The structural area of a vehicle body designed to seat occupants, separated by firewalls and bulkheads from the engine bay, cargo areas, and exterior elements. In unibody construction, this space forms a rigid safety cell engineered to remain intact during a collision while the front and rear crumple zones absorb impact energy. It houses the seats, dashboard, climate control, and restraint systems.
We need to check the firewall seals because exhaust fumes are making their way into the passenger compartment.
When diagnosing interior water leaks, check the HVAC drain tube first. If it clogs, condensation backs up and floods the passenger compartment footwells.
Also heard as
- cabin
- occupant compartment
Related terms
Unibody
A unibody is a vehicle construction method where the floor pan and body shell are welded into a single load-bearing structure.
Engine bay
The engine bay is the structural compartment of a vehicle that houses the motor.
Passenger seat
The front seat situated next to the driver in a motor vehicle.
B-pillar
The vertical structural roof support located behind a vehicle's front doors.