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Mitsubishi has finally agreed to settle a class action lawsuit involving allegedly defective airbag control units in some of its vehicles. That means you could be in line for a cash payout from the settlement if you owned or leased one of the affected models.
The tricky part is that claiming your share of the settlement isn’t automatic. You’ll need to act quickly and file a claim with supporting documentation before the May 23, 2026, deadline.
In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll explain what the Mitsubishi class action lawsuit is all about, who may be eligible for a payout from the settlement, and how the claims process works from start to finish.
We’ll also introduce you to Settlemate, an app that automates class action claims and helps you secure the money you’re owed with minimal effort.
Understanding the Mitsubishi class action lawsuit
In plain terms, the Mitsubishi class action lawsuit centers on claims that certain Mitsubishi models came with ZF-TRW airbag control units (ACUs) that are prone to electrical overstress. The plaintiffs argued that this flaw could cause the ACU to fail during a crash, potentially preventing airbags and other safety systems from doing their job, which is a highly alarming possibility for any driver.
Mitsubishi hasn’t admitted any fault or wrongdoing, but it did agree to an $8.5 million settlement to put the case to rest and avoid the cost and uncertainty of a prolonged legal battle.
While the deadlines for objecting or opting out of the class action have already passed, you can still file a claim for compensation if you’re considered a class member. Here’s a quick look at the key dates in the case:
Important: There’s also a separate, active class action settlement involving certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles with similar ZF-TRW airbag control units. The Hyundai-Kia airbag settlement has its own deadline for claims (April 8, 2027), so it’s worth checking whether you qualify there as well.
Who qualifies for the Mitsubishi class action lawsuit settlement? Key eligibility criteria
You are eligible for the settlement if, as of November 1, 2024, you owned or leased (or previously owned or leased) a qualifying Mitsubishi vehicle that was originally sold or leased in the United States or any of its territories.
The settlement applies to the following Mitsubishi models:
- 2013–2017 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2013–2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- 2013–2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
- 2013–2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
To check whether your vehicle is covered, you can enter its vehicle identification number (VIN) into the settlement’s official VIN lookup tool. You’ll find the number on the driver’s side dashboard, or on the driver’s side door or door jamb of your vehicle.
Quick reminder: Simply confirming that your vehicle is eligible doesn’t count as filing a claim. You’ll still need to complete and submit a valid claim form to participate in the settlement and receive compensation.
What benefits are available under the Mitsubishi airbag settlement?
The Mitsubishi class action settlement comes with two main benefits:
- Cash compensation: You could receive up to $250 per covered vehicle in the first round of payments. There may also be a second round (potentially up to $750), depending on how many people file claims and how much money is left in the fund. If there isn’t enough for additional payouts, whatever remains will be donated to a charitable cause that indirectly benefits the class. In any case, the settlement is non-reversionary, which means none of the $8.5 million will go back to Mitsubishi.
- Vehicle inspection program: If Mitsubishi is notified about a qualifying incident involving one of the class vehicles, it must provide an inspection program to investigate and document any potential airbag malfunctions. If it does identify a malfunction, the company is legally required to report it to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This inspection program will remain in place for 10 years from the court’s preliminary approval date.
Both current and former owners of qualifying Mitsubishi vehicles can receive cash compensation, which means more than one person can file a claim for the same vehicle.
When that happens, the payout is split as follows:
- 60% of the compensation goes to the original owner (the person who first purchased the Mitsubishi vehicle).
- The remaining 40% is divided equally among any later owners who also submit valid claims.
For example, if a vehicle qualifies for a $250 payment, the original owner would receive $150, and two subsequent owners would get $50 each (provided they both filed valid claims).
How to complete the claims process
To get money from the Mitsubishi airbag settlement, you’ll need to submit a claim before the final deadline of May 23, 2026. The easiest way to do that is online, and here’s how it works in two different scenarios:
- If you received a postcard or email notice: Your notice includes a Unique ID and PIN. Enter those when filing your online claim, and you won’t need to upload any additional documentation.
- If you didn’t receive a notice: You can still file a claim, but you’ll need to provide your vehicle’s VIN.
In the latter case, the Settlement Notice and Claims Administrator may ask you to submit extra proof of ownership or lease. That could include your vehicle title, purchase or lease agreement, registration, insurance documentation, or any other document that lists both your name and the VIN.
You can also file your claim via mail. Here’s what to do in that case:
- Download and print the claim form from the “Documents” section of the official settlement website. Alternatively, you can request a hard copy form to be mailed to you by calling 1-855-680-6395 or emailing info@ACUsettlement.com.
- Fill out the form and mail it to:
Mitsubishi Airbag Control Unit Settlement
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91000
Seattle, WA 98111
If you have more than one qualifying Mitsubishi vehicle, you’ll need to file a separate claim for each. Those filing for more than 10 vehicles should contact info@ACUsettlement.com for special instructions.
What happens after you file your claim?
Once the deadline for filing claims has passed in May 2026, the Settlement Notice and Claims Administrator will start going through all submitted claim forms to make sure each one is complete, valid, and filed on time. After the review is complete, the administrator will calculate the payment amounts and start issuing compensation.
The settlement website doesn’t provide a specific payout date or even a rough timeframe for when payment will begin, as it depends on several factors, including the number of claimants and the administrator’s efficiency in processing claims. In any case, you can expect to wait at least a couple of months after the filing deadline to get your money.
The website also doesn’t list the available payment methods. If you’d like to know whether the payment will arrive by check, direct deposit, or another method, your safest bet is to contact the settlement’s administrator directly via phone or email.
Throughout this process, the administrator will post updates on the official settlement website. It’s a good idea to check in from time to time so you don’t miss any new information about claim reviews, payment timelines, or other important announcements.
What are the challenges of navigating the claims process on your own?
While you absolutely can file settlement claims yourself, doing everything manually can come with a few stumbling blocks:
- Lack of awareness: You might not even realize that you’re eligible for a class action payout, which means leaving money on the table. In other cases, you only learn about an active settlement days before the filing deadline, leaving you with barely any time to gather documents or submit the form.
- Missing documentation: Some class action settlements go back years and require very specific proof of ownership or purchase. Digging up old emails, receipts, or registrations can feel like taking on a part-time job you didn’t sign up for.
- Incomplete or incorrect claim forms: Claim forms can be surprisingly unforgiving. One small mistake, like a wrong VIN digit, can be enough to get your claim rejected.
Now, the silver lining: you don’t actually have to deal with these hassles to get the money you’re owed. You can automate the entire process and claim every eligible settlement payout by relying on an app like Settlemate.
How does Settlemate automate your class action claims?
The days of hunting down class action settlements, double-checking eligibility, and wrestling with claim forms are over. Settlemate does all the heavy lifting for you, making it easy to claim the money you’re owed, without the confusion or busywork.
Here’s what Settlemate brings to the table:
- Automated scanning: With your permission, Settlemate scans your purchase history and email inbox to automatically spot class action settlements you may qualify for.
- Pre-filled claims: The app fills out claim forms on your behalf whenever possible, saving you time and reducing the risk of human error.
- Smart proof guidance: If a claim requires supporting documents, Settlemate eliminates the guesswork by telling you exactly what you need to submit.
- Real-time tracking and notifications: The app allows you to easily follow your claim status, see payout estimates, and stay ahead of every deadline with smart alerts.
Download Settlemate from the App Store or Google Play and start claiming money you didn’t even know was yours.
Settlemate’s money-back guarantee makes it risk-free: if your one-year subscription ends up costing more than what you recover through the app, you may qualify for a full refund.
Frequently asked questions
How much was the total Mitsubishi settlement?
The total settlement was $8.5 million, though not all of that goes directly to class members. A significant portion is set aside for attorney fees, administrative costs, and awards for class representatives who helped bring the case forward.
What is the average payout per person in a class action lawsuit?
The exact number depends on various factors, including the size of the settlement fund and the number of claimants. Many class action payouts tend to land around $50 per person, although some cases pay much more.
If I excluded myself from the class action, can I still claim a payment?
No. If you choose to opt out of the class action lawsuit, you’re no longer part of the settlement and can’t claim money from it. However, opting out does allow you to pursue justice by filing an individual lawsuit.
