Mitsubishi owners affected by defective ZF-TRW airbag control units may soon receive compensation as part of a newly reached class action lawsuit settlement. The settlement addresses allegations that airbag control units in certain Mitsubishi vehicles, manufactured between 2013 and 2017, are prone to electrical overstress that could lead to airbag deployment failures during collisions.
The affected vehicles include:
• 2013-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer
• 2013-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
• 2013-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
• 2013-2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
• 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi will provide up to $250 per vehicle to customers who file valid claims. If multiple valid claims are filed for the same vehicle, funds will be distributed proportionally, with 60% allocated to the original owner and the remaining 40% divided among other claimants.
The lawsuit stems from investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into ZF-TRW airbag control units. According to the lawsuit, these units could fail to deploy airbags during frontal collisions, potentially resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
In addition to monetary compensation, Mitsubishi has agreed to implement a 10-year inspection program for vehicles involved in qualifying incidents. These incidents include frontal crashes where airbags, seat belt pretensioners or other safety features fail to deploy, leading to severe injuries or property damage.
Mitsubishi said a "qualifying incident” is one in which a vehicle listed above has been involved in a frontal crash and the automaker received notice of a personal injury or property damage incident.
The settlement also awards up to $2,500 to the three Mitsubishi customers who initiated the lawsuit, while attorneys representing the case will receive $2.5 million in fees.
While the settlement offers relief to vehicle owners, it remains subject to final judicial approval. A hearing to finalize the settlement is scheduled for April 7 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Customers can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine eligibility and file a claim.
The case, “In Re: ZF-TRW Airbag Control Units Products Liability Litigation,” consolidated 13 related lawsuits against ZF-TRW and various automakers.
Affected Mitsubishi customers are encouraged to review the terms of the settlement and file claims promptly to ensure their eligibility for compensation.
Check for open recalls on any vehicle using a VIN or license plate number at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
