Is My Mercedes Benz a Lemon?

Mercedes-Benz vehicles, renowned for their luxury and performance, are not immune to defects. These can lead to serious safety issues. Common recalls for Mercedes-Benz include problems with the airbag system, faulty electrical components, and issues with the fuel system. For example, certain models have been recalled due to malfunctioning airbags that may not deploy correctly in an accident, potentially leading to severe injuries. Electrical issues could result in unexpected vehicle shutdowns, increasing the risk of accidents. Fuel system problems, such as leaks, have also been reported, posing serious risks of fires to drivers and passengers.

These recalls present significant dangers. A malfunctioning airbag can fail to protect you in a crash, while electrical issues can cause your vehicle to stop suddenly, leading to accidents. Fuel leaks are hazardous, potentially causing fires. If your Mercedes-Benz is repeatedly experiencing these problems, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a safety hazard. Legal assistance is crucial in holding manufacturers accountable and protecting your rights as a consumer.

Mercedes Benz Common Recalls

Recalls do not always address the full extent of issues, and it is crucial to speak with an attorney if your car shows any signs of a defect or falls under a recall. Here are some common recalls and problems with Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Remember, legal assistance can be a crucial step in ensuring your rights are protected and your safety is prioritized.

High-Voltage Battery: A recall was just announced that affects certain EQB electric vehicle models. There is a defect that may cause an internal short-circuit within the battery cell, possibly causing a vehicle fire regardless of whether it is parked or in motion. Currently, there isn’t a remedy available, and Mercedes-Benz recommends that owners charge their vehicle to only 80% capacity.

Amp Fuse: This particular recall affects certain AMG SL55, AMG EQE, CLE300 Coupe, and other models. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, leading to fuse failure. This type of defect can cause a sudden loss of drive power or critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Brake Booster: Certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles have been recalled due to moisture accumulation, which can cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit. This can result in reduced brake performance or failure, significantly increasing the crash risk.

Transmission Wiring: This type of recall includes models such as the E450 Coupe, 2019-2023 AMG E53, E53 Coupe, and 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The transmission wiring harness may be misrouted, exposing the electrical connector to corrosion, which can result in an electrical short-circuit and cause a fire to ignite.

Rearview Camera: Over 126,000 Sedans and SUVs from 2018 through 2021 model years are affected by a safety issue recall. A rearview camera defect can hinder a driver’s visibility, thus increasing the risk of a collision with serious injuries. 

Defective Door Latch: Mercedes Benz USA has recalled nearly 6,000 vehicles with defective interior console latches. This recall affects several sport utility models produced between July and October of last year, including the GLE 400 4Matic and GLE 350. It’s best to discuss the specifics, such as the make, model, and year of your vehicle, with an experienced lemon lawyer to determine if you have the means to file a lemon law claim.

Ground Connection: Particular Mercedes models within the past five years, such as the 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, and 2019-2023 GLS 450, have a ground connection issue. A 48-volt ground connection is typically under the passenger seat and may not be adequately secured, resulting in the ground connection overheating. This increase in heat increases the likelihood of a potential fire. 

Metris Recall: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) has recalled certain 2022 and 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles due to a defective fuel pump. It’s been reported that a Mercedes fuel pump may shut down, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the chance of a crash. 

If your Mercedes-Benz is affected by any of the above recalls, don’t wait. Take immediate action. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealership, check for recall notices, and then seek legal guidance from our team of lemon law attorneys. Remember, addressing recall issues promptly is not just for your safety; it’s also about preventing further complications and protecting your rights as a California consumer.

How Can California’s Lemon Law Help with My Mercedes-Benz Defect?

California’s lemon law is designed to protect you if your Mercedes-Benz has persistent defects that affect its safety, value, or usability. If your vehicle is under warranty and has been repeatedly repaired or has been out of service for an extended period, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement.

Navigating the lemon law process can be challenging, but an attorney can make a significant difference. An attorney will assess whether your Mercedes-Benz meets California’s lemon law criteria. This includes verifying that the defect is substantial, persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts, and occurs within a certain time frame or mileage.

Proper documentation is crucial for a successful lemon law claim. Your attorney will help you gather and organize repair orders and receipts and communicate with the dealership or manufacturer. This thorough documentation strengthens your case and ensures all necessary evidence is presented. Manufacturers often resist lemon law claims to avoid costly buybacks or replacements. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf, pushing for a fair resolution. They know the tactics manufacturers use and can counter them effectively.

If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. They will handle all legal proceedings, from filing the complaint to representing you in court. This legal representation is critical in holding the manufacturer accountable and securing the compensation or replacement you deserve.

Lemon law cases can result in refunds or vehicle replacements, but they can also cover incidental expenses like towing fees, rental cars, and repair costs. Your attorney will ensure you receive full compensation for all related expenses, not just the vehicle’s cost. In certain circumstances, when the auto manufacturer willfully fails to follow the California lemon law, you may also be entitled to a civil penalty, or additional damages, up to two times your actual damages.

Having legal assistance is crucial when dealing with a defective vehicle. A California lemon law attorney will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you get the resolution you deserve.

Has Your Mercedes Turned Out to Be a Lemon?

If you recently bought a new or used Mercedes, and you’ve needed to take the vehicle into the shop more times than you can count, you may have been sold a Lemon. If so, Mercedes may be legally obligated to provide you with a remedy–either by providing you with a new vehicle or buying back your current vehicle. At Wirtz Law, APC, we only handle Lemon Law cases on behalf of vehicle owners throughout California. Over the years, we’ve handled countless cases, connecting our clients with more than $70 Million in damages. We take a comprehensive approach to handling every case, which is why we’ve been able to successfully obtain compensation for our clients in over 98 percent of our Lemon Law cases. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with a California Lemon Law attorney today, give us a call at (858) 259-5009. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.