Airbags deploy with such force that when you hit them, you could suffer an injury, especially if you put your seat too close to the steering wheel or dashboard. Sometimes the airbag deploys late, and the driver’s face hits the airbag as it deploys. It is important to note that even if an airbag deploys just a fraction of a second too late, the risk of injury increases dramatically.
Vehicle occupants sometimes get injured by the gases that are released when the airbag fills up. You could breathe in these gases, and it could worsen any existing respiratory problems.
Defective airbags could also cause you harm. For instance, if the propellant canister explodes and shoots out shrapnel that hits you in the face, head or neck.