Hyundai and Kia recently agreed to a substantial $62.1 million settlement to resolve allegations concerning defective airbag control units installed in several vehicle models. The Hyundai defective airbag class action settlement addresses claims that certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles contained faulty ZF-TRW airbag control units, potentially putting passengers at risk due to malfunctioning airbags during collisions.
If you own or lease specific Hyundai or Kia vehicles, you may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses, residual payments, and additional benefits. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the settlement, including eligibility, how to claim your benefits, and critical deadlines.
Table of Contents
- Background of the Hyundai Defective Airbag Class Action Settlement
- Vehicles Affected
- Settlement Benefits
- Out-of-Pocket Expense Reimbursement
- Residual Payments
- New Parts Warranty and Inspection Program
- Who Is Eligible?
- How to File a Claim
- Related Airbag Settlements
- Conclusion: Why This Settlement Matters
Background of the Hyundai Defective Airbag Class Action Settlement
The lawsuit originated from claims that certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles were equipped with defective ZF-TRW airbag control units, leading to potential airbag deployment failures during accidents. Such defects significantly raised safety concerns and prompted multiple recalls and legal actions.
Hyundai and Kia deny wrongdoing but have agreed to the settlement to resolve the allegations, ensuring affected customers receive compensation and remedy. This proactive step provides vehicle owners peace of mind and substantial financial relief.
Vehicles Affected
The vehicles covered by this settlement include:
- Hyundai Sonata (2011-2019)
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (2011-2019)
- Hyundai Kona (2018-2023)
- Hyundai Kona N (2022-2023)
- Hyundai Veloster (2019-2021)
- Kia Forte (2010-2013)
- Kia Forte Koup (2010-2013)
- Kia Optima (2011-2020)
- Kia Optima Hybrid (2011-2016)
- Kia Sedona (2011-2012, 2014)
Settlement Benefits
Out-of-Pocket Expense Reimbursement
Class members can claim reimbursements for documented expenses linked to the airbag control unit recall. Covered expenses include:
- Rental car costs
- Towing fees
- Childcare expenses
- Repair costs
- Lost wages
Residual Payments
Additionally, affected owners are entitled to residual payments:
- Up to $350 for recalled vehicles
- Up to $150 for unrecalled vehicles
New Parts Warranty and Inspection Program
The settlement also includes:
- A new parts warranty specifically for recalled vehicles
- A comprehensive vehicle inspection program
- An outreach initiative to boost recall completion rates
- Rental car reimbursements and loaner vehicles provided during repairs
Who Is Eligible?
You qualify for this settlement if you:
- Own or leased one of the affected vehicles listed above
- Held ownership or a lease as of April 14, 2025
Eligibility verification requires providing either:
- Documentation proving out-of-pocket expenses (receipts, invoices), or
- A signed affidavit if documentation is unavailable
How to File a Claim
To claim your benefits, follow these steps:
- Visit the official settlement website: ACUSettlement.com to check eligibility
- Complete and submit the online claim form.
- Attach necessary documentation or affidavits.
Important: All claims must be submitted by March 29, 2027.
Important Deadlines
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Exclusion/Objection Deadline | August 25, 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | September 29, 2025 |
| Claim Submission Deadline | March 29, 2027 |
Final Hearing Information
A final approval hearing will be held on September 29, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The hearing will assess the fairness and adequacy of the proposed settlement.
Related Airbag Settlements
If you own vehicles from other manufacturers, you might also qualify for similar settlements:
- $8.5 million Mitsubishi airbag settlement
- $78.5 million Toyota airbag control unit settlement
For details on eligibility and how to file for these settlements, visit our Class Action Settlements page.
Conclusion: Why This Settlement Matters
The Hyundai defective airbag class action settlement represents a significant victory for affected vehicle owners, providing substantial compensation, robust warranty coverage, and proactive recall efforts. If you own or lease an eligible Hyundai or Kia vehicle, ensure you claim your benefits promptly.
Don’t miss the chance to protect your rights and recoup potential losses. For further updates and more class action settlement news, regularly check our blog.
Ready to claim your settlement benefits?
