NHTSA Investigates Defective ZF-TRW Airbags Linked to Several Deaths

April 30, 2019 / 9:04 am

Colson Hicks Eidson is a Miami-based trial firm seeking to improve awareness on issues related to the safety and well-being of our community. Our legal knowledge, decades of experience and presence in the community are among the top reasons clients choose us to help them. For more information, speak with a car defect attorney at our firm. 

An announcement recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on April 19, 2019, stated that the agency will be expanding an investigation into the defective ZF-TRW airbags control units. The ZF-TRW airbags units have been linked to several car accident deaths in the past three years.

NHTSA Investigates the ZF-TRW Airbag

The investigation into the ZF-TRW airbag control units, produced by the supplier ZF-TRW (ZF), was upgraded to an “engineering analysis” and expanded to now include the auto manufacturers that used the defective airbags in their cars.

The defect found in the airbag control unit is reported to be within its electronic component, called Application Specific Integrated Circuit or ASIC. The ASIC monitors the signals from the crash sensors for the purpose of responding with the proper airbag deployment in the event of a car crash.

Currently, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) believes that, while the chances of it happening are low, a car crash could be responsible for producing the harmful signals which damage the ASIC. The NHTSA report mentions, the ASIC “may suffer electrical overstress due to harmful signals produced by the crash event.”

Investigators state in the report that there is electrical circuity incorporated within the ACU that protects the ASIC from harmful signals. However, the level of protection ultimately depends on the auto manufacturer.

Vehicles Affected by Potentially Defective Airbags

ZF supplied the airbag control units to six auto manufacturers: Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Fiat Chrysler Automotive and Toyota. These manufacturers collectively installed the ZF-TRW airbag control units in approximately 12.3 million vehicles over the past decade.

ZF-TRW Airbag Recalls

According to the Washington Post, Kia and Hyundai recalled nearly 1.1 million vehicles last year due to the ZF-TRW airbags. Fiat Chrysler recalled approximately 1.9 million vehicles worldwide in 2016. To date, only Hyundai, Fiat Chrysler, and Kia have issued recalls for this defect.

Recalled models include:

  • 2010 to 2013 Kia Forte
  • 2011 to 2013 Kia Optima
  • 2011 and 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona
  • 2011 to 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2011 and 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2010 Chrysler Sebring
  • 2011 to 2014 Chrysler 200
  • 2010 to 2012 Dodge Caliber
  • 2010 to 2014 Dodge Avenger
  • 2010 to 2014 Jeep Patriot and Compass
  • 2012 and 2013 Lancia Flavia

Not sure if your car is one of 12.3 million? Check the NHTSA VIN Search Tool to see if this potential safety issue or any recalls have been noted for your vehicle.

Ask Our Car Defect Attorney

According to the Associated Press (AP), eight deaths have been tied to these potentially defective airbag control units. If you or a loved one has been impacted by a car defect, consider contacting our car defect attorneys at 305-476-7400. You can also fill out our online case review form for a free consultation.

At Colson Hicks Eidson, we have experience handling cases involving defective airbags. Our partner, Curtis Miner, was appointed Lead Counsel for the Personal Injury Track by the Federal Court overseeing the litigation involving defective Takata airbags, which involves the largest automotive recall in US history.  Our firm has been handling lawsuits against car manufacturers for decades and has helped hundreds of clients resolve claims based on defects in cars.

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Dean is renowned as a top trial lawyer in the U.S. with 40 years of experience in complex civil litigation, personal injury, product liability, and professional malpractice. He has successfully represented large plaintiff classes and handled multimillion-dollar cases, including high-profile litigation such as the AeroPeru airplane crash and a Ponzi scheme settlement.

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About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

MIAMI (March 12, 2025) – Every day, the lawyers at Colson Hicks Eidson are privileged to deliver meaningful litigation results for our clients while working alongside some of the finest attorneys and people we know. We are honored that Lawdragon recognizes our dedication to our craft and are pleased to announce that all nine of our partners have been named in the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers guide.

Lawyers for this guide are selected through Lawdragon’s process of independent journalistic research and submissions. Their selection process emphasizes lawyers who have demonstrated consistent excellence and have made notable impacts in their fields.

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The Firm’s recognized attorneys are listed below.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

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Stephanie was recognized for her representation of injured consumers and her skills in complex litigation, including recent successes in ERISA health insurance benefits cases. Acknowledged by Chambers USA as “an excellent lawyer,” she actively contributes to the legal community as a Board member and former President of the South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, reflecting her commitment to mentorship and leadership in the profession.

Julie was recognized for her representation of plaintiffs in high-stakes personal injury and complex class action cases, leveraging over three decades of experience. Her accomplishments include serving as lead and liaison counsel in significant multidistrict and consolidated national litigation and securing notable verdicts and settlements in products liability, medical malpractice and negligence cases. A strong advocate for the underrepresented, she has spearheaded efforts to safeguard electoral access and has held leadership roles in the American Association for Justice and the Miami-Dade Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Julie’s legal knowledge is further acknowledged by Lawdragon and Chambers USA, underscoring her significant impact on the profession and her commitment to advancing justice.

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To schedule a consultation, do not hesitate to contact an attorney at our law office. We have experience in a wide variety of cases for clients located throughout the nation and around the globe.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

Colson Hicks Eidson was proud to represent Brookfield Properties, owner of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel property in Ft. Lauderdale, during trial in a long-running case brought by David J. Stern, a unit owner in the residential condominium portion of the property, who alleged water intrusion and property damage in his unit. After a three-and-one-half week jury trial in Broward County Circuit Court, the jury returned an across-the-board verdict in favor of our client. 

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About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

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Now in its 20th year, Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America recognized Colson Hicks Eidson attorneys Julie Braman Kane, Roberto Martínez, and Curtis Miner for their exceptional work in litigation, plaintiff class action litigation, and white-collar practice areas.

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Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

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