2023-2026 Honda Civic 4 Door Safe Driving User Manual
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Safe Driving for Your Honda Civic 4 Door Eleventh Generation (2023-2026)

Safe Driving  
You can find many safety recommendations throughout this chapter, and throughout this manual.  
For Safe Driving  
Airbags  
Airbag System Components............... 57  
Child Safety  
Important Safety Precautions..............44  
Your Vehicle's Safety Features............46  
Safety Checklist .................................47  
Seat Belts  
Protecting Child Passengers ............... 77  
Safety of Infants and Small Children.... 79  
Safety of Larger Children ................... 90  
Exhaust Gas Hazard  
Types of Airbags ................................ 60  
Front Airbags (SRS) ............................ 60  
Knee Airbags ..................................... 65  
Side Airbags....................................... 68  
Side Curtain Airbags .......................... 71  
Airbag System Indicators.................... 73  
Airbag Care ....................................... 76  
About Your Seat Belts........................48  
Fastening a Seat Belt..........................53  
Seat Belt Inspection............................ 56  
Carbon Monoxide Gas....................... 92  
Safety Labels  
Label Locations.................................. 93  
43  
For Safe Driving  
The following pages explain your vehicle's safety features and how to use them  
properly. The safety precautions below are ones that we consider to be among the  
most important.  
Important Safety Precautions  
■
Always wear your seat belt  
1Important Safety Precautions  
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to  
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped  
with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and  
wear them properly.  
Some states, provinces and territories prohibit the use  
of cell phones other than hands-free devices by the  
driver while driving.  
■
Restrain all children  
Children ages 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the  
front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger  
children should use a booster seat and a lap/shoulder seat belt until they can use the  
belt properly without a booster seat.  
■
Be aware of airbag hazards  
While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants  
who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children,  
and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and  
warnings in this manual.  
■
Don't drink and drive  
Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to  
changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink.  
So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either.  
44  
uuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Safety Precautions  
■
Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely  
Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying  
close attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash.  
Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to  
divert some attention away from driving.  
■
Control your speed  
Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher  
the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds.  
Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum  
speed posted.  
■
Keep your vehicle in safe condition  
Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous.  
To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition  
frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.  
■
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle  
Children, pets, and people needing assistance left unattended in the vehicle may be  
injured if they activate one or more of the vehicle controls. They may also cause the  
vehicle to move, resulting in a crash in which they and/or another person(s) can be  
injured or killed. Also, depending on the ambient temperature, the temperature of  
the interior may reach extreme levels, which can result in harm or death. Even if the  
climate control system is on, never leave them in the vehicle unattended as the  
climate control system can shut off at any time.  
45  
uuFor Safe DrivinguYour Vehicle's Safety Features  
Your Vehicle's Safety Features  
1Your Vehicle's Safety Features  
9
10  
10  
Your vehicle is equipped with many features that  
work together to help protect you and your  
passengers during a crash.  
12  
6
Some features do not require any action on your part.  
These include a strong steel framework that forms a  
safety cage around the passenger compartment,  
front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering  
column, and tensioners that tighten the front and  
rear outer seat belts in a sufficient crash.  
11  
9
9
7
8
11  
However, you and your passengers cannot take full  
advantage of these features unless you remain seated  
in the correct position and always wear your seat  
belts. In fact, some safety features can contribute to  
injuries if they are not used properly.  
12  
13  
Safety Cage  
Crush Zones  
8
7
Seats and Seat-Backs  
Head Restraints  
Collapsible Steering Column  
Seat Belts  
Front Airbags  
6
7
8
Knee Airbags  
Side Airbags  
9
10  
11  
Side Curtain Airbags  
Door Locks  
12  
13  
Seat Belt Tensioners  
Outer Lap Pretensioners  
The following checklist will help you take an active role in protecting yourself and  
your passengers.  
46  
uuFor Safe DrivinguSafety Checklist  
Safety Checklist  
For the safety of you and your passengers, make a habit of checking these items  
each time before you drive.  
1Safety Checklist  
If the door and/or hatch open message appears on  
the driver information interface, a door and/or the  
hatch is not completely closed. Close all doors and  
the hatch tightly until the message disappears.  
2 Warnings P. 137, 171  
• After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure all doors and the hatch are closed  
and locked. Locking the doors and the hatch helps prevent an occupant from  
being ejected and an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door or the hatch.  
2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 188  
• Adjust your seat to a position suitable for driving. Be sure the front seats are  
adjusted as far to the rear as possible while allowing the driver to control the  
vehicle. Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious or fatal injury in a  
crash.  
2 Seats P. 222  
Models with Auto Idle Stop  
• Adjust head restraints to the proper position. Head restraints are most effective  
when the center of the head restraint aligns with the center of your head. Taller  
persons should adjust their head restraint to the highest position.  
2 Adjusting the Front Head Restraints Positions* P. 228  
• Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Confirm that any  
passengers are properly belted as well.  
2 Fastening a Seat Belt P. 53  
• Protect children by using seat belts or child seats according to a child's age,  
height, and weight.  
2 Child Safety P. 77  
* Not available on all models  
47  
Seat Belts  
About Your Seat Belts  
Seat belts are the single most effective safety device because they keep you  
connected to the vehicle so that you can take advantage of many built-in safety  
features. They also help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the  
vehicle, against any passengers, or out of the vehicle. When worn properly, seat  
belts also keep your body properly positioned in a crash so that you can take full  
advantage of the additional protection provided by the airbags.  
1About Your Seat Belts  
3
WARNING  
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases  
the chance of serious injury or death in a  
crash, even though your vehicle has  
airbags.  
In addition, seat belts help protect you in almost every type of crash, including:  
Be sure you and your passengers always  
wear seat belts and wear them properly.  
- frontal impacts  
- side impacts  
- rear impacts  
- rollovers  
If you extend the seat belt too quickly, it will lock in  
place. If this happens, slightly retract the seat belt,  
then extend it slowly.  
■
Lap/shoulder seat belts  
All four or five seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with  
emergency locking retractors. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely  
while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the  
retractor locks to restrain your body.  
Seat belts cannot completely protect you in every  
crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your  
risk of serious injury.  
Most states and all Canadian provinces and territories  
require you to wear seat belts.  
The front passenger's and rear seat belts also have a lockable retractor for use with  
child seats.  
2 Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt P. 85  
48  
uuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts  
■
Proper use of seat belts  
Follow these guidelines for proper use:  
1About Your Seat Belts  
If a front or rear seat passenger moves around and  
extends the seat belt, the lockable retractor may  
activate. If this happens, release the retractor by  
unfastening the seat belt and allow the belt to retract  
completely. Then, refasten the belt.  
• All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that position  
for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduce the effectiveness of the  
belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.  
• Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or  
behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.  
• Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very  
seriously injured in a crash.  
• Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve comfort  
or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability  
and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.  
Continued  
49  
uuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts  
1Seat Belt Reminder  
Seat Belt Reminder  
■
The indicator will also come on if a front passenger  
does not fasten their seat belt within six seconds after  
the power mode is set to ON.  
■
Front seats  
The seat belt system includes an indicator on  
the instrument panel to remind the driver or a  
front passenger or both to fasten their seat  
belts.  
When no one is sitting in the front passenger's seat,  
the indicator will not come on and the beeper will not  
sound. The indicator also may not come on and the  
beeper may not sound when the occupant is not  
heavy enough to trigger the weight sensor. Such  
occupants (e.g., infants and smaller children) should  
be moved to the rear seat as a deploying front airbag  
likely will injure or kill them.  
If you set the power mode to ON and a seat  
belt is not fastened, a beeper will sound, and  
the indicator will blink. After a few seconds,  
the beeper will stop and the indicator will  
come on and remain illuminated until the seat  
belt is fastened.  
2 Protecting Child Passengers P. 77  
The driver information interface uses colors to aid the  
driver in checking the status of the passengers.  
For the front seating positions:  
The beeper will periodically sound and the  
indicator will blink while the vehicle is moving  
until the seat belt is fastened.  
•
•
Green indicates the seat belt is fastened.  
An unfastened gray graphic indicates the seat belt  
is not fastened and an occupant has not been  
detected.  
•
An unfastened red graphic indicates the seat belt is  
unfastened and an occupant has been detected.  
50  
uuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts  
■
Rear seats  
1Seat Belt Reminder  
*1  
: Fastened  
Your vehicle monitors rear seat belt use.  
A driver information interface notifies you if  
any of the rear seat belts are not used.  
The system will not detect a passenger in the rear  
seats who has not fastened the seat belt.  
: Unfastened  
The driver should check the status of the rear  
passengers' seat belts at the start of each trip and  
each time a passenger is seated in the rear seats,  
using the driver information interface as an aid.  
An alert will sound if a passenger in the rear seats  
unfastens the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion  
or if motion resumes while the graphic is red.  
The display appears when:  
*2  
• Any of the rear passengers' seat belts are  
unfastened when the power mode is  
turned to ON.  
• A rear door is opened and then closed.  
• Any of the rear passengers fastens or  
unfastens their seat belt.  
The driver information interface uses colors to aid the  
driver in checking the status of the passengers.  
For the rear seating positions:  
The seat belt reminder indicator blinks and  
beeper sounds if any rear passenger's seat belt  
is unfastened while driving.  
•
•
Green indicates the seat belt is fastened.  
An unfastened gray graphic indicates the seat belt  
has not been fastened recently.  
•
An unfastened red graphic indicates the seat belt  
was unfastened recently.  
To see the display:  
2 Switching the Display P. 125, 155  
Models with Auto Idle Stop  
The system does not monitor harnesses that are part  
of a child seat, the anchors of the LATCH system, or  
the anchor buckle of the second row center seat belt.  
While the system can inform you that a seat belt  
buckle is fastened, it cannot determine whether the  
second row center seat belt anchor buckle is in use or  
if a child seat is properly installed or used.  
2 Protecting Child Passengers P. 77  
*1: Models with Auto Idle Stop  
*2: Models without Auto Idle Stop  
Continued  
51  
uuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts  
1Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners  
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners  
■
The front seats and the outer rear seats are equipped with automatic seat belt  
tensioners to enhance safety.  
The seat belt tensioners can only operate once.  
If a tensioner is activated, the SRS indicator will come  
on. Have a dealer replace the tensioner and  
thoroughly inspect the seat belt system as it may not  
offer protection in a subsequent crash.  
The tensioners automatically tighten the front seat belts and the outer rear seat belts  
during a moderate-to-severe frontal collision, sometimes even if the collision is not  
severe enough to inflate the front airbags or the front knee airbags.  
Front seats  
During a moderate-to-severe side impact, the  
tensioner on both sides of the vehicle also activates.  
Outer rear seats  
52  
uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt  
Fastening a Seat Belt  
After adjusting a front seat to the proper position, and while sitting upright and well  
back in the seat:  
1Fastening a Seat Belt  
No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat  
belt or one that does not appear to be working  
correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working  
properly may not protect the occupant in a crash.  
Have a dealer check the belt as soon as possible.  
2 Seats P. 222  
1. Pull the seat belt out slowly.  
Pull out slowly.  
Correct  
Seated  
Posture.  
Never insert any foreign objects into the buckle or  
retractor mechanism.  
If the seat belt appears to be locked in a fully  
retracted position, firmly pull out on the shoulder belt  
once, then push it back in.  
Then, smoothly pull it out of the retractor and fasten.  
If you are unable to release the seat belt from a fully  
retracted position, do not allow anyone to sit in the  
seat, and take your vehicle to a dealer for repair.  
2 About Your Seat Belts P. 48  
2. Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then  
tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is  
secure.  
Latch  
Plate  
u Make sure that the belt is not twisted or  
caught on anything.  
2 Seat Belt Inspection P. 56  
Buckle  
Continued  
53  
uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt  
3. Position the lap part of the belt as low as  
possible across your hips, then pull up on  
the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part  
fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic  
bones take the force of a crash and reduces  
the chance of internal injuries.  
1Fastening a Seat Belt  
3WARNING  
Improperly positioning the seat belts can  
cause serious injury or death in a crash.  
Lap belt  
as low as  
possible  
Make sure all seat belts are properly  
positioned before driving.  
4. If necessary, pull up on the belt again to  
remove any slack, then check that the belt  
rests across the center of your chest and  
over your shoulder. This spreads the forces  
of a crash over the strongest bones in your  
upper body.  
To release the belt, push the red PRESS button and  
then guide the belt by hand until it has retracted  
completely.  
When exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is properly  
stowed so that it will not get caught in the closing door.  
1Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor  
Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor  
■
The front seats have adjustable shoulder anchors to accommodate taller and shorter  
occupants.  
After an adjustment, make sure that the shoulder  
anchor position is secure.  
1. Move the anchor up and down while  
holding the release button.  
The shoulder anchor height can be adjusted to four  
levels. If the belt contacts your neck, lower the height  
one level at a time.  
2. Position the anchor so that the belt rests  
across the center of your chest and over  
your shoulder.  
Push  
54  
uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt  
1Advice for Pregnant Women  
Advice for Pregnant Women  
■
Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it is  
okay for you to drive.  
If you are pregnant, the best way to protect yourself and your unborn child when  
driving or riding in a vehicle is to always wear a seat belt and keep the lap part of the  
belt as low as possible across the hips.  
To reduce the risk of injuries to both you and your  
unborn child that can be caused by an inflating front  
airbag:  
Wear the shoulder belt  
across the chest avoiding  
the abdomen.  
•
When driving, sit upright and adjust the seat as far  
back as possible while allowing full control of the  
vehicle.  
•
When sitting in the front passenger's seat, adjust  
the seat as far back as possible.  
Wear the lap part of the  
belt as low as possible  
across the hips.  
55  
uuSeat BeltsuSeat Belt Inspection  
Seat Belt Inspection  
Regularly check the condition of your seat belts as follows:  
1Seat Belt Inspection  
3
WARNING  
• Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.  
• Check that the latch plates and buckles work smoothly, and the belts retract  
easily.  
Not checking or maintaining seat belts can  
result in serious injury or death if the seat  
belts do not work properly when needed.  
u If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem. Only  
use a mild soap and warm water. Do not use bleach or cleaning solvents. Make  
sure the belt is completely dry before allowing it to retract.  
Check your seat belts regularly and have  
any problem corrected as soon as possible.  
Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide proper  
protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.  
A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of  
protection in a subsequent crash. Have your seat belts inspected by a dealer after  
any collision.  
56  
Airbags  
Airbag System Components  
9
11 10  
9
8
6
12  
6
9
7
9
6
6
9
9
Continued  
57  
uuAirbagsuAirbag System Components  
The front, driver's knee, front passenger's  
knee, side, and side curtain airbags are  
deployed according to the direction and  
severity of impact. Both side curtain airbags  
are deployed in a rollover. The airbag  
system includes:  
d
Two side curtain airbags, one for each  
side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored  
in the ceiling, above the side windows.  
The front and rear pillars are marked  
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG.  
h
Weight sensors in the front passenger's  
seat. The sensors are used for occupant  
classification to activate or deactivate the  
front passenger's airbag.  
i
j
Impact sensors that can detect a  
moderate-to-severe front or side impact.  
e
An electronic control unit that, when the  
power mode is in ON, continually  
a
Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)  
front airbags. The driver's airbag is stored  
in the center of the steering wheel; the  
front passenger's airbag is stored in the  
dashboard. Both are marked SRS  
AIRBAG.  
monitors information about the various  
impact sensors, seat and buckle sensors,  
rollover sensor, airbag activators, seat  
belt tensioners, and other vehicle  
An indicator on the center console that  
alerts you that the front passenger's front  
airbag has been turned off.  
information. During a crash event the  
unit can record such information.  
k
l
An indicator on the instrument panel that  
alerts you to a possible problem with your  
airbag system or seat belt tensioners.  
b
Two knee airbags. The driver's knee  
airbag is stored under the steering  
column; the front passenger's knee  
airbag is stored under the glove box.  
Both are marked SRS AIRBAG.  
f
Automatic seat belt tensioners for the  
front seats and outer rear seats. In  
addition, the driver's and front  
passenger's seat belt buckles incorporate  
sensors that detect whether or not the  
belts are fastened.  
A rollover sensor that can detect if your  
vehicle is about to roll over and signal the  
control unit to deploy both side curtain  
airbags.  
c
Four side airbags, one for the driver, one  
for the front passenger and two for the  
rear outboard. The front airbags are  
stored in the outer edges of the seat-  
backs and the rear airbags are stored next  
to the outer rear seating positions. All are  
marked SIDE AIRBAG.  
g
Driver's seat position sensor. This sensor  
detects the driver's seat slide position to  
help determine the optimal deployment  
of the driver's airbag.  
58  
uuAirbagsuAirbag System Components  
1Important Facts About Your Airbags  
Important Facts About Your Airbags  
■
Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together,  
airbags and seat belts provide the best protection.  
Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with  
tremendous force. So, while airbags help save lives, they can cause burns, bruises,  
and other minor injuries, sometimes even fatal ones if occupants are not wearing  
their seat belts properly and sitting correctly.  
When driving, keep hands and arms out of the  
deployment path of the front airbag by holding each  
side of the steering wheel. Do not cross an arm over  
the airbag cover.  
What you should do: Always wear your seat belt properly and sit upright and as  
far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the  
vehicle. A front passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as  
possible.  
Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that  
can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags  
deploy.  
Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag.  
Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp  
object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.  
Do not attach or place objects on the front and driver's knee and front  
passenger's knee airbag covers. Objects on the covers marked SRS AIRBAG  
could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags or be propelled inside the  
vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.  
59  
uuAirbagsuTypes of Airbags  
Types of Airbags  
Your vehicle is equipped with four types of airbags:  
1Types of Airbags  
• Front airbags: Airbags in front of the driver's and front passenger's seats.  
• Knee airbags: Airbags under the steering column and under the glove box.  
• Side airbags: Airbags in the driver's and front passenger's outer seat-backs and  
next to the outer rear seating positions.  
The airbags can inflate whenever the power mode is  
in ON.  
After an airbag inflates in a crash, you may see a  
small amount of smoke. This is from the combustion  
process of the inflator material and is not harmful.  
People with respiratory problems may experience  
some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of  
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.  
• Side curtain airbags: Airbags above the side windows.  
Each is discussed in the following pages.  
Front Airbags (SRS)  
1Front Airbags (SRS)  
The front SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help protect  
the head and chest of the driver and/or front passenger.  
During a frontal crash severe enough to cause one or  
both front airbags to deploy, the airbags can inflate  
at different rates, depending on the severity of the  
crash, whether or not the seat belts are latched, and/  
or other factors. Frontal airbags are designed to  
supplement the seat belts to help reduce the  
likelihood of head and chest injuries in frontal  
crashes.  
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbags are designed to  
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant's primary  
restraint system.  
Housing Locations  
■
The front airbags are housed in the center of the steering wheel for the driver, and  
in the dashboard for the front passenger. Both airbags are marked SRS AIRBAG.  
60  
uuAirbagsuFront Airbags (SRS)  
Operation  
■
Front airbags are designed to inflate during moderate-to-severe frontal collisions.  
When the vehicle decelerates suddenly, the sensors send information to the control  
unit which signals one or both front airbags to inflate.  
A frontal collision can be either head-on or angled between two vehicles, or when a  
vehicle crashes into a stationary object, such as a concrete wall.  
1How the Front Airbags Work  
How the Front Airbags Work  
■
Although the driver's and front passenger's airbags  
normally inflate within a split second of each other, it  
is possible for only one airbag to deploy. This can  
happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin,  
or threshold, that determines whether or not the  
airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will  
provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental  
protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.  
While your seat belt restrains your torso, the  
front airbag provides supplemental protection  
for your head and chest.  
The front airbags deflate immediately so that  
they won't interfere with the driver's visibility  
or the ability to steer or operate other  
controls.  
The total time for inflation and deflation is so fast that most occupants are not  
aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in front of them.  
Continued  
61  
uuAirbagsuFront Airbags (SRS)  
■
When front airbags should not deploy  
Minor frontal crashes: Front airbags were designed to supplement seat belts and  
help save lives, not to prevent minor scrapes, or even broken bones that might occur  
during a less than moderate-to-severe frontal crash.  
Side impacts: Front airbags can provide protection when a sudden deceleration  
causes a driver or front passenger to move toward the front of the vehicle. Side  
airbags and side curtain airbags have been specifically designed to help reduce the  
severity of injuries that can occur during a moderate-to-severe side impact which  
can cause the driver or passenger to move toward the side of the vehicle.  
Rear impacts: Head restraints and seat belts are your best protection during a rear  
impact. Front airbags cannot provide any significant protection and are not designed  
to deploy in such collisions.  
Rollovers: In a rollover, your best form of protection is a seat belt or, if your vehicle  
is equipped with a rollover sensor, both a seat belt and a side curtain airbag. Front  
airbags, however, are not designed to deploy in a rollover as they would provide  
little if any protection.  
■
When front airbags deploy with little or no visible damage  
Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the  
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy.  
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object  
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is  
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.  
■
When front airbags may not deploy, even though exterior damage  
appears severe  
Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of  
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some  
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags  
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they  
had deployed.  
62  
uuAirbagsuFront Airbags (SRS)  
1Advanced Airbags  
Advanced Airbags  
■
The airbags have advanced features to help reduce the likelihood of airbag related  
injuries to smaller occupants.  
If there is a problem with the driver's seat position  
sensor or the passenger's seat weight sensors, the  
SRS indicator will come on, and in the event of a  
crash, the airbag will deploy (regardless of the driver's  
seating position or passenger's occupant  
classification) with a force corresponding to the  
severity of the impact.  
The driver's advanced airbag system includes a  
seat position sensor.  
Based on information from this sensor and the  
severity of the impact, the advanced airbag  
system determines the optimal deployment of  
2 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)  
Indicator P. 73  
Driver's  
Seat  
Position  
Sensor  
the driver's airbag.  
For the advanced front airbags to work properly,  
confirm that:  
•
The occupant is sitting in an upright position,  
wearing the seat belt properly and the seat-back is  
not excessively reclined.  
The front passenger's advanced airbag system  
has weight sensors. The sensors are used for  
occupant classification to activate or  
•
•
•
•
•
•
The occupant is not leaning against the door or  
center console.  
deactivate the front passenger's airbag.  
The occupant's feet are placed on the floor in front  
of them.  
Passenger's  
Seat  
Weight  
Sensors  
There are no objects hanging from the front  
passenger's seat.  
For adult size occupants, the system will  
automatically activate the front passenger's  
airbag. If a small adult sits in the front  
passenger seat and the system does not  
recognize him/her as an adult, see  
Only small, lightweight objects are in the seat-back  
pocket.  
The steering wheel and passenger's side dashboard  
are not obstructed by any object.  
No liquid has been spilled on or under the seat.  
2 Passenger Airbag Off Indicator P. 74  
Continued  
63  
uuAirbagsuFront Airbags (SRS)  
We advise against allowing a child age 12 or under to ride in the front passenger's  
seat. However, if you do allow a small child or infant to ride in the front passenger's  
seat, the system is designed to automatically deactivate the front passenger's airbag.  
Do not let a small child or infant ride in the front passenger's seat if the airbag does  
not automatically deactivate.  
1Advanced Airbags  
•
•
•
There is no child seat or other object pressing  
against the rear of the seat or seat-back.  
There is no rear passenger pushing or pulling on  
the back of the front passenger's seat.  
There are no objects placed under or beside the  
front passenger's seat. Improperly positioned  
objects can interfere with the advanced airbag  
sensors.  
•
•
The head restraint is not contacting the roof.  
2 Passenger Airbag Off Indicator P. 74  
The floor mat behind the front passenger's seat is  
set in the correct position evenly on the floor. An  
improperly placed mat can interfere with the  
advanced airbag sensors.  
2 Floor Mats P. 750  
64  
uuAirbagsuKnee Airbags  
Knee Airbags  
The knee SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help keep  
the driver and/or front passenger in the proper position and to help maximize the  
benefit provided by the vehicle's other safety features.  
1Knee Airbags  
Do not attach accessories on or near a knee airbag as  
they can interfere with the proper operation of the  
airbag, or even hurt someone if the airbag inflates.  
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbag is designed to  
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant's primary  
restraint system.  
The driver and front passenger should not store any  
items under the seat or behind their feet. The items  
can interfere with proper airbag deployment in the  
event of a moderate to severe frontal collision and  
may result in inadequate protection.  
Housing Locations  
■
The knee airbag for the driver and the one for  
the front passenger are housed under the  
steering column and the glove box  
respectively.  
Both are marked SRS AIRBAG.  
Housing  
Location  
Housing  
Location  
Continued  
65  
uuAirbagsuKnee Airbags  
Operation  
■
The driver's and front passenger's knee airbag  
deploy at the same time as the driver's and  
front passenger's airbag respectively.  
When  
inflated  
Models without Auto Idle Stop  
Even if the collision is not severe enough to  
deploy the front airbag, the knee airbag may  
inflate alone.  
Knee  
Airbag  
When  
inflated  
Knee Airbag  
66  
uuAirbagsuKnee Airbags  
■
When knee airbag deploys with little or no visible damage  
Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the  
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy.  
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object  
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is  
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.  
■
When knee airbag may not deploy, even though exterior damage appears  
severe  
Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of  
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some  
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags  
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they  
had deployed.  
67  
uuAirbagsuSide Airbags  
Side Airbags  
The side airbags help protect the torso and pelvis of the driver, front passenger, or  
an outer rear seat occupant during a moderate-to-severe side impact.  
1Side Airbags  
Make sure you and your front seat passenger always  
sit upright. Leaning into the path of a side airbag can  
prevent the airbag from deploying properly and  
increases your risk of serious injury.  
Housing Locations  
■
The side airbags are housed in the outside  
edge of the driver's and passenger's seat-  
backs and next to the outer rear seating  
positions.  
Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags.  
They can interfere with the proper operation of the  
airbags, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.  
Do not cover or replace the front seat-back covers  
without consulting a dealer.  
Each are marked SIDE AIRBAG.  
Improperly replacing or covering front seat-back  
covers can prevent your side airbags from properly  
deploying during a side impact.  
Housing  
Location  
Housing  
Location  
68  
uuAirbagsuSide Airbags  
Operation  
■
When the sensors detect a moderate-to-  
severe side impact, the control unit signals the  
side airbag on the impact side to immediately  
inflate.  
When  
inflated  
Side  
Airbag  
When  
inflated  
Side  
Airbag  
Continued  
69  
uuAirbagsuSide Airbags  
■
When a side airbag deploys with little or no visible damage  
Because the airbag system senses sudden acceleration, a strong impact to the side  
of the vehicle's framework can cause a side airbag to deploy. In such cases, there  
may be little or no damage, but the side impact sensors detected a severe enough  
impact to deploy the airbag.  
■
When a side airbag may not deploy, even though visible damage appears  
severe  
It is possible for a side airbag not to deploy during an impact that results in  
apparently severe damage. This can occur when the point of impact was toward the  
far front or rear of the vehicle, or when the vehicle's crushable body parts absorbed  
most of the crash energy. In either case, the side airbag would not have been  
needed nor provided protection even if it had deployed.  
70  
uuAirbagsuSide Curtain Airbags  
Side Curtain Airbags  
The side curtain airbags help protect the heads of the driver and passengers in the  
outer seating positions during a moderate-to-severe side impact. The side curtain  
airbags equipped in this vehicle are also designed to help reduce the likelihood of  
partial and complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in crashes,  
particularly rollover crashes.  
1Side Curtain Airbags  
To get the best protection from the side curtain  
airbags, occupants should wear their seat belts  
properly and sit upright and well back in their seats.  
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof  
pillars as they can interfere with the proper operation  
of the side curtain airbags.  
Housing Locations  
■
The side curtain airbags are located in the  
ceiling above the side windows on both sides  
of the vehicle.  
If the impact is on the passenger's side, the  
passenger's side curtain airbag deploys even if there  
are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.  
If the SRS control unit senses that your vehicle is  
about to rollover, it immediately deploys both side  
curtain airbags and activates the seat belt tensioners  
for the front seats and outer rear seats.  
Side Curtain Airbag Storage  
Operation  
■
The side curtain airbag is designed to deploy  
in a rollover or a moderate-to-severe side  
impact.  
Deployed Side Curtain Airbag  
Continued  
71  
uuAirbagsuSide Curtain Airbags  
■
When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision  
One or both side curtain airbags may also inflate in a moderate-to-severe angled  
frontal collision.  
72  
uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators  
Airbag System Indicators  
If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator will come on and a  
message appears on the driver information interface.  
1Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Indicator  
3
WARNING  
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Indicator  
■
Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in  
serious injury or death if the airbag systems  
or tensioners do not work properly.  
■
When the power mode is set to ON  
The indicator comes on for a few seconds,  
then goes off. This tells you the system is  
working properly.  
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as  
soon as possible if the SRS indicator alerts  
you to a possible problem.  
If the indicator comes on at any other time, or does not come on at all, have the  
system checked by a dealer as soon as possible. If you don't, your airbags and seat  
belt tensioners may not work properly when they are needed.  
Continued  
73  
uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators  
1Passenger Airbag Off Indicator  
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator  
■
To ensure the passenger is detected properly, confirm  
that:  
■
When the passenger airbag off  
indicator comes on  
U.S.  
Canada  
•
The occupant is sitting in an upright position,  
wearing the seat belt properly and the seat-back is  
not excessively reclined.  
The indicator comes on to alert you that the  
passenger's airbag has been turned off.  
This occurs if the seat is empty or when the  
weight sensors determine that a small child or  
infant is on the passenger seat.  
•
•
•
•
The occupant is not leaning against the door or  
center console.  
The occupant's feet are placed on the floor in front  
of them.  
There are no objects hanging from the front  
passenger's seat.  
Only small, lightweight objects are in the seat-back  
pocket.  
Children age 12 or under should always ride properly restrained in a back seat.  
2 Child Safety P. 77  
•
•
No liquid has been spilled on or under the seat.  
There is no child seat or other object pressing  
against the rear of the seat or seat-back.  
There is no rear passenger pushing or pulling on  
the back of the front passenger's seat.  
There are no objects placed under or beside the  
front passenger's seat. Improperly positioned  
objects can interfere with the advanced airbag  
sensors.  
If the indicator is on, in the event of a crash the passenger's airbag will not deploy.  
The passenger's knee airbag will not deploy, either.  
•
•
•
•
The floor mat behind the front passenger's seat is  
set in the correct position evenly on the floor. An  
improperly placed mat can interfere with the  
advanced airbag sensors.  
The head restraint is not contacting the roof.  
74  
uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators  
1Passenger Airbag Off Indicator  
The passenger airbag off indicator may come on and  
go off periodically if the total weight on the seat is  
near the airbag cutoff threshold. For a small adult,  
depending on physique and posture, the system may  
not recognize him/her as an adult and thus deactivate  
the passenger's airbag.  
If this occurs, please confirm that the conditions set  
forth in the above bullet points on the previous page  
are met.  
If the above conditions are met and the indicator is  
still on, then with the transmission in park, set the  
power mode to OFF and back to ON.  
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as  
possible if:  
•
All of the above conditions are met, and the  
indicator comes on with an adult seated in the  
front passenger seat.  
•
The seat is empty and the indicator is off.  
Do not allow an adult passenger to ride in the front  
seat when the indicator is on.  
75  
uuAirbagsuAirbag Care  
Airbag Care  
You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace any  
airbag system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle  
inspected by a dealer in the following situations:  
1Airbag Care  
We recommend against the use of salvaged airbag  
system components, including the airbag, tensioners,  
sensors, and control unit.  
■
When the airbags have deployed  
If an airbag has inflated, the control unit and other related parts must be replaced.  
Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it must be  
replaced.  
■
When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision  
Even if the airbags did not inflate, have your dealer inspect the following: the driver's  
seat position sensor, weight sensors in the passenger's seat, the seat belt tensioners  
for the front seats and outer rear seats, and each seat belt that was worn during the  
crash.  
■
Do not remove or modify a front seat without consulting a dealer  
This would likely disable or affect the proper operation of the driver's seat position  
sensor or the weight sensors in the passenger's seat. If it is necessary to remove or  
modify a front seat to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact a Honda  
dealer, or for U.S. vehicles, American Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-  
999-1009 and for Canadian vehicles, Honda Canada Customer Relations at 1-888-  
9-HONDA-9.  
76  
Child Safety  
Protecting Child Passengers  
Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are  
either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle crashes are the  
number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under.  
1Protecting Child Passengers  
3
WARNING  
Children who are unrestrained or  
improperly restrained can be seriously  
injured or killed in a crash.  
To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province  
and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride  
in a vehicle.  
Any child too small for a seat belt should be  
properly restrained in a child seat. A larger  
child should be properly restrained with a  
seat belt, using a booster seat if necessary.  
Children should sit properly restrained in a rear seat. This is because:  
• An inflating front airbag can injure or kill a  
child sitting in the front seat.  
• A child in the front seat is more likely to  
interfere with the driver's ability to safely  
control the vehicle.  
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  
and Transport Canada recommend that all children  
ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear  
seat. Some states or provinces/territories have laws  
restricting where children may ride.  
• Statistics show that children of all sizes and  
ages are safer when they are properly  
restrained in a rear seat.  
Continued  
77  
uuChild SafetyuProtecting Child Passengers  
• Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the  
event of a collision.  
1Protecting Child Passengers  
3
WARNING  
• Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would  
likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.  
Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or  
wrap one around their neck can result in  
serious injury or death.  
• Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very  
seriously injured in a crash.  
Instruct children not to play with any seat  
belt and make sure any unused seat belt a  
child can reach is buckled, fully retracted,  
and locked.  
• Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an  
approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the seat  
belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.  
To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle  
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.  
• Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows, or seat adjustments.  
To remind you of the passenger's front airbag  
hazards and child safety, your vehicle has warning  
labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the  
front visors. Please read and follow the instructions  
on these labels.  
• Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when  
the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate  
vehicle controls causing it to move unexpectedly.  
2 Safety Labels P. 93  
78  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
Safety of Infants and Small Children  
1Protecting Infants  
Protecting Infants  
■
An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child seat until the infant  
3
WARNING  
reaches the seat manufacturer's weight or height limit for the seat.  
■
Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front  
seat can result in serious injury or death  
during a crash.  
Positioning a rear-facing child seat  
Child seats must be placed and secured in a  
rear seating position.  
Always place a rear-facing child seat in the  
rear seat, not the front.  
Experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat for a  
child so long as the child's height and weight are  
appropriate for a rear facing seat.  
Infants should never be seated in a forward facing  
position.  
When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front  
passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their seat-back  
in the desired position. Make sure that there is no contact between the child seat  
and the seat in front of it.  
Always refer to the child seat manufacturer's  
instructions before installation.  
It can also interfere with proper operation of the passenger's advanced front airbag  
system.  
Do not allow a front seat to rest against a child seat  
installed in a rear seating position.  
The weight sensor in the front seat may not correctly  
detect the actual weight of the occupant.  
2 Airbags P. 57  
If this occurs, we recommend that you install the child seat directly behind the front  
passenger's seat, move the seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied.  
Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat.  
Continued  
79  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
1Protecting Smaller Children  
Protecting Smaller Children  
■
If a child has exceeded the weight and height limitations of a rearward-facing child  
seat, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly secured forward-facing child  
seat until they exceed the weight and height limitations for the forward-facing child  
seat.  
3
WARNING  
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the  
front seat can result in serious injury or  
death if the front airbag inflates.  
■
Forward-facing child seat placement  
We strongly recommend placing a forward-  
facing child seat in a rear seating position.  
If you must place a forward-facing child  
seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far  
back as possible, and properly restrain the  
child.  
Educate yourself about the laws and regulations  
regarding child seat use where you are driving, and  
follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.  
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can be hazardous, even with  
advanced front airbags that automatically turn the passenger's front airbag off. A  
rear seat is the safest place for a child.  
80  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
1Selecting a Child Seat  
Selecting a Child Seat  
■
Installation of a LATCH-compatible child seat is  
simple.  
Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).  
Some have a rigid-type connector while others have a flexible-type connector. Both  
are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned child seats can only be  
installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose, follow the child seat  
manufacturer's use and care instructions including recommended expiration dates  
as well as the instructions in this manual. Proper installation is key to maximizing  
your child's safety.  
LATCH-compatible child seats have been developed  
to simplify the installation process and reduce the  
likelihood of injuries caused by incorrect installation.  
In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH-compatible  
child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security.  
This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be secured  
with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the child seat  
manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-compatible seat  
once a child reaches a specified weight. Please read the child seat owner's manual  
for proper installation instructions.  
■
Important consideration when selecting a child seat  
Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:  
• The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.  
• The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.  
• The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or  
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.  
Continued  
81  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
1Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat  
Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat  
■
A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in either of the two outer rear seats. A child  
seat is attached to the lower anchors with either the rigid or flexible type of connectors.  
1. Locate the anchor marks affixed to the base  
3
WARNING  
Never attach two child seats to the same  
anchor. In a collision, one anchor may not  
be strong enough to hold two child seat  
attachments and may break, causing  
serious injury or death.  
of the seat cushion.  
2. Pull out the anchor covers under the marks  
to expose the lower anchors.  
Marks  
For your child's safety, when using a child seat  
installed using the LATCH system, make sure that the  
child seat is properly secured to the vehicle. A child  
seat that is not properly secured will not adequately  
protect a child in a crash and may cause injury to the  
child or other vehicle occupants.  
3. Place the child seat so that the probes are  
on the cover.  
Probes  
82  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
4. Attach the child seat to the lower anchors  
according to the instructions that came  
with the child seat.  
1Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat  
Lower Anchors  
Models with Auto Idle Stop  
3
WARNING  
u When installing the child seat, make sure  
that the lower anchors are not  
obstructed by the seat belt or any other  
object.  
Using the outer rear seats' inner anchors to  
secure a LATCH-compatible child seat in the  
center seating position may result in failure  
of the child seat, causing injury or death.  
Rigid Type  
Only use the outer rear seats' inner anchors  
to install a child seat in the center seating  
position if the manufacturer's instructions  
expressly permit.  
Lower Anchors  
Models with Auto Idle Stop  
Installing a LATCH-compatible child seat in the  
rear center seat  
Flexible Type  
Each outer rear seat is equipped with a pair of lower  
anchors which are used to secure a LATCH-  
compatible child seat. The rear center seat, however,  
is not equipped with anchors of any kind.  
The inner and outer anchors are spaced apart at a  
standard distance of 11 inches (280 mm). The distance  
between the two inner anchors is 15 inches (380 mm).  
LATCH-compatible restraint systems that are fitted  
with rigid-type attachments cannot be installed in the  
rear center seat. However, a system fitted with  
flexible-type attachments can be installed in the  
center seat, provided that the manufacturer's  
instructions for that system permit the use of the  
inner anchors with the stated spacing.  
Continued  
83  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
5. Retract the cargo area cover.  
Straight Top Tether Type  
1Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat  
2 Cargo Area Cover P. 239  
6. Route the tether strap over the top of the  
head restraint. Make sure the strap is not  
twisted.  
Before seating a child, make sure that the system is  
properly attached to both the lower anchors and  
tether anchors.  
Anchor  
7. Secure the tether strap hook to the  
anchor.  
8. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by  
the child seat manufacturer.  
Tether Strap Hook  
9. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured  
by rocking it forward and back and side to  
side; little movement should be felt.  
10. Make sure any unused seat belt that a  
child can reach is buckled, the lockable  
retractor is activated, and the belt is fully  
retracted and locked.  
Other Top Tether Type  
Anchor  
Tether Strap Hook  
84  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
1Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt  
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt  
■
A child seat can be installed with a lap/shoulder belt in any rear seat or, if absolutely  
necessary, the front passenger seat.  
A child seat that is not properly secured will not  
adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause  
injury to the child or other vehicle occupants.  
1. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.  
2. Route the seat belt through the child seat  
according to the seat manufacturer's  
instructions, and insert the latch plate into  
the buckle.  
u Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.  
3. Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all  
the way out until it stops. This activates the  
lockable retractor.  
4. Let the seat belt retract a few inches and  
check that the retractor has switched  
modes by pulling on the webbing. It should  
not pull out again until it is reset by  
removing the latch plate from the buckle.  
u If you are able to pull the shoulder belt  
out, the lockable retractor is not  
activated. Slowly pull the seat belt all the  
way out, and repeat steps 3 – 4.  
Continued  
85  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
5. Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near  
1Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt  
the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack  
from the lap part of the belt.  
u When doing this, place your weight on  
the child seat and push it into the vehicle  
seat.  
To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle  
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.  
6. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by  
rocking it forward and back and side to  
side; less than one inch of movement  
should occur near the seat belt.  
7. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child  
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor  
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted  
and locked.  
86  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
1Adding Security with a Tether  
Adding Security with a Tether  
■
Always use a tether for forward-facing child seats  
when using the seat belt or lower anchors.  
A tether anchor point is provided behind each  
rear seating position.  
Outer Position  
Tether Anchor Points  
If you have a child seat that comes with a  
tether but can be installed with a seat belt, the  
tether may be used for additional security.  
Center Position  
Tether Anchor Point*  
* Not available on all models  
Continued  
87  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
■
Using an outer anchor  
Straight Top Tether Type in  
Outer Position  
1. Retract the cargo area cover.  
2 Cargo Area Cover P. 239  
2. Locate the appropriate tether anchor point.  
3. Route the tether strap over the head  
restraint. Make sure the strap is not twisted.  
4. Secure the tether strap hook to the anchor.  
5. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the  
child seat manufacturer.  
Anchor  
Tether Strap Hook  
Other Top Tether Type in  
Outer Position  
Anchor  
Tether Strap Hook  
88  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children  
Models with Auto Idle Stop  
Straight Top Tether Type in  
Center Position  
■
Using the center anchor  
1. Retract the cargo area cover.  
2 Cargo Area Cover P. 239  
Anchor  
2. Locate the appropriate tether anchor point  
and lift the cover.  
3. Route the tether strap over the head  
restraint. Make sure the strap is not twisted.  
4. Secure the tether strap hook to the anchor.  
5. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the  
child seat manufacturer.  
Tether Strap Hook  
Other Top Tether Type in  
Center Position  
Anchor  
Tether Strap Hook  
89  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Larger Children  
Safety of Larger Children  
1Safety of Larger Children  
Protecting Larger Children  
■
The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind  
of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who  
must sit in front.  
3
WARNING  
Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in  
front can result in injury or death if the  
passenger's front airbag inflates.  
Checking Seat Belt Fit  
■
If a larger child must ride in front, move the  
vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible,  
have the child sit up properly and wear the  
seat belt properly, using a booster seat if  
needed.  
When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the lap/  
shoulder seat belt. Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then answer the  
following questions.  
■
Checklist  
• Do the child's knees bend comfortably over  
the edge of the seat?  
• Does the shoulder belt cross between the  
child's neck and arm?  
• Is the lap part of the seat belt as low as  
possible, touching the child's thighs?  
• Will the child be able to stay seated like this  
for the whole trip?  
If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder  
seat belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a  
booster seat until the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat.  
90  
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Larger Children  
1Booster Seats  
Booster Seats  
■
■
When installing a booster seat, make sure to read the  
instructions that came with it, and install the seat  
accordingly.  
If a lap/shoulder seat belt cannot be used  
properly, position the child in a booster seat in  
the rear seat. For the child's safety, check that  
the child meets the booster seat  
There are high- and low-type booster seats. Choose a  
booster seat that allows the child to wear the seat  
belt correctly.  
manufacturer's recommendations.  
Some U.S. states, and Canadian provinces and  
territories require children to use a booster seat until  
they reach a given age or weight (e.g. 6 years or 60  
lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the state or  
province, or territory where you intend to drive.  
Protecting Larger Children - Final Checks  
Your vehicle has a rear seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever  
have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:  
• Make sure you read and fully understand the instructions and safety information  
in this manual.  
• Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.  
• Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat.  
• Check that the seat belt is properly positioned so that the child is secure in the  
seat.  
■
Monitoring child passengers  
We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on child passengers. Even older, more  
mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts and sit up  
properly.  
91  
Exhaust Gas Hazard  
Carbon Monoxide Gas  
The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,  
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle, carbon  
monoxide gas will not get into the interior.  
1Carbon Monoxide Gas  
3WARNING  
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.  
■
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever  
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and  
even kill you.  
• The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.  
• The exhaust system may have been damaged.  
• The vehicle is raised for an oil change.  
Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that  
expose you to carbon monoxide.  
When you operate a vehicle with the hatch open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into  
the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the hatch open,  
open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown below.  
An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up  
with carbon monoxide gas.  
Do not run the engine with the garage door closed.  
Even when the garage door is open, drive out of the  
garage immediately after starting the engine.  
1. Select the fresh air mode.  
2. Select the mode.  
3. Set the fan speed to high.  
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.  
Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked  
vehicle with the engine running.  
92  
Safety Labels  
Label Locations  
These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels  
carefully.  
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact a dealer  
for a replacement.  
Sun Visor  
Air Conditioner System  
Canadian models  
U.S. models  
1.5 L engine models for U.S.* 1.5 L engine models for U.S.*  
Dashboard  
U.S. models only  
Reserve Tank Cap  
2.0 L engine models for U.S.  
Models with Auto Idle Stop  
Models without  
Auto Idle Stop  
Canadian models  
* Not available on all models  
93  
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94  

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