Hyundai And Kia $62.1 Million Airbag Lawsuit Update Today, 2025 Settlement Status, Claims Process, And What Vehicle Owners Need To Know

Critical Update October 2025: Final Approval Hearing Held September 29, 2025—Claims Deadline March 29, 2027

Hyundai and Kia have agreed to a $62.1 million class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims that certain vehicles were equipped with defective ZF-TRW airbag control units. If you currently own or previously owned specific Hyundai or Kia models manufactured between 2010 and 2023, you may be eligible for cash payments and reimbursements.

Settlement payments will be up to $350 for recalled vehicles and up to $150 for those not subject to a recall, but the exact amounts depend on the total number of claims filed and how the settlement fund is distributed.

This comprehensive guide provides everything current and former Hyundai and Kia owners need to know about filing claims, eligibility requirements, expected compensation, and critical deadlines you cannot afford to miss.

Today’s Latest Settlement Update

Current Status (October 2025)

The Court held a final approval hearing on September 29, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. PDT to consider whether to grant final approval of the settlement and award fees to the attorneys representing the class. While final approval is pending, the settlement administrator is already accepting claim forms from eligible vehicle owners.

Here’s what’s happening right now:

Final Approval Status: The settlement requires court approval following the fairness hearing scheduled for September 29, 2025. A final decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Claims Being Accepted: Even before final approval, eligible owners can submit claim forms through the official settlement website at acusettlement.com/hyundaikia.

Attorney Fees Approved: The original 20 plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit will receive $2,500 each, while the lawyers representing the class will receive $20.5 million in legal fees from the settlement fund.

Settlement Administrator: JND Legal Administration has been appointed to manage the claims process, verify eligibility, and distribute payments once the settlement receives final court approval.

No Appeals Yet: Unlike some class action settlements that face lengthy appeals, there have been no significant challenges to this settlement as of October 2025.

What’s Happening Right Now (October 2025)

Why October 2025 Is Critical

This settlement is in a transitional phase where:

✅ Claims Are Being Accepted: You can file your claim now even before final approval

✅ Documentation Required: Start gathering proof of ownership and any repair receipts immediately

✅ Final Approval Expected Soon: Once approved, the settlement becomes binding and payments can be processed

✅ Long Deadline: Claim forms must be submitted by March 29, 2027, giving owners ample time to file

✅ No Cost to File: There are no fees to submit a claim—be wary of anyone charging you to file

Settlement Timeline at a Glance

April 14, 2025: Preliminary approval granted by U.S. District Court

June 2025: Settlement website launched, claim forms made available

September 29, 2025: Final fairness hearing held

October 2025: Awaiting final approval decision (expected within 30-60 days)

March 29, 2027: Final deadline to submit residual payment claims

60-120 Days After Final Approval: Payment processing begins for approved claims

Hyundai and Kia $62.1 Million Airbag Lawsuit Update Today, 2025 Settlement Status, Claims Process, and What Vehicle Owners Need to Know

Understanding the Airbag Control Unit Defect

What Is Electrical Overstress?

The lawsuit alleges that the Hyundai and Kia Class Vehicles contain defective airbag control units that are vulnerable to a condition called electrical overstress, which may cause critical safety systems to fail during a collision.

Electrical overstress (EOS) occurs when electronic components receive voltage or current levels that exceed their design specifications. In the ZF-TRW airbag control units, this defect could cause:

Airbags failing to deploy during crashes when you need them most
Seatbelt pretensioners not activating properly to secure occupants
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunctions affecting vehicle control
Dashboard warning lights illuminating incorrectly or not at all
Complete ACU failure without any advance warning to the driver

Why This Defect Is Dangerous

The airbag control unit serves as the “brain” of your vehicle’s safety systems. When it malfunctions due to electrical overstress:

During Normal Driving: You may see warning lights on your dashboard, or you may have no indication anything is wrong.

During a Collision: The ACU may fail to send deployment signals to your airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, leaving you unprotected during the exact moment you need these safety features.

Unpredictable Failure: The defect can occur at any time without warning, and there’s no reliable way for owners to know if their ACU has already failed or is about to fail.

This is why the settlement covers not just owners who experienced actual airbag failures, but all owners of eligible vehicles who faced this hidden safety risk.

Which Vehicles Are Covered by the Settlement?

Eligible Hyundai Models

The settlement includes these Hyundai vehicles:

Hyundai Sonata

2011-2019 Sonata (all trims)
2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid
2016-2019 Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai Kona

2018-2021 Kona (all trims)
2019-2021 Kona Electric

Hyundai Veloster

2012-2020 Veloster (all trims)
2019-2020 Veloster N
2019-2020 Veloster Turbo

Eligible Kia Models

The settlement includes these Kia vehicles:

Kia Forte

2010-2020 Forte (all trims)
2010-2013 Forte Koup
2014-2018 Forte5

Kia Optima

2011-2020 Optima (all trims)
2011-2016 Optima Hybrid
2017-2020 Optima Plug-in Hybrid

Kia Sedona

2011-2015 Sedona
2015-2018 Sedona (redesigned)

Important Notes About Vehicle Eligibility

Recalled vs. Non-Recalled Vehicles: The lawsuit includes certain vehicles that were not included in the original recalls, meaning your vehicle may be eligible even if you never received a recall notice.

Verify Your Specific VIN: Even if your model is listed, specific VIN ranges may vary. Use the settlement website’s VIN lookup tool to confirm your vehicle’s eligibility.

Current and Former Owners: You don’t need to currently own the vehicle—if you owned or leased an eligible vehicle as of April 14, 2025, you may qualify.

What Benefits Does the Settlement Provide?

Two Types of Compensation Available

The settlement offers eligible class members two distinct forms of relief:

1. Out-of-Pocket Expense Reimbursement (No Cap)

If you paid for repairs, diagnostics, or other expenses related to the airbag control unit defect, you can be reimbursed for:

Qualifying Expenses Include:

Airbag control unit replacement or repair costs
Diagnostic fees to identify ACU problems
Towing expenses due to ACU-related failures
Rental car costs while your vehicle was being repaired
Related labor charges
Sales tax paid on qualifying repairs

Documentation Required:

Original receipts or invoices
Repair orders showing ACU-related work
Proof the expense was paid by you (not covered by warranty or insurance)
Documentation must clearly link the expense to the airbag control unit issue

No Dollar Limit: Unlike residual payments, there is no cap on reimbursement amounts if you can document legitimate out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Residual Cash Payments

All eligible class members who submit valid claim forms will receive residual payments even if they never experienced an airbag problem or paid for repairs.

Payment Amounts:

Up to $350 for vehicles that were subject to a recall
Up to $150 for vehicles not subject to a recall
Actual amounts depend on the total number of claims filed and settlement fund distribution

How Residual Payments Are Calculated:

Total Settlement Fund ($62.1 million)

Minus: Out-of-pocket reimbursements (paid first)
Minus: Legal fees ($20.5 million)
Minus: Settlement administration costs
Minus: Class representative payments ($2,500 each × 20 plaintiffs) = Remaining amount divided equally among all approved residual claims

Final payout amounts will be determined after all eligible reimbursement claims are paid and will be distributed on a per capita basis.

Am I Eligible to File a Claim?

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this settlement, you must meet ALL of these criteria:

✅ Vehicle Ownership: You must be a current or former owner or lessee of an eligible Hyundai or Kia vehicle listed in this settlement.

✅ Cutoff Date: You must have owned or leased the vehicle as of April 14, 2025 (the date preliminary approval was granted).

✅ U.S. Residence: The vehicle must have been purchased or leased in the United States or its territories.

✅ Class Member Status: You must be a member of the settlement class (automatically included unless you previously opted out).

Who Can File Claims?

✓ Current Owners: If you currently own one of the eligible vehicles

✓ Former Owners: If you sold or traded the vehicle but owned it as of April 14, 2025

✓ Lessees: If you leased one of the eligible vehicles during the qualifying period

✓ Multiple Vehicle Owners: You can file separate claims for each eligible vehicle you owned or leased

✓ Heirs and Estate Representatives: If the original owner is deceased, estate representatives can file on their behalf

Who Is NOT Eligible?

✗ Purchased After April 14, 2025: If you bought the vehicle after the cutoff date

✗ Outside the U.S.: Vehicles purchased or leased outside the United States

✗ Excluded Vehicle Models: Vehicles not specifically listed in the settlement

✗ Previously Opted Out: Anyone who submitted a valid exclusion request during the opt-out period

✗ Non-Class Members: Hyundai, Kia, their affiliates, employees, officers, and their immediate families

How to File Your Settlement Claim: Complete Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

Before starting your claim, collect these essential documents:

Required for All Claims:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – found on your registration, title, or insurance card
Proof of ownership or lease agreement (title, registration, lease contract, or bill of sale)
Your contact information (name, address, phone, email)
Documentation showing you owned/leased the vehicle as of April 14, 2025

Additional for Out-of-Pocket Reimbursement:

Original receipts or invoices for ACU-related repairs
Repair orders detailing the work performed
Credit card statements or cancelled checks proving payment
Service records from dealerships or repair shops
Any correspondence with Hyundai or Kia about the defect

Pro Tip: Make copies of all documents—never send originals. Keep digital scans as backup.

Step 2: Visit the Official Settlement Website

Go to www.acusettlement.com/hyundaikia (the only official claims portal).

Warning: Beware of scam websites claiming to help you file claims for a fee. The official settlement website is FREE to use, and no legitimate third party should charge you to file.

Step 3: Use the VIN Lookup Tool

On the settlement website:

Enter your 17-character VIN in the lookup tool
The system will confirm whether your vehicle is eligible
It will also indicate whether your vehicle was subject to a recall (affecting your payment tier)

If your VIN doesn’t appear as eligible but you believe it should be, contact the settlement administrator before the deadline.

Step 4: Complete the Online Claim Form

The claim form will ask for:

Personal Information:

Full legal name
Current mailing address
Email address and phone number
Last four digits of your Social Security Number (for tax reporting if applicable)

Vehicle Information:

Year, make, and model
VIN (vehicle identification number)
Purchase or lease date
Date you acquired the vehicle
Date you disposed of the vehicle (if applicable)

Claim Type Selection:

Residual payment only
Out-of-pocket reimbursement only
Both residual payment and reimbursement

Payment Preference:

Check mailed to your address
Direct deposit (requires bank account and routing numbers)

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

For residual payments:

Upload proof of ownership (required)
Upload any supporting documents showing ownership as of April 14, 2025

For out-of-pocket reimbursements:

Upload all receipts and invoices (required)
Upload repair orders and service records
Upload any other documentation supporting your expenses

File Format: Most common formats accepted (PDF, JPG, PNG, TIFF) File Size: Usually up to 10MB per file; larger files may need compression

Step 6: Review and Submit

Before submitting:

✓ Double-check all information for accuracy ✓ Verify your VIN is entered correctly ✓ Ensure all required documents are attached ✓ Confirm your payment information (address or bank details) ✓ Review the settlement release terms

Once submitted, you’ll receive:

Confirmation number (save this!)
Confirmation email (if you provided an email address)
Estimated timeline for claim processing

Step 7: Alternative Filing Methods

If You Cannot File Online:

You can submit claims by mail:

Hyundai Kia ACU Settlement
c/o JND Legal Administration
P.O. Box 91398
Seattle, WA 98111

What to Mail:

Completed claim form (download from settlement website)
Copies of all supporting documentation
Keep copies of everything you mail

Postmark Deadline: Claims must be postmarked by March 29, 2027

Email Submissions: Check the settlement website for email submission instructions (if available)

Step 8: Track Your Claim Status

After submission:

Save your confirmation number
Check the settlement website periodically for status updates
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Watch for settlement administrator correspondence by mail and email

How Much Money Will You Actually Receive?

Understanding Residual Payment Calculations

The settlement provides $62.1 million total to resolve all claims. Here’s how that money is distributed:

Settlement Fund Allocation:

Legal Fees: $20.5 million to attorneys (33% of settlement)
Class Representative Payments: $2,500 to each of 20 original plaintiffs = $50,000
Administration Costs: Estimated $1-2 million for JND Legal Administration
Out-of-Pocket Reimbursements: Variable (paid first from remaining funds)
Residual Payments: Whatever remains, divided among all approved claims

Realistic Payment Expectations

Based on similar settlements and the fund structure, here are realistic expectations:

Recalled Vehicles (Higher Payment Tier):

Maximum Possible: $350 per vehicle
Likely Range: $200-$350 depending on claim volume
If Claims Are High: Could be as low as $150-$200

Non-Recalled Vehicles (Lower Payment Tier):

Maximum Possible: $150 per vehicle
Likely Range: $75-$150 depending on claim volume
If Claims Are High: Could be as low as $50-$100

Out-of-Pocket Reimbursements:

100% of documented expenses (up to reasonable limits)
Paid in full before residual payments are calculated
No specific cap mentioned in settlement terms

Factors That Affect Your Payment

Total Number of Claims: More claims = smaller individual payments as the fixed fund is divided among more people.

Reimbursement Claims: Large reimbursement claims reduce the pool available for residual payments.

Recall Status: Recalled vehicles receive higher payments than non-recalled vehicles.

Claim Validity: Invalid or incomplete claims are denied, meaning more money for valid claimants.

When Will Payments Be Issued?

Payments for approved claims will be issued after the settlement receives final court approval and any appeals are resolved.

Expected Timeline:

Final Approval: Expected October/November 2025
Appeal Period: 30-60 days after final approval
Claim Processing: 60-90 days after appeals conclude
Payment Distribution: Estimated Q1-Q2 2026 for most claims

Payment Methods:

Checks: Mailed to address on file; must be cashed within 180 days
Direct Deposit: Faster processing, typically 7-10 business days after approval

Critical Dates and Deadlines You Must Know

Key Settlement Timeline

Date	Event	What It Means
April 14, 2025	Preliminary approval granted	Ownership cutoff date—must have owned vehicle by this date
June 2025	Claim forms available	Claims portal opened at acusettlement.com/hyundaikia
September 29, 2025	Final approval hearing	Court reviewed settlement fairness and attorney fees
October/November 2025	Final approval expected	Settlement becomes binding; appeals period begins
March 29, 2027	Claims deadline	FINAL DEADLINE to submit claims—no extensions
Q1-Q2 2026	Payments estimated	After final approval and appeals are resolved

Why the March 29, 2027 Deadline Matters

Claim forms must be submitted by March 29, 2027. This is a hard deadline with no exceptions:

If You Miss This Deadline:

✗ You forfeit your right to any settlement payment
✗ You cannot file a claim after this date for any reason
✗ There are no late filing provisions or extensions
✗ You lose your claim forever

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute:

File as soon as possible to avoid technical issues near the deadline
Gather documentation now—records get harder to find over time
Contact the settlement administrator early if you have questions
System overload near deadlines can cause filing problems

Frequently Asked Questions

General Settlement Questions

Q: Do I have to pay anything to file a claim?

A: No. Filing a claim is completely free. The settlement website (acusettlement.com/hyundaikia) and the claims process cost nothing. Be extremely cautious of any person or company charging fees to help you file—this is a common scam. If someone asks for payment to file your claim, report them to the settlement administrator.

Q: What if I sold my vehicle before April 14, 2025?

A: Unfortunately, you are not eligible. The settlement requires that you owned or leased the eligible vehicle as of April 14, 2025 (the preliminary approval date). If you sold your vehicle before this cutoff date, you cannot file a claim even if you owned it during the defect period.

Q: What if I bought my vehicle after April 14, 2025?

A: You are not eligible for this settlement. Only owners and lessees who had the vehicle as of the April 14, 2025 cutoff date qualify. The previous owner (if they qualify) would be entitled to file the claim, not you.

Q: Can I file claims for multiple vehicles?

A: Yes. If you owned or leased multiple eligible vehicles as of April 14, 2025, you can submit separate claims for each one. Each vehicle requires its own claim form with appropriate documentation.

Q: What if I leased the vehicle rather than owning it?

A: Lessees are eligible for settlement benefits on the same basis as owners. You’ll need to provide proof of your lease agreement and that you were leasing the vehicle as of April 14, 2025.

Q: What if the vehicle owner is deceased?

A: The estate representative or heir can file a claim on behalf of the deceased owner. You’ll need to provide documentation proving your authority to act on behalf of the estate (such as letters testamentary or letters of administration).

Q: Will I receive a notice about this settlement in the mail?

A: The settlement administrator is attempting to provide notice to all known class members. However, if your address has changed or you’re not in their database, you may not receive notice. Check the settlement website regularly and file your claim regardless of whether you received a mailed notice.

Eligibility and Vehicle Questions

Q: How do I know if my specific vehicle is covered?

A: Use the VIN lookup tool on the settlement website (acusettlement.com/hyundaikia). Enter your 17-character VIN, and the system will confirm whether your vehicle qualifies and which payment tier it falls under (recalled or non-recalled).

Q: My model is listed, but I’m not sure about the year. Is there an easy way to check?

A: Your vehicle’s year is on your title, registration, and insurance documents. You can also check the VIN—the 10th character indicates model year (though the code varies). Use the VIN lookup tool on the settlement website for definitive confirmation.

Q: Was my vehicle recalled? How do I find out?

A: Visit the NHTSA recall website (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and enter your VIN. This will show all recalls issued for your specific vehicle. The settlement website’s VIN lookup tool also indicates recall status.

Q: What if my vehicle had the recall repair done? Can I still file a claim?

A: Yes. Even if your airbag control unit was replaced under the recall, you’re still eligible for residual payments. The settlement compensates for the risk you faced before the repair and the inconvenience of the defect. However, you generally cannot claim reimbursement for repairs that were done for free under warranty or recall.

Q: I have a Hyundai/Kia model not listed in the settlement. Why?

A: The settlement only covers specific models with the ZF-TRW airbag control units that were subject to this lawsuit. Not all Hyundai and Kia vehicles used these particular ACUs. If your model isn’t listed, it’s not part of this settlement.

Claims Process Questions

Q: How long does it take to complete the claim form?

A: If you have all your documentation ready, the online claim form typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete. Gathering documentation beforehand is the most time-consuming part.

Q: What if I don’t have my original receipts?

A: For out-of-pocket reimbursement claims, you’ll need some form of documentation. Contact your repair facility—many shops keep records for several years and can provide duplicate receipts. Credit card statements showing payments to repair facilities can also help support your claim. Without any documentation, you won’t qualify for reimbursement, but you can still file for the residual payment.

Q: Can I file online if I don’t have a computer?

A: If you don’t have computer access, you can:

Use a computer at your local library (free internet access)
Ask a trusted family member or friend to help you file online
Request a paper claim form by calling the settlement administrator
Submit a claim by mail using the downloadable form from the settlement website

Q: What if I made a mistake on my claim form?

A: Contact the settlement administrator immediately at the phone number or email provided on the settlement website. Depending on the timing and nature of the error, you may be able to submit a corrected claim form or supplemental documentation.

Q: How will I know if my claim was approved or denied?

A: The settlement administrator will notify you by mail and/or email (if you provided an email address). You should also be able to check your claim status on the settlement website using your confirmation number.

Payment Questions

Q: When will I actually receive my payment?

A: Payments will be issued after the settlement receives final court approval and any appeals are resolved. Based on typical timelines:

Final approval expected: October/November 2025
Appeal period: 30-60 days after final approval
Claims processing: 60-90 days after appeals conclude
Estimated payment distribution: Q1-Q2 2026

Q: Why do the lawyers get so much money?

A: The lawyers representing the class will receive $20.5 million in legal fees, which represents approximately 33% of the settlement fund. This is typical in class action lawsuits and is approved by the court. Attorney fees cover years of litigation, expert witnesses, legal research, and the risk attorneys took working on contingency (only getting paid if they won).

Q: Is $350 really worth the effort to file a claim?

A: That’s a personal decision, but consider:

Filing takes only 15-30 minutes
It’s completely free to file
You’re asserting your rights and holding corporations accountable
You owned a vehicle with a potentially dangerous defect
The money could be higher or lower depending on claim volume

Even if the payment seems modest, it’s compensation you’re entitled to for the safety risk you faced.

Q: Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement payment?

A: For residual payments (typically $150-$350), most individuals will not owe taxes as these are compensatory payments for property damage or loss in value, not income. However, tax treatment can be complex and depends on individual circumstances. Consult a tax professional if you have concerns. If your payment exceeds $600, you may receive a 1099 form.

Q: What if my check gets lost in the mail?

A: Contact the settlement administrator immediately using the contact information on the settlement website. They have procedures to reissue lost checks, though you may need to sign an affidavit stating you never received or cashed the original check.

Q: Can I donate my settlement payment to charity?

A: Yes. Once you receive your payment, the money is yours to do with as you wish, including donating it to charity. Some class action settlements offer direct donation options during the claims process, but you’d need to check whether that’s available for this settlement.

Opting Out and Objecting

Q: Can I opt out of the settlement and sue on my own?

A: The deadline to opt out has likely passed (typically 30-60 days before the final approval hearing). If you did not submit a timely opt-out request, you are bound by the settlement and cannot pursue separate litigation for the claims covered by this settlement.

Q: What if I think the settlement isn’t fair?

A: You had the opportunity to object to the settlement before the September 29, 2025 fairness hearing. If you did not file an objection and the court grants final approval, you cannot challenge the settlement terms. Your options are to either participate in the settlement or opt out (if the deadline hasn’t passed).

Q: What happens if the court doesn’t approve the settlement?

A: If the court denies final approval, the settlement becomes void and the litigation would continue. However, given that preliminary approval was already granted, final approval is likely unless significant issues arise.

What You Should Do Right Now Based on Your Situation

If You Currently Own an Eligible Vehicle

Immediate Actions:

Verify Eligibility: Use the VIN lookup tool at acusettlement.com/hyundaikia to confirm your vehicle qualifies
Gather Documents: Collect your vehicle registration, title, or lease agreement proving ownership as of April 14, 2025
Check for Receipts: Search for any receipts or invoices related to airbag, seatbelt, or ACU repairs you paid for out-of-pocket
File Your Claim: Complete the online claim form as soon as possible—don’t wait until the 2027 deadline

Important Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is based on publicly available settlement documents and news reports current as of October 2025. Settlement terms, deadlines, and eligibility criteria may change following final court approval.

If you have specific questions about your eligibility, potential compensation, or legal rights, please:

Consult the official settlement website at acusettlement.com/hyundaikia
Contact the settlement administrator directly
Speak with a qualified attorney who can review your individual circumstances

Individual results may vary. Actual compensation amounts will depend on the total number of valid claims filed and the settlement fund allocation after administrative costs and legal fees.

Always verify your vehicle’s eligibility and settlement terms through official channels before making decisions based on this information.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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