The 2012 model of Honda CR-V is equipped with front seat side airbags, which are part of the passive safety system for protecting the occupants' torsos. The airbag modules are integrated into the outer edges of the driver's side and front passenger's side seat backs, and both have the "SIDE AIRBAG" label on the shell. This model of the vehicle did not have rear seat side airbags for head protection of the rear occupants (this is handled by the side curtain airbags on the roof of the vehicle).

When a vehicle experiences a moderate to severe side impact, the impact/pressure sensors on the doors and the sides of the vehicle will transmit signals to the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control unit. The control unit then instructs the side seat airbags on the impacted side to inflate and deploy instantly, to cushion the lateral impact on the driver or front passenger's torso. This activation is only triggered when the side impact threshold is met. In cases of frontal collision, rear-end collision, or simple vehicle rollover, the side seat airbags will not deploy (head protection for rollovers is handled by the side curtain airbags).

Yes. During a side impact, the deployment of the seat side airbag will work in conjunction with the front seat belt (automatic tensioner): the seat belt first restrains the occupant in the correct sitting position, and then the side airbag inflates to fill the gap between the occupant and the door, forming a combined trunk protection. At the same time, if the sensor determines that the threshold for the side curtain airbag has been reached, the side impact signal from the door will also trigger the same-side top curtain, but the seat airbag and the curtain are independent modules and are deployed separately.