The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, contends that the affected vehicles—ranging from the 2010 Hyundai Sonata to the 2023 Hyundai Kona—were equipped with airbag control units susceptible to “electrical overstress.” This defect, plaintiffs argue, could prevent airbags and other critical safety features from deploying properly during a collision. While the carmakers deny any wrongdoing, they have agreed to the settlement to avoid drawn-out litigation.
Current and former owners or lessees of the vehicles—including both recalled and unrecalled models—are eligible to file claims via a dedicated website using a VIN-lookup tool. Benefits vary depending on whether a vehicle was already subject to a recall. The settlement package also includes provisions for outreach programs, potential rental-car reimbursements, and loaner-vehicle options for those whose vehicles are identified as unrecalled but may later be implicated
Legal fees of up to 33 percent—approx. $20.5 million—and service awards of up to $2,500 per class representative are expected to be deducted from the fund, pending court approval.
The settlement, part of a multidistrict litigation known as In re: ZF‑TRW Airbag Control Units Products Liability Litigation, covers claims by owners and lessees of affected vehicles as of April 14, 2025. It resolves a complex dispute that began in 2019 and has involved extensive pretrial motions, discovery, and mediation.
Owners interested in participating have been advised that their legal rights—and eligibility for cash payouts, credits, or other remedial measures—may be affected even if they choose not to act. Detailed information, including a full list of covered models and claim instructions, is available on the settlement website or by calling a toll-free number.
Eligibility will be determined by VIN. The Recalled Hyundai and Kia Class Vehicles are the:
- Certain 2011-2013 Hyundai Sonata;
- Certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid;
- 2010-2012 and certain 2013 Kia Forte;
- 2010-2012 and certain 2013 Kia Forte Koup;
- 2011-2012 and certain 2013 Kia Optima;
- 2011 and certain 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid; and
- 2011-2012 Kia Sedona
The Unrecalled Hyundai and Kia Class Vehicles are the:
- Certain 2011-2013 and all 2014-2019 Hyundai Sonata;
- Certain 2011-2012 and all 2013-2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid;
- 2018-2023 Hyundai Kona;
- 2022-2023 Hyundai Kona N;
- 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster;
- Certain 2013 Kia Forte;
- Certain 2013 Kia Forte Koup;
- Certain 2013 and all 2014-2020 Kia Optima;
- Certain 2012 and all 2013-2016 Kia Optima Hybrid; and
- 2014 Kia Sedona
The Settlement benefits include:
- Reimbursement for certain reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Recalls;
- Residual distribution payments of up to $350 for Recalled Vehicles and $150 for Unrecalled Vehicles for Class Members who submitted out-of-pocket claims or filed a claim for a residual payment, including those who own or lease Unrecalled Vehicles;
- A New Parts Warranty for the new parts installed pursuant to the Recalls to address potential airbag non-deployment due to electrical overstress for ten (10) years from the date of the Preliminary Approval Order.
- A robust inspection program.
- An outreach program designed to increase Recall Remedy completion rates; and
- A future rental car reimbursement, loaner vehicle, and outreach programM
https://www.acusettlement.com/hyundaikia