If you are experiencing repeated issues with your new or used vehicle, like engine failure or electrical system malfunctions, you could be eligible for relief. California’s lemon law process can be quite complex, but nonetheless, West Coast Trial Lawyers is here to help. Our law firm provides free consultations, in which you can request to have one of our lemon law attorneys evaluate your case and determine whether your Mercedes-Benz qualifies as a lemon. We also offer legal resources to navigate you through your options, and help you secure a refund, vehicle replacement, or cash settlement.
We operate under a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not owe us anything unless we win. To get started, you can get in touch with our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.
Understanding the Lemon Law for Mercedes-Benz Vehicles
If your Mercedes-Benz is undergoing repeated issues even after multiple repair attempts, you may be protected under California Lemon Law. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act protects consumers who have purchased or leased defective vehicles.ย
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for their high quality and engineering. However, this does not exempt them from running into manufacturing or design defects. Such luxury vehicles that encounter these types of circumstances may have trouble with performance and safety. Mercedes owners could also deal with financial burdens as a result of the frequent breakdowns, causing immense frustration.
Fortunately, California Lemon Law may provide protection and relief if either of the following circumstances apply:
- Significantly affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. This means that the defect itself is not just a minor inconvenience, but is something that can impact your overall driving experience.
- Persists despite the numerous repair attempts made. California law does not necessarily have an exact number for all cases. However, manufacturers are usually given multiple opportunities to fix an ongoing complication. In regards to serious safety issues, this can be as few as two repairs. Other problems may allow four or more, if needed.
- The vehicle defect arises during the warranty period. Most lemon law claims happen within the manufacturer’s warranty period or within 18 months or 18,000 miles of when the vehicle was purchased or leased, whichever comes first.
If such conditions are met, the law will presume the vehicle is a “lemon,” thus providing legal protections for the consumers.
Common Mercedes-Benz Defects That May Qualify
If your Mercedes-Benz is experiencing recurring issues even after multiple repair attempts, it may fall under certain defect categories that may qualify for a lemon law claim. Let’s take a closer look at each of these problems in the sections below.
Transmission Complications
Transmission complications are one of the most common complaints made amongst Mercedes owners who are pursuing lemon law claims. This particular issue can involve:
- Harsh or delayed shifting
- Slipping gears
- Total transmission failure
Repeated attempts to have this defect resolved without success is a strong basis for a claim, especially if it affects drivability and safety. Transmission repairs can also be expensive, thus contributing to a consumer’s financial burden if the issue is not properly addressed.
Electrical System Malfunctions
Mercedes-Benz vehicles heavily rely on advanced electronics for its basic operations and luxury features. Common circumstances that may arise include:
- Battery drainage
- Power fluctuations
- Malfunctioning door locks or windows
- Faulty sensor readings
These can compromise safety systems, such as airbags and stability control, making the vehicle dangerous for a person to operate.
Engine Failure or Stalling
Engine failure or stalling can trigger lemon law claims for Mercedes-Benz owners. Some people have reported engines that suddenly overheat or shut down entirely. Ongoing issues can give you grounds to file a lemon claim as it can put you at risk and impact the reliability of the vehicle, which are two elements that are taken seriously under California Lemon Law.
Steering and Suspension Issues
Persistent steering or suspension issues may include:
- Unresponsive or loose suspension problems
- Knocking noises when making turns
- Car parts wearing out sooner than expected
These are not just minor annoyances, but directly impact the vehicle’s performance and driving stability, ultimately making it stressful and physically exhausting to deal with.
Infotainment and Safety Tech Malfunctions
Infotainment and safety tech malfunctions often include problems with:
- Navigation systems
- Bluetooth
- Backup cameras
- Driver-assistance features
Although these components may seem secondary, it can still diminish the value of your vehicle and meet Lemon Law standards.
Which Mercedes Models Are Commonly Affected?
Several Mercedes-Benz models have been repeatedly flagged in lemon law claims, specifically with persistent defects despite numerous repair attempts. Below is a breakdown of the models that have reportedly experienced similar patterns of issues.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The C-Class is one of the most common models that is mentioned in lemon law complaints. Drivers have often reported:
- Electrical glitches
- Infotainment malfunctions
- Steering system issues
Further challenges include engine stalling and dashboard warning lights that cannot be cleared regardless of how many repeated service visits are made. These defects affect not only comfort, but drivability and safety.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300, specifically, has collected the most complaints for engine and electrical problems. The 2016 edition follows up as a close second, with issues pertaining to its engine and fuel. Many have also complained about the vehicle emitting a strong gas smell.
E-Class
E-Class models are known for giving off a luxury driving experience. However, they have been met with several issues that have frustrated owners. Some complaints that have been documented include:
- Transmission jerking
- Delayed shifting
- Suspension noise or instability
In certain cases, drivers have dealt with abrupt system shutdowns of advanced features, particularly the cruise control and lane-keeping assist. If these components are not working as intended, it can make highway driving unpredictable and dangerous. Additionally, if such conditions remain unresolved, they may be strong candidates for lemon law protection.
If you are planning on purchasing a used vehicle, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 may not be the best option. This model year has received numerous complaints, primarily directed towards engine problems, and more specifically, balance shaft failure. It also deals with fuel system and transmission issues.
GLC and GLE SUVs
The GLC and GLE SUVs have faced a few reliability issues. Some common complaints include:
- Air suspension failures
- Electrical issues
- Software glitches
- Drivetrain troubles
Some models have been recalled for having serious defects, like faulty fuel pumps, fire risks from ground cables, or fuse box malfunctions. This can lead to sudden power loss or trigger key systems to stop functioning. If your SUV has been in the shop on multiple occasions for the same issue or is out of service for a lengthy period of time, you may be protected under lemon law.
The 2020 GLE, in particular, has caused some stir with the number of complaints the model has received over broken wipes and headlights, to gasoline leaks, malfunctioning powertrains, and unsafe seat belts. The 2019 GLC also faced backlash due to its fuel leaks, malfunctioning airbags, and faulty eCall system.
S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is known to be the brand’s top luxury vehicle due to its advanced technology. However, these features can break down. Certain components, like headlights, ride control system, and air suspension, have faced issues. Some cars also had control arm problems or blown fuses. Since repairs can be costly and take an extended period of time, S-Class owners are often left without a car for weeks, qualifying them for lemon law protection.
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 has received the most overall complaints due to its difficulty going into gear. Car owners have also dealt with transmission failure and suspension problems.
AMG Series Vehicles
AMG models and Mercedes coupes, like the SLK, CLS, CLK, and SL have been met with serious issues that can identify them as lemons. Some that may arise include the following:
- Engine knocking
- Parts wearing out quickly
- Overheating
- Drivetrain failures
AMG models may also encounter transmission problems, such as hesitation and rough shifting. Electrical issues, such as dashboard warning lights and fault sensors, can also affect reliability. Since these cars are so costly to repair, owners may often turn to lemon law protections when repeated attempts do not resolve the situation.
The model with the most complaints is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35. This vehicle is reported to have a “transmission error: visit workshop” problem, meaning that it has a fault in the transmission control system. Repairs can be expensive and lead to significant frustration among Mercedes vehicle owners.
What Are Your Legal Rights Under California Lemon Law?
Under California Lemon Law, you are given the legal right to receive free repairs under the manufacturer’s original warranty. They will need to address the problem within a reasonable number of attempts. Under California Civil Code ยง 1794(c), if they willfully fail to follow warranty obligations by delaying, denying, or refusing your claim without justification, you may be entitled to civil penalties up to two times the amount of actual damages.
Furthermore, if your vehicle is classified as a “lemon,” you may be given the right to a refund, cash settlement, or a replacement vehicle of the same make and model (CIV ยง 1793.2). This may also apply to leased vehicles, as well. Your options will depend on your preference and what is outlined in the state’s lemon law.
And lastly, a fee-shifting provision will be enforced. This means that if you win your case, the manufacturer must provide compensation to cover your attorney fees and legal costs (CIV ยง 1794(d)).
Such regulations may apply to the following (CIV ยง 1793.22):
- New or used vehicles under original manufacturer warranty.ย
- Vehicles used for personal, family, or household use.
- Vehicles purchased or leased in California.
Specific types of vehicles that can be covered include:ย
- Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans
- Motor homes
- Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles
How A Mercedes Lemon Lawyer Can Help
Having to deal with a defective Mercedes-Benz can be overwhelming, especially when the repairs are persistent or the dealership is being uncooperative. That is where an experienced Mercedes lemon law attorney steps in. With their knowledge and expertise, they will be able to do the following:
- Assess your repair history and warranty coverageย
- Determine whether your vehicle is considered a lemon under the state’s law
- Explain your legal rights and options
Remember, auto manufacturers are typically backed by legal teams that are trained to minimize payouts. Hiring the wrong lemon law attorney could put you at a disadvantage. Make sure you find someone who you can trust and who has a good reputation with cases similar to yours.
Avoid These Common Mistakes in a Mercedes Lemon Claim
Even with strong lemon law protections set in place, making the wrong moves during your claim can affect your likelihood of receiving fair results, or even jeopardize your case as a whole. If you are encountering repeated issues with your Mercedes-Benz, below are some common mistakes you should avoid doing.
- You fail to document your repair visits. You need to do this in order to prove that the manufacturer had numerous attempts to fix the problem. Be sure to have your repair orders and invoices at-hand, along with document dates, mileage, and the exact issue being reported. Take notes on the duration of time your vehicle was left at the shop, as well.
- You take too long to report the issue. Mercedes-Benz could claim that the defect emerged after the warranty expiration. To avoid this, try to notify the dealership about the problem immediately after the first sign. You should also request written confirmation that a defect has been identified.
- You choose to have a third-party mechanic fix the problem. Your claim could be denied. This is because California Lemon Law requires you to have the repair done by manufacturer-authorized service centers (CIV ยง 1793.2(a)).
- You accept a lowball settlement or trade-in deal without consulting a lemon law attorney. Oftentimes, what you are being offered can be a fraction of its true value. Speaking to a legal expert will help you determine whether the offer you are presented is worth accepting.
- You delay the legal process. The stateโs Lemon Law does not necessarily indicate its own statute of limitations. Courts will apply California Code of Civil Procedure ยง 337 since such claims are based on written warranties, for example, contracts in writing. However, delays can weaken your position, particularly if the warranty has lapsed.
File a Mercedes Lemon Law Claim With West Coast Trial Lawyers Today
If your Mercedes-Benz has been in the shop frequently or has not been performing the way it should, you do not have to undergo these stressful conditions on your own. Our experienced lemon law attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will answer any questions or concerns you may have with your case, help you understand your rights, and determine whether your new or used vehicle qualifies as a lemon.
To set up a FREE case evaluation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our convenient online contact form.
FAQs About Mercedes Lemon Law Claims in California
