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The Hyundai and Kia airbag class action lawsuit has been a hot topic for a while, and now that a settlement is finally in place, it’s time for many current and former car owners to claim compensation.
If you owned or leased one of the affected vehicles, you could get a cash payment or other benefits. The tricky part is that the settlement comes with firm deadlines and requires specific documentation, so it’s smart to check whether you qualify sooner rather than later.
In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the key points of the Hyundai and Kia airbag settlement, including:
- Which models are included
- What reimbursements you may be entitled to
- What are the key deadlines to keep in mind
- How to file a claim
We’ll also show you how Settlemate can automate the entire claims process, so you can get the money you’re owed with minimal effort and zero hassle.
What is the Hyundai and Kia airbag settlement about?
At the heart of the Hyundai Kia airbag class action lawsuit is a serious safety concern: certain vehicles were equipped with airbag control units (ACUs) that might be vulnerable to electrical overstress.
More specifically, the lawsuit alleged that the ZF-TRW airbag units could fail during a crash and prevent critical safety systems, like frontal airbags, side airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners, from activating. In other words, the plaintiffs claimed that these cars have a defect that could put lives at risk.
While both manufacturers continue to deny any wrongdoing, they agreed to settle the case to avoid dragging out the litigation and risking further reputational damage. The settlement received final approval in October 2025 and is now open to claims.
Since the opt-out window has already passed, anyone who fits the class definition is automatically included in the settlement. That means you can no longer bring your own individual lawsuit, but you can still file a class action settlement claim before the final deadline to receive compensation.
Here’s a quick look at the settlement timeline:
Important: Similar class action settlements involving Mitsubishi airbag units and Toyota airbag controls are also open for claims right now, so it may be worth checking whether you qualify for those as well.
Who qualifies for the Hyundai and Kia defective airbag settlement?
You may be eligible for compensation if you owned or leased, or previously owned or leased, one of the affected Hyundai or Kia vehicles in the United States or its territories as of April 14, 2025. The settlement covers a mix of recalled and unrecalled models, including:
The easiest way to check if your vehicle qualifies is to run your vehicle identification number (VIN) through the lookup tool on the settlement’s official website. You’ll find your VIN in a few common spots:
- On the driver’s side dashboard (it’s visible through the windshield)
- On the driver’s side door jamb
- On your vehicle’s registration or insurance paperwork
What could you receive under the Hyundai and Kia airbag control unit settlement?
If your vehicle qualifies and you submit a valid claim on time, you may be entitled to several types of benefits:
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses: If you owned or leased a recalled vehicle, you can be refunded for “reasonable” costs associated with completing the recall. These could include rental car or transportation costs, ACU repair bills, towing fees, lost wages, or even childcare expenses if they were tied to dropping off or picking up your car for the recall. You’ll need receipts or other documentation showing that the expenses are related to the issue.
- Residual cash payment: All eligible class members can receive a cash payment of up to $350 for recalled vehicles or up to $150 for unrecalled vehicles. You can claim this payout even if you didn’t have any out-of-pocket expenses.
- Extended warranty: If your recalled vehicle receives a repair, you’ll get a 10-year warranty on the new parts starting April 14, 2025. This covers both the repair and the cost of replacing any recall-installed part that fails in the future. The warranty remains valid even if you sell the repaired vehicle.
- Rental and loaner vehicle coverage: You may be reimbursed for rental car costs or given a loaner vehicle while your car is being repaired.
On top of that, Hyundai and Kia must maintain a thorough inspection program to monitor repaired vehicles and run an outreach campaign to encourage owners to complete the recall.
How to file a claim: Step-by-step
You can file your claim either online or by mail. The online route is usually the quickest, and here’s how it works:
- If you received a notice of your eligibility for a claim, prepare your unique ID and PIN.
- If you didn’t receive a notice, gather proof of ownership or lease, along with your VIN.
- Collect receipts, especially if you’re requesting reimbursement. If you don’t have receipts, you can submit a signed affidavit instead.
- Complete the claim form on the settlement website.
- Submit the form and the supporting documents through the official website.
If you prefer mailing your claim, you can download the forms from the “Important Documents” section of the settlement website or request physical copies. Mail your completed forms along with the corresponding proof to the following address:
Hyundai-Kia Airbag Control Unit Settlement
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91478
Seattle, WA 98111
HKinfo@ACUSettlement.com
Important: If you owned or leased more than one eligible vehicle, you’ll need to file a separate claim for each VIN.
What happens after you file the claim
Once the claim window closes in April 2027, the Settlement Notice Administrator will go through all submitted claims, verify vehicle ownership, review any supporting documents, and determine the payment amount you’re owed.
If your claim is approved, you will receive your compensation, whether as a reimbursement for expenses, a residual cash payment, or a combination of both. You can choose to be paid through:
- Virtual debit card
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Paper check sent by mail
Because of the scale of the settlement, payments can take months to process, especially if many claims come in close to the deadline. You can check for any updates or announcements on the official settlement website.
Why filing a class action settlement claim can be challenging
Plenty of people miss out on settlement money simply because they’re not aware of the class action case or that they qualify for a payout. Others don’t want to bother with filing a claim for the following reasons:
- Tracking down proof is a hassle: Hardly anyone expects to need a two-year-old receipt to claim settlement money. When your documents are scattered across old emails, glove boxes, and random folders, pulling the proof you need can feel like more effort than it’s worth.
- Claim forms can be confusing: Claim forms have to be filled out exactly right. A single wrong VIN digit or a missing signature can result in your claim getting rejected. Plus, every settlement has its own rules, which makes mistakes even easier.
- Deadlines are strict: Class action timelines operate on strict, court-approved timelines, and missing the cutoff by even a day means you lose your right to compensation.
- Lack of updates: After filing, many people feel in the dark about whether their claim has been approved or when they’ll actually get their money. Constantly checking the website for updates can quickly become frustrating.
Now, imagine if you could skip all the legwork and uncertainty and still get every dollar you’re owed. That’s exactly what Settlemate does for you. The app automates your class action claims, including those for the Hyundai and Kia airbag settlement, so you never leave money on the table again.
Why Settlemate is the easiest way to claim your Hyundai and Kia airbag settlement
Every year, billions of dollars in settlement money go unclaimed. A lot of people don’t even realize they’re eligible for a payout, or just don’t have the time and energy to chase deadlines, gather proof, and fill out forms across multiple settlements.
Settlemate solves both problems.
It automatically spots your eligibility for a settlement claim and makes the whole filing process way less painful by handling the steps most people find annoying or confusing.
Here’s how Settlemate paves your way to settlement money:
- Automated claim detection: With your permission, Settlemate can scan your email and purchase history to identify class action settlements you qualify for, like the Hyundai and Kia airbag settlement.
- Pre-filled forms: Whenever possible, the app pre-populates claim forms for you. You just review them, tap a few times, and file your claim right from your phone in minutes.
- Proof guidance: There’s no more guessing what counts as proof. Settlemate tells you exactly what documents you need for each claim, step by step.
- Real-time tracking and notifications: You can see all your deadlines, claim statuses, and payout estimates in one place. Settlement also sends alerts so you don’t miss cutoff dates or new settlements you qualify for.
To get started, simply download the Settlemate app from the App Store or Google Play and create an account.
Settlement stands behind its value with a generous refund policy. Thanks to its money-back guarantee, you may get a full refund if you don’t recover more than you paid for a one-year subscription.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Kia and Hyundai pay for the airbag settlement?
The total settlement fund is $62.1 million, but a substantial portion (over $20 million) will go to the lawyers representing the customers. On top of that, each of the original plaintiffs will receive $2,500. What’s left of the settlement pot will be distributed to regular class members who file a valid claim before the deadline.
Can I still join the Hyundai and Kia airbag class action lawsuit?
Yes. You can still take part in the settlement by filing a class action settlement claim. The deadline to do so is April 8, 2027.
What happens if I miss the deadline for the Hyundai and Kia airbag settlement?
If you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to receive any benefits from the settlement. There are no extensions, so filing on time is critical.
Do I always need proof for settlements?
Not always. Some benefits, like residual cash payments, may not require receipts. However, if you’re asking for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, you’ll usually need documentation like repairs, invoices, or a signed affidavit to show the expense is tied to the issue in the lawsuit.
