Owners and lessees of Hyundai and Kia vehicles with affected airbag control units may qualify to claim up to $350 for recalled vehicles, up to $150 for unrecalled ones, plus documented out-of-pocket costs. Claims close April 8, 2027, and the claim is tied to the VIN plus the Unique ID from the notice or proof of ownership.
What Is This Settlement About?
Hyundai and Kia agreed to a settlement valued at $62.1 million to resolve a class action alleging that certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles contain defective ZF-TRW airbag control units (ACUs). The lawsuit alleged the ACUs are vulnerable to a condition called electrical overstress, which can cause the vehicles' airbags and other safety features to fail to deploy during a collision.The case was consolidated as multidistrict litigation in federal court in California, part of the same broader ZF-TRW airbag control unit litigation that also produced separate settlements with other automakers, including the $78.5 million Toyota airbag control unit settlement and the Mitsubishi airbag control unit settlement. Hyundai and Kia deny the allegations and any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the claims and avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation. The court granted final approval of the settlement, and the claims period is open through April 8, 2027.
Who Qualifies?
The settlement class includes all persons or entities who, on April 14, 2025, own or lease, or previously owned or leased, one of the following Hyundai and Kia Class Vehicles that was originally sold or leased in the United States or any of its territories:• 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata
• 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
• 2018-2023 Hyundai Kona
• 2022-2023 Hyundai Kona N
• 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster
• 2010-2013 Kia Forte
• 2010-2013 Kia Forte Koup
• 2011-2020 Kia Optima
• 2011-2016 Kia Optima Hybrid
• 2011-2012 and 2014 Kia Sedona
The fastest way to confirm whether a specific vehicle is covered is to enter its VIN on the official settlement website.
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How Much Can You Get?
Every class member who submits a claim form is eligible for a residual distribution payment of up to $350 for recalled vehicles and up to $150 for unrecalled vehicles, regardless of whether the vehicle was recalled or whether the claimant incurred any expenses. These residual payments are distributed on a per-capita basis and are determined after all eligible reimbursement claims are paid.Separately, class members with recalled vehicles can request reimbursement for certain reasonable out-of-pocket expenses they incurred to complete the recall, which may include rental car or transportation expenses, towing charges, childcare expenses, unreimbursed repair costs associated with the airbag control unit, and lost wages tied to dropping off or picking up the vehicle. Out-of-pocket reimbursement is available only for recalled vehicles; owners of unrecalled vehicles become eligible only if a recall is later issued for their vehicle during the claims period.
The settlement also provides non-cash benefits, including a New Parts Warranty covering parts installed under the recalls against airbag non-deployment due to electrical overstress for ten years, a vehicle inspection program, and an outreach program to increase recall completion rates.
Because final payment amounts depend on the total number of valid claims submitted and the court-awarded fees and costs, there is no fixed per-vehicle figure guaranteed in advance. The dollar figures above are the maximums described in the settlement.
How to File a Claim
To receive a payment, class members must submit a valid claim form online through the official settlement website or by mail, postmarked no later than April 8, 2027. The claim is tied to the vehicle's VIN. Class members who received a postcard or email notice with a Unique ID can file without providing additional documentation. Those without a Unique ID may need to provide supporting documents — such as a vehicle title, registration, or purchase or lease agreement — showing the claimant's name and the vehicle's VIN. Out-of-pocket reimbursement claims require supporting documentation, such as receipts. If you lost or never received a Unique ID, you can reach the administrator through the official settlement website's contact page.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hyundai and Kia airbag control unit settlement about?
The class action alleged that certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles contain defective ZF-TRW airbag control units (ACUs) vulnerable to electrical overstress, which could cause airbags and other safety features to fail to deploy during a collision. The automakers denied the allegations but agreed to a $62.1 million settlement to resolve the claims.
Which Hyundai and Kia vehicles qualify?
Eligible vehicles include the 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2023 Hyundai Kona, 2022-2023 Hyundai Kona N, 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster, 2010-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2020 Kia Optima, 2011-2016 Kia Optima Hybrid, and 2011-2012 and 2014 Kia Sedona. You can confirm coverage by entering your VIN at the official settlement website.
How much can class members receive?
Class members can receive a residual distribution payment of up to $350 for recalled vehicles and up to $150 for unrecalled vehicles, plus reimbursement of documented out-of-pocket expenses tied to the airbag control unit recalls, such as rental car costs, towing, childcare, repair costs, and lost wages. Final amounts depend on the number of valid claims filed.
Is proof required to file a claim?
Yes. The claim is tied to your vehicle's VIN. If you received a notice with a Unique ID, you can file without additional documents. Without a Unique ID, you may need to provide proof of ownership such as a title, registration, or purchase or lease agreement showing your name and the VIN. Out-of-pocket reimbursement claims require supporting documentation such as receipts.
What is the claim deadline?
Claim forms must be submitted online or postmarked by April 8, 2027.
Sources
• Official settlement website: ACUSettlement.com• In re: ZF-TRW Airbag Control Units Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:19-ml-02905-JAK-JPR (C.D. Cal.)
