Mercedes-Benz is one of the world’s best-known luxury car makers, producing vehicles with a reputation for quality, performance, safety, advanced technology, and reliability. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are also known to have many problems that prove difficult to correct.
If you have purchased a Mercedes-Benz vehicle that has required repeated repair attempts under its new car warranty, you may be able to take advantage of California’s Lemon Law to recover your losses.
The Barry Law Firm in Los Angeles, California, focuses exclusively on helping car buyers in California with Lemon Law claims. An experienced attorney can help you pursue a Lemon Law claim to recover what you have spent on a faulty Mercedes-Benz. Our experienced Mercedes-Benz Lemon Law attorneys are dedicated to helping consumers in California seek money spent on motor vehicles that pose persistent, unresolved problems under warranty. If you have a Lemon Law claim, our law firm will demand the hard-earned money you’ve spent on your vehicle be returned.
Call a Lemon Law lawyer today or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Common Mercedes Lemon Law Problems
Under California’s Lemon Law (Civ. Code, § 1793.2 et seq.), a car is a “lemon” if a reasonable number of repair attempts have not resolved a problem that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle and is covered by the manufacturer’s new car warranty.
Among the most common problems with models of Mercedes-Benz vehicles that might warrant a Lemon Law claim include:
- Engines misfire on unusual cylinders and defective O2 sensors.
- Faulty oil-filled engine mounts deteriorate and leak oil at around 100,000 miles.
- Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) failures lead to reduced braking pressure and power.
- Differential leaks due to degraded axle or pinion seals.
- Air suspension relay and air suspension bag malfunctions, leading to uneven ride heights and/or abnormal tire wear.
- Failure of the 13-pin automatic gearbox connection and valve body, making it difficult to put the vehicle into gear.
Mercedes-Benz vehicles have also been subject to several recalls. They include:
- 2023-2024: C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles may have 80-amp fuses that were manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail and lead to a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions, such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, and an increased risk of a crash or injury. It could also cause an increased risk of fire.
- 2022-2023: C300 and 2023 AMG C43 vehicles may have a transmission wiring harness that is the incorrect length, which can result in harness damage and a loss of drive power.
- 2021-2023: C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles may have their fuel pump shut down, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- 2016-2021: CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- 2017: Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG vehicles may be equipped with the incorrect reverse speed limitation software. While in reverse and exceeding 16 MPH, abrupt changes in steering may cause the vehicle to become unstable.
- 2017: Mercedes G550 & G550 4×4 Squared vehicles may have a vacuum hose for the brake booster that is susceptible to collapse, which will cause braking to require increased effort.
- 2016-2017: G550 4Matic, G63 AMG, and G65 AMG vehicles may malfunction in their Electronic Stability Program (ESP) while Distronic Plus is engaged. This may cause the engine not to reduce power, regardless of the vehicle’s speed, driving situation, or brake application.
Any time you receive a vehicle recall notice, you should try to get your car repaired as soon as possible. Contact your local, authorized dealer to set up an appointment.
When Does Your Mercedes Qualify Under California Lemon Law?
If you have a faulty Mercedes, the vehicle is considered a lemon under California law if the manufacturer or a Mercedes Benz dealership cannot fix a problem (after a reasonable number of attempts) that:
- Is covered under the new-vehicle warranty
- Impairs the use, value, and safety of the Mercedes-Benz
- Persists despite repeated repair attempts.
A reasonable number of repairs can vary from case to case. If the defect poses a significant danger, under California Lemon Law, two or more attempts to fix the problem are typically considered reasonable. If the problem is less severe, manufacturers may be entitled to more than two attempts to fix the problem. In certain circumstances, if your vehicle is out of service for an inordinate amount of time your vehicle may automatically qualify as a lemon.
If your vehicle qualifies as a Mercedes Benz lemon, you may demand a refund of the money you have spent to purchase the vehicle, or you may choose a replacement vehicle. If you choose to have your money refunded in a Lemon Law buyback, the refund should include the purchase price of the car minus a reasonable amount for the vehicle’s use prior to the first presentation for repair.
California’s Lemon Law also requires the manufacturer to pay your legal fees if your claim is successful.
We Care About Our Clients
Let The Barry Law Firm help you with your California Lemon Law claim if you have been unable to have a problem with your Mercedes-Benz repaired under warranty. Our legal practice is devoted solely to helping consumers with their car problems. We’ll manage all the details of your Mercedes-Benz Lemon Law case from start to finish — all at no cost to you.
Our experienced Lemon Law attorneys have helped thousands of frustrated consumers get the justice they deserve from big automakers and dealers throughout California. Here are the testimonials of two clients who turned to The Barry Law Firm for legal assistance:
I leased my SL 500 Mercedes-Benz in 2004 and then purchased it in 2007. This car was nothing but trouble for 7 years. Since I had the car for such a long time, I had absolutely no hope that I would ever be able to get a fair settlement with Mercedes-Benz. … Although Mercedes-Benz made every effort to dismiss my case, however, because of this extensive knowledge and experience and his diligent and relentless efforts, Mr. Barry finally prevailed, and Mercedes-Benz agreed to buy back my car at almost the full price that I had paid for. I was compensated even for the DMV registration fees of several years. — Hassan H.
I highly recommend using The Barry Law Firm for anyone who has Lemon Law concerns! … I was so frustrated when I started having issues with my car, which was only three months old. The dealership was a nightmare to deal with, but David and his team were our saving grace. I would still be driving my broken car if not for them! — Amanda M.
Why Does a Mercedes Lemon Law Attorney Matter?
Mercedes-Benz is a unit of the German car maker Daimler AG doing business as Mercedes-Benz USA LLC in the United States. The company has deep pockets and will fight claims that ask them to refund tens of thousands of dollars or more spent on their vehicles.
It is futile to try to make demands of a corporation as large as Mercedes-Benz on your own. Mercedes-Benz’s legal team knows how to use the law to their advantage. California’s Lemon Law requires car owners to meet multiple requirements and complete specific steps before they can file a Lemon Law claim.
Pursuing a claim on your own is an inconvenience to you. For the lawyers representing Mercedes-Benz, it’s their job to fight Lemon Law cases and try to wear you down.
A seasoned Mercedes Lemon Law attorney, such as ours at The Barry Law Firm, can take the burden off of you and stop the car manufacturer’s games. We understand the common defects found in Mercedes vehicles, know how their warranties are written, and have experience with their negotiation tactics. We’ve recovered money for Mercedes owners, and we are ready to assist you if you have a Mercedes Benz Lemon Law case.
