Airbags are designed to be the last line of defense in a crash. When they don’t work the way drivers expect, the consequences can be severe.
That concern is at the center of an $8.5 million class-action settlement involving certain Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with airbag control units supplied by ZF-TRW. The lawsuit alleges the electronic module responsible for triggering airbags could malfunction under specific conditions.
Mitsubishi denies the allegations, and the settlement does not include an admission of wrongdoing. Still, current and former owners of several Mitsubishi models may be eligible for compensation and an inspection program tied to qualifying crashes. Read on for the vehicles included in the settlement and what owners should know.
What’s the Problem With the Impacted Airbags in Mitsubishi Vehicles?
The $8.5 million class-action settlement agreement stems from claims that certain vehicles were equipped with a ZF-TRW airbag control unit that could malfunction during a crash. Mitsubishi denies the claims but agreed to the settlement to resolve the dispute.
The case centers on the airbag control unit (often called the ACU), the electronic module responsible for monitoring crash sensors and signaling airbags and other restraint systems to deploy.
According to the lawsuit, some Mitsubishi vehicles were fitted with ZF-TRW ACUs that could be vulnerable to what engineers call “electrical overstress.” If that occurs, the module may fail or behave unpredictably, potentially affecting airbag deployment or other safety systems during a collision. The settlement resolves the claims without a court ruling on Mitsubishi’s liability.
Which Mitsubishi Vehicles Are Impacted?
Several Mitsubishi models sold in the United States are included in the settlement. According to the settlement documents, the vehicles covered include:
2013–2017 Mitsubishi Lancer
2013–2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
2013–2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
2013–2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
Current owners, lessees, and people who previously owned or leased one of these vehicles may be included in the settlement class. Final eligibility is determined by vehicle identification number (VIN).
Here’s What Impacted Mitsubishi Owners Should Do
Find your 17-digit VIN (typically visible on the driver’s side dashboard or door jamb) and use the official settlement VIN lookup tool to check eligibility. If your vehicle qualifies, you can submit a claim through the settlement website by May 23, 2026.
Online filing is generally the fastest method, though mail-in forms are also accepted. Some owners may receive a notice with a Unique ID, which can simplify the process. If a Unique ID is not available, claimants may be asked to provide documentation showing their name and the VIN, such as a vehicle title, registration, purchase or lease paperwork, or insurance records.
The settlement fund totals $8.5 million, with payments capped at up to $250 per covered vehicle. Actual payments may vary depending on the number of valid claims submitted.
Only one claim may be filed per covered vehicle. If multiple people submit claims tied to the same car, the settlement agreement specifies that the original buyer may receive 60% of the payment, with the remaining 40% divided among other eligible claimants.
Payments will be issued after the claims deadline. If funds remain after initial distributions, additional payments may be made to approved claimants, potentially increasing payouts up to $750 per vehicle if feasible under the settlement terms.