectedly.

• Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of the side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a qualified workshop.

Questions & answers

Side airbags — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

Where are the side airbags on the Golf Mk7?

They are built into the outer edge of each front seat backrest. The word AIRBAG is stitched into the upholstery to mark the location.

What do the Golf Mk7 side airbags protect?

They deploy between the occupant and the door in a side impact, protecting the chest and abdomen by absorbing energy before the body hits the door structure.

Can seat covers prevent the Golf Mk7 side airbags from deploying?

Yes. Only use seat covers that are approved for seats with side airbags. Non-approved covers can block or delay deployment, reducing protection.

Do the Golf Mk7 rear seats have side airbags?

The standard configuration has side airbags only in the front seats. The curtain airbags along the roofline provide head protection for rear-seat occupants in a side collision.