Settled, paying · closes April 8, 2027
Hyundai and Kia airbag control unit MDL, who sued and who can file
Last checked July 8, 2026
In re: ZF-TRW Airbag Control Units Products Liability Litigation is a federal multidistrict case in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (2:19-ml-02905-JAK-JPR). The Hyundai and Kia portion alleges that certain vehicles shipped with ZF-TRW airbag control units prone to a fault called electrical overstress, which can stop airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from firing in a crash.
Hyundai and Kia deny the claims and settled for $62.1 million. Claims are open through April 8, 2027, and a VIN lookup on the settlement site tells you whether your car is included.
The defect the plaintiffs describe
The airbag control unit decides when to deploy the airbags. The plaintiffs say the ZF-TRW unit in these cars could be damaged by an electrical surge during a collision, leaving airbags, side curtains and pretensioners inactive at the moment they were needed. Some vehicles were recalled by NHTSA for this; others carry the same unit but were never recalled.
Vehicles in the class
- Hyundai: certain 2011 to 2023 Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, 2018 to 2023 Kona, 2022 to 2023 Kona N, and 2019 to 2021 Veloster.
- Kia: certain 2010 to 2013 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011 to 2020 Optima and Optima Hybrid, and 2011 to 2012 and 2014 Sedona.
- You owned or leased the vehicle as of April 14, 2025, whether or not you still have it.
- The VIN lookup at acusettlement.com/hyundaikia confirms coverage. Not every car in these model years has the ZF-TRW unit.
What the settlement provides and where it stands
Recalled vehicles qualify for up to $350 in residual cash; unrecalled vehicles with the same unit, up to $150. Class members can also submit receipts for towing, rentals, childcare, repair bills or lost wages tied to the defect. Replacement control units installed under the recall carry a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
The claim window runs to April 8, 2027. Documentation is required for expense reimbursement.
Filing with JND Legal Administration
JND Legal Administration is the settlement administrator. Run the VIN lookup, complete the online form, and upload receipts for any out-of-pocket claim. Paper forms come from JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91478, Seattle, WA 98111.
After you file, JND verifies the VIN and any documents, and payment follows the settlement's distribution schedule. The warranty on replaced parts applies automatically to recalled and repaired vehicles. Filing is free; Payout is an optional free app that lists this case.
Questions about the Hyundai & Kia Airbag Control Unit case
How do I know if my Hyundai or Kia is covered?
Use the VIN lookup tool at acusettlement.com/hyundaikia. Model year alone does not settle it, since only vehicles with the ZF-TRW unit are included.
What is the deadline for the Hyundai Kia airbag settlement?
April 8, 2027, for online claims. Paper forms come from JND Legal Administration at P.O. Box 91478, Seattle, WA 98111.
Do I need receipts?
Only for reimbursement of expenses such as towing, rental cars or repairs. The residual cash tiers are tied to whether the vehicle was recalled.
Which court approved the settlement?
The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, in MDL 2:19-ml-02905-JAK-JPR.
There are more like this open right now
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