Product defect and safety settlements
Defect and safety cases — airbags, engines, materials that failed in use. These often pay per item owned rather than per claimant, sometimes reimburse a repair you already paid for, and are the category where identifying the exact model or VIN is the whole of the eligibility question.
Mercedes-Benz AEM Installation Incentive Program
Mercedes-Benz is paying $2,000 to owners and lessees of 2009–2016 BlueTEC II diesels who get the free Approved Emission Modification installed at a dealer. Former owners count too. The modification has to be done by August 31, 2026 and the claim filed by September 30, 2026.
- Settlement fund
- $149.7M
- Est. payout
- $2,000 per vehicle
Hyundai / Kia Multistate Immobilizer Settlement
Hyundai and Kia sold 2011–2022 vehicles with no engine immobilizer, the flaw behind the social-media theft wave. If your car was stolen or broken into on or after April 29, 2025 AND you had already had the free anti-theft software upgrade done (or had it booked), you can claim up to $4,500. Funds are limited and paid first-come until exhausted.
- Settlement fund
- ~$145M
- Est. payout
- Up to $4,500 total loss · $2,250 partial · $375 attempt
Hyundai / Kia Airbag Control Unit
The same defective ZF-TRW airbag control units as the Toyota settlement, for Hyundai and Kia vehicles — up to $350 per valid claim if your vehicle was recalled, $150 if it wasn't, with no out-of-pocket loss required. Claims are open until April 8, 2027.
- Settlement fund
- $62.1M
- Est. payout
- Up to $350 recalled, $150 if not
No proof of purchase required
Toyota Airbag Control Unit
Owners and lessees — current or former — of certain 2011–2019 Toyotas with ZF-TRW airbag control units can claim up to $250 per vehicle, no receipts, plus reimbursement of what the defect cost them. The $78.5M settlement runs until December 11, 2028.
- Settlement fund
- $78.5M
- Est. payout
- Up to $250 + expenses
No proof of purchase required