Overly Sensitive Airbags V40

TheEdge · Feb 15th, 2021, 10:42

First post and it's a query relating to a 69 plate V40 R Design.

I slid on a patch of ice at about 10/15mph and made firm but not excessive contact with the kerb with my rear drivers side wheel. The only visible damage is to the alloy that just looks like I can't park, not even a crack. However the car decided I was having a terrible crash and deployed the curtain air bags.

To me it's seems a massive overreaction from the car to deploy them it that situation. I was wondering if there is any history to V40 (or Volvo airbags) in general being this sensitive? Is it worth investigating if there is an issue with the airbag system or have I just got very unlucky and hit at just the right speed and angle to set them off?

TIA

OldEngineer · Feb 15th, 2021, 15:46

It's the deceleration that will have triggered the airbags. The firm stop you mentioned.
I work for an organisation with a lot of accidents so get to see some outputs. I've seen mangled cars with no airbag deployment. But the most interesting was a pair of cars that hit at the reinforced towing eye. There appeared to be no damage with just slight bumper marks. Both had full airbag deployment because there was no crushing.

Feb 15th, 2021, 10:42	#1
TheEdge New Member Last Online: Feb 20th, 2021 11:17 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Norwich	Overly Sensitive Airbags V40 First post and it's a query relating to a 69 plate V40 R Design. I slid on a patch of ice at about 10/15mph and made firm but not excessive contact with the kerb with my rear drivers side wheel. The only visible damage is to the alloy that just looks like I can't park, not even a crack. However the car decided I was having a terrible crash and deployed the curtain air bags. To me it's seems a massive overreaction from the car to deploy them it that situation. I was wondering if there is any history to V40 (or Volvo airbags) in general being this sensitive? Is it worth investigating if there is an issue with the airbag system or have I just got very unlucky and hit at just the right speed and angle to set them off? TIA

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Feb 15th, 2021, 15:46	#2
OldEngineer Senior Member Last Online: Yesterday 12:30 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Esher	It's the deceleration that will have triggered the airbags. The firm stop you mentioned. I work for an organisation with a lot of accidents so get to see some outputs. I've seen mangled cars with no airbag deployment. But the most interesting was a pair of cars that hit at the reinforced towing eye. There appeared to be no damage with just slight bumper marks. Both had full airbag deployment because there was no crushing.

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