Case Info
Mercedes Benz Electrical System Defect
An Electrical System Defect in certain year models of multiple Mercedes Benz vehicles may cause the battery to rapidly drain. The defect may leave the driver with a dead battery and inoperable vehicle. This may put drivers and passengers at risk of being stranded in unsafe conditions. It may also require costly roadside services, repeated battery replacement, repair service fees and towing services.
Affected 2004 to 2022 Mercedes Benz automobiles include:
- A-Class – Sedan, Hatchback
- C-Class – Sedan, Coupe, Cabriolet, Wagon
- E-Class – Sedan, Wagon, Coupe, Cabriolet
- G-Class – SUV,
- CLA – Coupe, Wagon
- CLS – Sedan, Coupe, Wagon
- GL – SUV
- GLA – SUV,
- GLC – SUV, Coupe
- GLE – SUV, Coupe
- GLK – SUV
- GLS – SUV
- ML – SUV
- D-Class – Diesel engine
All named Mercedes Benz automobiles in the 2004 to 2022 model years may be affected by the electrical system defect. The defect reportedly affects electrical systems in both 12-volt automobiles and the 48-volt system in “mild hybrid” Mercedes vehicles.
Mercedes Benz Failed to Act on Known Defect
Mercedes Benz has marketed its vehicles as luxury automobiles with “advanced performance”, including “efficiency” of the electrical system but has failed to live up to its claims.
According to company data, customer complaints, and reports collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Mercedes knew about the defect as early as 2003. The company issued multiple service bulletins but has not offered any permanent repair solution to the electrical system defect. Because of the failure of the company to adequately address the defect, owners have been forced to apply multiple short-term remedies.
Mercedes has continued to tell customers that there is nothing wrong with their vehicle, has not offered repairs, and has not disclosed the defect in new sales.
Mercedes Benz Automobiles Sold as Luxury Vehicles
Mercedes charges a premium for luxury vehicles which have a reputation of safety and reliability. Mercedes has been accused of failing to act and of concealing a known defect in the electrical system of many of their vehicles.
The electrical system defect may have required costly services of towing, repair, battery and power packs, software updates, and rental car use. Many of these temporary treatments have been required multiple times. In addition to the costs of repeated repairs and other services, Mercedes owners may face decreased value for their luxury vehicle due to a known defect.
Mercedes Benz Battery Drain Lawsuit
A federal lawsuit has been filed against Mercedes-Benz and Daimer AG, claiming breach of warranty, violation of federal and state laws and concealment of defects.
Owners and operators have reported that they have been left stranded by a dead battery, even when the automobile was left for only a few hours and the automobile was off with no lights or electronics. Drivers have reportedly been forced to pay out-of-pocket for diagnostics, updates to software, battery replacements, towing fees and other costs and were still left with inoperable vehicles. The lawsuits are seeking compensation for their repair and other costs,
People who own or leased a 2004 to 2022 Mercedes Benz car or SUV may be at risk of electrical system failure and may be eligible for compensation.