$62M Hyundai, Kia Settlement Resolves Lawsuit Over Alleged Airbag Deployment System Defect

New to ClassAction.org? Read our Newswire Disclaimer

Hyundai and Kia have agreed to pay a more than $62 million settlement to resolve multidistrict litigation (MDL) over allegations that defective ZF-TRW airbag control units (ACU) found in certain models are vulnerable to “electrical overstress,” which could cause a vehicle’s airbags and other safety systems to fail during a collision.

Don’t miss the next class action settlement deadline. Sign up for ClassAction.org’s free weekly newsletter.

The court-authorized website for the Hyundai-Kia airbag control unit settlement can be found at ACUSettlement.com/HyundaiKia.

Under the terms of the class action settlement, defendants Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Motor America, Kia Corporation, Kia America, Hyundai Mobis Co. and subsidiary Mobis Parts America will provide $62,100,100 in cash payments and other benefits to be distributed among eligible class members.

The deal covers all individuals or entities that, on April 14, 2025, own or lease (or previously owned or leased) any of the following Hyundai or Kia vehicles originally sold or leased in the United States or any of its territories or possessions:

• 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; and
• 2011-2012 or 2014 Kia Sedona.

The Hyundai-Kia class action settlement covers models with specific 17-digit vehicle identification numbers (VINs). Class members can check whether their vehicle is covered by the deal by entering their VIN on this page.

Related Reading: What is multidistrict litigation?

To receive cash benefits from the Hyundai-Kia airbag settlement, consumers must submit a valid claim form online or by mail by March 29, 2027.

Hyundai-Kia settlement claim forms can be filed online on this page. Class members who prefer to submit by mail can download a PDF claim form to print, complete and return, or they may contact the settlement administrator to request a paper copy.

Consumers who received a personalized settlement notice in the mail or via email must include the unique ID they were provided.

According to the settlement agreement, eligible class members with vehicles that have been recalled by the automakers can submit a claim form with supporting documentation to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while completing the recalls.

Per the official settlement website, the recalled vehicles include:

• Certain 2011-2013 Hyundai Sonatas;
• Certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids;
• 2010-2012 and certain 2013 Kia Fortes;
• 2010-2012 and certain 2013 Kia Forte Koups;
• 2011-2012 and certain 2013 Kia Optimas;
• 2011 and certain 2012 Kia Optima Hybrids; and
• 2011-2012 Kia Sedonas.

The site says that class members can file a claim for reimbursement of rental car or other transportation costs incurred while awaiting completion of the recall. Eligible consumers may also file for reimbursement of towing charges for transport to a Hyundai or Kia dealer, childcare expenses incurred in relation to the performance of the service, lost wages directly associated with picking up or dropping off a vehicle, or other unreimbursed costs related to repairing the allegedly defective ZF-TRW ACUs.

Class members may submit a claim for this benefit for each recalled vehicle they have or had, provided they do not seek reimbursement more than once for the same out-of-pocket expense, the website notes.

According to the class action settlement website, Hyundai and Kia have not issued a recall for the following vehicles covered by the settlement:

• Certain 2011-2013 and all 2014-2019 Hyundai Sonatas;
• Certain 2011-2012 and all 2013-2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids;
• 2018-2023 Hyundai Konas;
• 2022-2023 Hyundai Kona N models;
• 2019-2021 Hyundai Velosters;
• Certain 2013 Kia Fortes;
• Certain 2013 Kia Forte Koups;
• Certain 2013 and all 2014-2020 Kia Optimas;
• Certain 2012 and all 2013-2016 Kia Optima Hybrids; and
• 2014 Kia Sedonas.

The site specifies that consumers cannot file a claim for reimbursement if their Hyundai or Kia vehicle has not been recalled due to the ZF-TRW ACU problem.

Class members will become eligible for the reimbursement benefit if a recall is issued for their vehicle before the claim submission deadline, the site states.

Related Reading: Seven Automakers, Parts Supplier Hid Airbag Defect in 12.3M Vehicles, Case Claims

Moreover, as part of the deal, all consumers who submit a timely, valid claim form will be entitled to receive a residual distribution payment, regardless of whether their Hyundai or Kia vehicle was recalled or whether they incurred any out-of-pocket expenses related to a recall, the website relays.

These Hyundai-Kia settlement payments will be up to $350 for recalled vehicles and up to $150 for those not subject to a recall, the site says. Final payout amounts will be determined after all eligible reimbursement claims are paid and will be distributed on a per capita basis, the website shares.

Furthermore, for recalled vehicles, Hyundai and Kia will provide a 10-year warranty for new parts installed to address the apparent defect in recalled vehicles, the settlement agreement states. During the warranty period, which began on April 14, 2025, the automakers will cover repairs or replacements, including parts and labor, that become necessary due to any problems with new parts installed pursuant to the recalls, the agreement says.

Class members whose vehicles have already completed a recall do not need to do anything to qualify for the new parts warranty, while those with a vehicle that has not yet completed a recall must complete the recall process to obtain this benefit, the settlement website explains.

Per the site, if the ZF-TRW ACUs are recalled in the future for the so-far unrecalled vehicles, the automakers will extend the warranty to cover those services as well.

As part of the deal, Hyundai and Kia will also implement a “robust” vehicle inspection program and outreach initiative, the website states. The latter, valued at $3.5 million, is designed to maximize recall completion rates, the site says.

Lastly, the automakers have agreed to provide loaner vehicles, if available, to class members who seek a recall remedy from a Hyundai or Kia dealer before the claim submission deadline and request a courtesy car while the service is being performed, the website shares. Consumers may alternatively file a claim for reimbursement of rental car costs from the settlement fund during this period, the site says.

The Hyundai-Kia settlement, which resolves the consolidated class action lawsuit against the automakers, received preliminary approval from the court on April 14, 2025. The parties await a hearing on September 29, 2025, at which time the court will determine whether to grant final approval to the terms of the deal.

Hyundai-Kia settlement payments will be issued to eligible class members only if the deal receives ultimate court approval, and after any appeals are resolved.

Did you know that some class action settlements require no proof to submit a claim? Check out the latest open class action settlements.