Mercedes-Benz vehicles have long been revered by car enthusiasts. The premium feel of the leather seats, the responsive handling, and the prestige that comes with owning one of the world’s most recognized luxury automobile brands.
If you’ve recently purchased a new model, you know you’ve invested in something that is made to last. However, when your vehicle falls prey to defective parts, it can put a strain on you both financially, but emotionally. In essence, a hindrance to your driving experience.
But what happens when your coveted car becomes a recurring nightmare of repair visits, unexpected breakdowns, and safety concerns? When your Mercedes spends more time at the dealership than in your garage, the disappointment can be overwhelming.
You shouldn’t have to deal with constant mechanical issues in a vehicle marketed as the pinnacle of German engineering excellence.
At American Lemon Law Group, we understand both the technical complexities of Mercedes vehicles and the emotional toll of dealing with a defective luxury car. Our experienced Los Angeles lemon law attorneys have successfully handled hundreds of Mercedes lemon law claims, securing buybacks and replacements for owners of defective vehicles.
Caught with a lemon? Call us today at (877) 311-1133 for your free case evaluation.
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How Can Mercedes Lemon Law Help Me?
California’s lemon law provides robust protection for consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles, including premium brands like Mercedes-Benz. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires manufacturers to repair vehicles to conform to their warranties within a reasonable number of attempts. If they cannot, they must replace or repurchase the vehicle.
For Mercedes owners, this law offers a pathway to resolution when dealing with persistent issues that the dealership cannot fix. Whether you’re experiencing problems with your Mercedes’ electrical system, engine performance, transmission, or safety features, California’s consumer-friendly lemon law may entitle you to significant remedies.
The law applies to new, used (with limitations), and leased Mercedes vehicles, providing potential options for:
- Vehicle replacement with a new comparable Mercedes model
- Repurchase (buyback) of your defective Mercedes, including reimbursement for payments, down payment, registration, and other expenses
- Coverage of your attorney fees by the manufacturer if your claim is successful
Is Your Mercedes a Lemon Car?
Not every problematic Mercedes qualifies as a lemon under California law. To be considered a lemon, your newly purchased vehicle must meet specific criteria:
- The vehicle must have a substantial defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty
- The defect must occur within the warranty period
- The manufacturer or authorized dealer must have made a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect
- The vehicle must have been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 30 days or more
For Mercedes vehicles, common issues that may qualify under lemon law include:
- MBUX System Failures: 2020-2022 E-Class and S-Class models have experienced frequent MBUX infotainment system freezes and false collision alerts due to faulty radar calibration. These issues often require multiple repair attempts.
- 48-Volt Mild Hybrid System Failures: 2021-2023 GLE 450 SUVs have shown a concerning 17% failure rate within 30,000 miles, often requiring complete ECU replacement.
- Driveshaft Issues: A 2024 NHTSA recall (24V204) impacted 8,200 C300 sedans for driveshaft fracturing at highway speeds, creating serious safety concerns.
- Brake Booster Corrosion: 2020-2021 GLC models (Recall 21V563) have experienced persistent brake booster corrosion despite software updates, with 22% of repaired vehicles requiring secondary service.
Recent California Supreme Court rulings have significantly impacted used car protections. Following Rodriguez v. FCA, used Mercedes vehicles with an unexpired manufacturer’s warranty are no longer eligible for lemon law remedies unless they were sold as Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles with a new car warranty issued at the time of sale.
How Does Mercedes Lemon Law Buyback Work?
If your recently purchased Mercedes qualifies as a lemon, you have two primary options: replacement or repurchase. Here’s how the process typically works:
Step 1: Document All Issues and Repairs
Keep detailed records of all problems with your Mercedes and every visit to the dealership. This documentation forms the foundation of your lemon law claim, including:
- Repair orders and invoices
- Communications with the dealership and Mercedes-Benz
- Dates when your vehicle was out of service
- Descriptions of the problems experienced
Step 2: Send a Demand Letter
Under recent changes to California’s lemon law through Assembly Bill 1755 (effective April 1, 2025), consumers must provide written notice to the manufacturer at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit for civil penalties. This pre-suit notice requirement makes professional legal assistance even more valuable in properly structuring your claim.
Step 3: File a Lemon Law Claim
If Mercedes-Benz doesn’t respond adequately to your demand letter, the next step is filing a formal lemon law claim. Recent changes to the statute of limitations mean you now have one year after the final warranty expires to file suit or six years total after the delivery of your vehicle.
Step 4: Negotiation or Litigation
Most Mercedes lemon law claims are resolved through negotiation, but some proceed to litigation. The new expedited procedures under AB 1755 include early discovery, expedited depositions, and mandatory mediation for manufacturers who opt-in, potentially streamlining the resolution process.
Will Mercedes Buyback My Car?
Mercedes-Benz, like other manufacturers, typically resists buyback requests initially. However, with proper documentation and legal representation, many Mercedes owners successfully secure buybacks for their defective vehicles.
For a successful Mercedes buyback claim, you’ll need to demonstrate:
- Your vehicle has a substantial defect covered by warranty
- The defect significantly impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
- Mercedes-Benz or its authorized dealers have made a reasonable number of attempts to repair the issue (generally 2-4 attempts for serious safety defects, or 4+ attempts for non-safety defects)
- The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days
If your buyback claim is successful, Mercedes-Benz must refund:
- The full purchase price or the amount of payments made
- The down payment
- Registration fees
- Finance charges
- Transportation costs and rental car expenses
Mercedes may deduct a usage fee based on the mileage at the time the vehicle first exhibited the defect. This is calculated using a specific formula established by California law.
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Contact a Mercedes Lemon Law Attorney Today
If you’re experiencing recurring issues with your Mercedes-Benz that the dealership cannot resolve, don’t continue driving a defective vehicle. Our law firm specializes in helping Mercedes owners secure the compensation they deserve under California’s lemon law.
Our experienced lemon law attorneys have successfully handled numerous Mercedes Benz lemon law claims as well as those involving models from the following manufacturers:
Dealing with a lemon can leave a sour taste, but with our experienced attorneys by your side, we can ensure you bright and better times ahead.
Don’t wait until your warranty expires or you might miss important deadlines under the new legal amendments.
Contact the American Lemon Law Group today at (877) 311-1133 for a free case evaluation.