Many Hyundai and Kia vehicle owners have experienced concerns related to airbag system issues. A significant class action settlement, valued at $62.1 million, has been proposed to address claims about defective airbag control units (ACUs) in certain models. While this settlement offers potential cash payments and other benefits, it’s important to note that it’s currently awaiting final court approval.
The Airbag Issue
This settlement resolves claims that certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles were equipped with defective ZF-TRW Airbag Control Units (ACU). These units are alleged to be vulnerable to a condition called “electrical overstress,” which could potentially cause the vehicle’s airbags and other safety features, like seatbelt pretensioners, to fail to deploy during a collision. While Hyundai and Kia deny any wrongdoing, they have agreed to the settlement to avoid further lengthy legal battles.
Eligible Vehicles
The settlement covers current and former owners and lessees of specific Hyundai and Kia vehicles that were originally sold or leased in the United States or its territories. Eligibility is determined by your vehicle’s VIN. Affected models include, but are not limited to:
- 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, 2014 Kia Sedona
You can verify your vehicle’s eligibility by visiting the official settlement website: www.ACUSettlement.com.
Details of the Reimbursement
The $62.1 million settlement fund is designed to cover various forms of relief:
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement for costs related to completing the recalls (e.g., rental car expenses, towing charges, childcare expenses, repair costs for related issues, lost wages due to recall work).
- Residual Payments:
- Up to $350 for eligible recalled vehicles.
- Up to $150 for eligible unrecalled vehicles.
- Note: The actual amount of these residual payments will depend on the total number of valid claims received and the remaining funds after other payments and costs are deducted.
- New Parts Warranty: A 10-year warranty for new parts installed as part of the recalls (starting from April 14, 2025).
- Inspection and Outreach Programs: The settlement includes initiatives to encourage more owners to complete outstanding recalls.
Important Deadlines
For those who wish to participate and potentially receive a payment, there are key dates to be aware of:
- Exclusion/Objection Deadline: August 25, 2025 (If you want to keep your right to sue the companies separately, you must exclude yourself by this date. If you object, you are telling the court why you don’t like the settlement).
- Final Approval Hearing: September 29, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. PDT (The court will decide whether to grant final approval of the settlement).
- Claim Form Deadline: March 29, 2027 (This is the deadline to submit your claim form to receive a cash payment).
It is highly recommended to visit the official settlement website, www.ACUSettlement.com, for the most up-to-date information, to check eligibility by VIN, and to download claim forms.
Previous Settlements
It’s worth noting that Hyundai and Kia have been involved in other significant class-action settlements. One notable previous settlement, valued at over $200 million, addressed theft vulnerability in certain models that lacked engine immobilizers, leading to a rise in thefts. This provided software upgrades and compensation for damages related to thefts. These separate settlements address different vehicle issues.
Hyundai Customer Experience Issues
Beyond specific defect-related lawsuits, some Hyundai and Kia owners have reported broader customer experience issues, including long wait times for parts or repairs, especially during periods of high demand due to recalls or widespread defects. The ongoing nature of certain recalls and the volume of vehicles affected can sometimes lead to frustrations for owners seeking service. The current airbag settlement includes outreach programs and new parts warranties partly to improve the overall customer experience related to this particular issue.