I just bought a 2007 Honda Accord VP that has side-impact airbags. I also bought some generic seat covers that come with a warning not to use them with cars that have side airbags. Is it true that the seat covers would probably interfere with deployment of the side airbags? Does the Accord come with both side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags?
It would be a good idea to follow the directions and not use the aftermarket seat covers on a car with side-impact airbags. We contacted a Honda spokesperson and he confirmed that a seat cover could restrict side-impact airbag deployment in a serious accident, which is the kind of accident in which these types of airbags are most effective. Meaning: Don’t use a seat cover if your car has side-impact airbags!
Most side-impact airbags deploy from the seat’s side, like in the Accord, while side-curtain airbags deploy from the headliner or top of the roof and drape over the windows. All 2007 Honda Accords, including those with the Value Package (VP), have side-impact airbags as well as side-curtain airbags.
Honda doesn’t offer a specialized seat cover for cars with side-impact airbags, so there doesn’t seem to be much you can do to protect your seats, except not eating or drinking in your car, keeping it out of sunlight for extended times and cleaning the seat often, but where’s the fun in that?
To see if your car has side-impact airbags, consult the owner’s manual or contact your dealership or manufacturer.
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I guess we can put a long pool towel to cover the front and the back of the seat, but just to leave both side open.
And Don,
About your problem, as a matter of fact, my mom has the same vehicle, but she did not have the same problem you were experiencing, but she had that problem with the 03 Bonneville that she owned before the Accord.
So I think it is just due to specific cases.
This site offers custom seat covers for your car and allows for side impact airbags. They are more pricier than universal seat covers, but you want to be on the safe. Just a suggestion.
www.autoseats.com
There is a company called miss sideless that makes great sheepskin covers. I hav had mine three years and they still look great
Why can't the seat covers just be cut so the opening for the airbags is not hindered? I assume they just pop out of the plastic rectangular panel on the side of the seat. I am going to cut out a hole that would leave the panel exposed. Anyone see that as insufficient?
Cutting universal seat covers usually doesn't work too well, they'll just come apart or move around too much, not to mention it looks pretty tacky. There are a number of seat covers on the market that offer seat covers which allow for seats with airbags. A company called Seat Cover Specialties has several types that cost around $50 and some for even higher that are real high quality. Hope this helps. Their website is www.seatcoverspecialties.com
I bought car seat covers covers from a company named GT Covers. I have been extremely happy because they are custom made fit to my Honda Odyssey seats exactly and are made with slits so that it won't interfere with the airbags deployment.
I can hardly tell I even have seat covers when I look inside. I also love the leather smell!
Kristen
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In my 2004 Accord EX I had to have the drivers seat replaced twice during 36,000 mile warrenty period cause the leather seat had worn and was starting to split from wear. I now use seat covers to keep the seat from wearing out again. Maybe Honda needs to use better leather for the seats. I never had this problem with GM or Ford Cars.