Hyundai & Kia Airbag Control Unit Class Action Settlement

What is the Hyundai & Kia defective vehicle parts settlement about?

The Hyundai and Kia airbag control unit class action settlement (In re: ZF-TRW Airbag Control Units Products Liability Litigation) resolves a federal multidistrict lawsuit alleging that certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles were equipped with defective ZF-TRW airbag control units (ACUs). Plaintiffs alleged these ACUs were vulnerable to a condition called electrical overstress (EOS), which could prevent airbags and other occupant-restraint systems — seatbelt pretensioners, side curtain airbags — from deploying during a collision, even when functioning normally otherwise. Hyundai and Kia deny the allegations but agreed to settle.

The $62.1 million settlement fund covers current and former owners and lessees of eligible model-year 2010–2023 Hyundai and Kia vehicles who owned or leased a vehicle as of April 14, 2025. Recalled vehicles (those subject to an official NHTSA recall for the defective ACU) are eligible for up to $350 in residual cash payments; unrecalled vehicles with the same ACU are eligible for up to $150. All class members may also submit documentation for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred because of the defect or recall, including towing, rental cars, childcare during repairs, repair costs, and lost wages. The settlement also provides a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on ACU replacement parts installed as part of the recall.

Eligible Hyundai models include certain 2011–2023 Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Kona, Kona N, and Veloster. Eligible Kia models include certain 2010–2020 Forte, Forte Koup, Optima, Optima Hybrid, and 2011–2014 Sedona. Exact eligibility is confirmed by VIN lookup on the official settlement website.

Who qualifies to file a claim?

• You currently own, lease, or previously owned or leased an eligible Hyundai or Kia vehicle, and owned or leased it as of April 14, 2025.
• Eligible Hyundai models: certain 2011–2023 Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, 2018–2023 Kona, 2022–2023 Kona N, and 2019–2021 Veloster.
• Eligible Kia models: certain 2010–2013 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011–2020 Optima and Optima Hybrid, and 2011–2012/2014 Sedona.
• Recalled vehicles (subject to NHTSA ACU recall): eligible for up to $350 in residual cash.
• Unrecalled vehicles with the same ZF-TRW ACU: eligible for up to $150 in residual cash.
• All class members may also claim reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket expenses (towing, rental cars, childcare, repair costs, lost wages) related to the ACU defect or recall.
• You are a U.S. resident. VIN verification is required — confirm eligibility via the VIN lookup tool on the official settlement site.

How to file a claim

1. 1Go to the official settlement website at acusettlement.com/hyundaikia and use the VIN lookup tool to confirm your vehicle is in the settlement class.
2. 2Complete the online claim form before the April 8, 2027 deadline. You will need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
3. 3If claiming reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket expenses (towing, rental cars, repairs, lost wages, childcare), upload or mail supporting receipts or documentation.
4. 4For a paper claim form, contact the settlement administrator: Hyundai-Kia Airbag Control Unit Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91478, Seattle, WA 98111.
5. 5Save your claim confirmation number. No submission is needed to receive the automatic warranty on replacement ACU parts if your vehicle was already recalled and repaired.

Is the Hyundai & Kia settlement legit?

Yes. The Hyundai & Kia defective vehicle parts settlement is a court-supervised class action overseen by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (2:19-ml-02905-JAK-JPR) and administered by an official settlement administrator. You file your claim directly with the administrator and keep 100% of any payment — Payout never takes a cut. The fastest way to avoid missing this and other settlements you qualify for is to let Payout match and file for you in minutes.