Mercedes Benz – California Lemon Law blog

Mercedes-Benz has determined that there is a safety defect affecting over 24,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The problem is related to an issue with the drive shaft universal joint. This part plays a critical role in how power is delivered to your wheels, and when it fails, the consequences can be serious.

What Vehicles Are Affected?

This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-216) applies to select 2018–2020 Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC models, including:

E-Class (Sedan, Wagon, Coupe, Cabriolet)
S-Class (Sedan, Coupe, Convertible)
Maybach S 560 4MATIC

Specifically, models like the E 400, E 450, S 450, S 560, and Maybach S 560 are included.

What’s the Problem?

Mercedes-Benz has identified that increased wear may occur in the universal joint (U-joint) on the drive shaft. This is due to insufficient production parameters from a supplier, which can lead to premature degradation over time.

The real issue begins when:

The U-joint loses lubrication.
Wear accelerates.
The joint can fracture under load.

At that point, the connection between the transfer case and front axle transmission may fail entirely.

Why This Matters (Safety Risk)

If the universal joint fails, the vehicle can experience a sudden loss of propulsion—meaning it may stop delivering power to the wheels without warning.

That creates a dangerous situation:

Loss of acceleration in traffic.
Reduced ability to maneuver.
Increased risk of a crash.

Mercedes-Benz notes that while some warning signs may appear, they are not guaranteed to be noticed before failure.

Warning Signs to Watch For

In some cases, drivers may notice early symptoms such as:

Unusual noises from underneath the vehicle.
Vibrations while driving, especially under acceleration.

However, these signs can be subtle—or completely absent—making this issue particularly concerning.

What Caused the Issue?

The root cause traces back to a supplier manufacturing process that did not meet optimal parameters. Over time, this can result in:

Improper wear patterns.
Reduced durability of the U-joint.
Increased likelihood of failure under normal driving conditions.

What Mercedes-Benz Will Do

Mercedes-Benz dealers will:

Inspect the drive shaft.
Replace it if necessary.
Perform all repairs free of charge.

This recall highlights how even a single component failure within the drivetrain can have major safety implications. If your vehicle is affected, it is worth addressing promptly—even if you have not noticed any symptoms. A quiet drivetrain today does not guarantee it will stay that way tomorrow. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning June 2, 2026.

The Mercedes-Benz EQB was marketed as a luxury electric SUV combining practicality, performance, and cutting-edge technology. But for many California drivers, ownership has been anything but smooth—especially when it comes to serious battery-related defects. If you own or lease an EQB and are experiencing issues, you could have rights under California’s Lemon Law.

The Biggest Issue: High-Voltage Battery Defects

The most significant problem affecting the EQB is its high-voltage battery system—the core component of any electric vehicle. Recent recalls reveal that certain EQB models (primarily 2022–2024) may contain defective battery cells that can:

Overheat
Short circuit internally
Increase the risk of fire—even when parked

In fact, Mercedes-Benz recalled over 12,000 EQB vehicles in the U.S. due to this issue, with regulators warning that internal battery faults could lead to fires without warning. Even more concerning, 100% of the affected vehicles were believed to contain the defect, meaning this was not an isolated problem. Mercedes-Benz attempted to fix the problem through software updates designed to monitor battery performance and reduce risk. However, those fixes proved insufficient.

Vehicles were recalled multiple times
Software updates did not fully resolve the issue
Mercedes ultimately had to replace entire battery packs

Nearly 12,000 EQB vehicles are now receiving full battery replacements, an unusually drastic measure that highlights the seriousness of the defect.

Safety Restrictions Placed on Owners

While waiting for repairs, EQB owners have been given strict safety instructions:

Do not charge the battery above 80%
Park the vehicle outside and away from structures
Watch for warning messages or sudden malfunctions

These limitations significantly reduce the usability and convenience of the vehicle—especially in a state like California where EV range and charging flexibility are critical.

Other Battery-Related Complaints

Beyond recalls, many drivers report ongoing battery and electrical system problems, including:

Sudden loss of power or “limp mode”
Unexpected battery drain
Warning messages related to high-voltage systems
Vehicle shutdowns while driving

Some reports even describe vehicles becoming unsafe or unreliable for daily use—raising serious concerns about long-term dependability.

Why This Matters Under California Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law protects consumers when a vehicle:

Has substantial defects that impair use, value, or safety
Cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts
Spends excessive time in the repair shop

Battery defects—especially those involving fire risk or loss of power—are exactly the type of issues that qualify.

Mercedes EQB Battery Fire Warning

Owners of certain electric Mercedes-Benz EQB models are now facing a serious safety defect involving the high-voltage battery. According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an internal battery defect may lead to a thermal event and potential vehicle fire — whether the vehicle is parked or being driven.

If you own one of the following models, your vehicle may be affected:

2023–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+
2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC
2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC

The recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-073 and replaces earlier recalls 25V-050 and 25V-894.

What Is the Safety Risk?

Mercedes has acknowledged that certain battery cells produced during an early production period may not be sufficiently robust. Under certain production and usage conditions, an internal short circuit can develop within the high-voltage battery.

If that occurs:

A thermal event may result
There is an increased risk of vehicle fire
The fire could occur while driving or while parked

If the event occurs while driving, drivers may see a high-voltage battery malfunction warning message in the instrument cluster. If the event occurs while the vehicle is parked, there may be no warning at all. That lack of warning is particularly concerning — especially for vehicles parked inside garages or near structures.

What Caused the Problem?

Mercedes-Benz identified deviations in the battery supplier’s production process. Certain battery cells from an early production range were found to be:

Less resistant to stress factors over time
More vulnerable at high state-of-charge (SoC)
Potentially susceptible to short circuiting — especially when combined with:
- Charging infrastructure influences
- External damage
- Environmental stress

The risk appears elevated when the battery is charged to high capacity levels.

Chronology of Events

The recall began on January 31, 2025, when Mercedes-Benz filed an initial safety notice with NHTSA and later implemented a global software update in April 2025 to reduce the risk of battery-related thermal events. After additional incidents were reported outside the United States in May 2025, the recall was expanded, with a supplemental notice filed in October 2025. In November 2025, two fire incidents in Europe involving vehicles that had already received the software update raised concerns about the remedy’s effectiveness, prompting further investigation and discussions with regulators. Extensive testing and analysis conducted between December 2025 and January 2026 ultimately led Mercedes to conclude that the software update could not reliably eliminate the risk in all affected vehicles. As a result, on January 30, 2026, the company launched a new recall requiring full high-voltage battery replacement for certain vehicles, now identified as NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-073.

Fires Reported in the United States

Mercedes reports:

Two fire incidents in the United States
Both vehicles were part of the original recall scope
No U.S. fires have been reported after the software update
Approximately 74% of affected U.S. vehicles have completed the original recall repair

However, because the software update’s effectiveness cannot be fully confirmed, Mercedes is now requiring battery replacement.

What Owners Are Being Told to Do

Until repairs are completed, owners are advised to:

Park outside and away from structures
Limit charging to 80% battery capacity
Await official notification letters (interim letters expected February 27, 2026)

Importantly:

Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V-050 or 25V-894 must still undergo the new repair.

Lemon Law Implications

Battery replacement is not a minor repair. It is one of the most expensive and critical components of an electric vehicle.

If your Mercedes EQB:

Experienced a fire or thermal event
Has been out of service for extended periods
Required multiple repair attempts
Is subject to repeat recalls
Has diminished value due to safety concerns

You may have rights under your state’s Lemon Law.

Even if the manufacturer ultimately offers a repair, repeated safety recalls involving fire risk may qualify the vehicle as defective.

Final Thoughts

Electric vehicles depend entirely on battery integrity. When the manufacturer acknowledges that a software update may not be sufficient — and ultimately requires full battery replacement — that is a serious development.

If you own a 2022–2024 Mercedes EQB and have concerns about:

Safety
Repair delays
Diminished value
Buyback eligibility

It may be time to speak with an attorney experienced in automotive defect and lemon law claims. Safety recalls are meant to protect consumers. But when defects involve fire risk, the legal and financial consequences can be significant. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, you do not have to navigate this alone.

The Mercedes-AMG GT is marketed as a high-performance sports car with cutting-edge engineering and luxury styling. Unfortunately, even top-tier vehicles can come with serious defects. Recently, several AMG GT models have faced an unusually high number of recalls, raising concerns for California consumers who purchased or leased these cars.

If your AMG GT is spending more time in the shop than on the road, you may be protected under the California Lemon Law.

Mercedes-AMG GT Models with High Recalls

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following 2021 AMG GT models have been subject to an unusually high number of recalls:

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-Class 2-Door RWD
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-Class Roadster C RWD
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-Class 4-Door 4WD

These recalls have involved safety issues ranging from electrical system defects to braking problems, suspension concerns, and more.

Common Problems with the Mercedes Benz AMG GT

Owners of AMG GT models have reported recurring issues, including:

Electrical malfunctions (dashboard warning lights, infotainment glitches, or wiring defects)
Engine and fuel system issues (stalling, fuel leaks, or loss of power under acceleration)
Brake system failures (unexpected warning messages, premature brake wear, or reduced braking performance)
Suspension and steering defects (noises, rough handling, or loss of stability at high speeds)
Transmission problems (jerking, slipping, or hesitation during gear shifts)

When these problems repeat despite multiple dealer repair attempts, California law may recognize your AMG GT as a lemon.

How the California Lemon Law Protects AMG GT Owners

California has one of the nation’s strongest lemon laws. If your Mercedes-AMG GT has defects that substantially affect its use, value, or safety—and the manufacturer cannot repair them—you may be entitled to:

A buyback/refund of your purchase or lease
A replacement vehicle of equal value
Payment of your attorney’s fees and costs by the manufacturer

This means pursuing a lemon law claim carries little to no financial risk for California drivers.

Signs Your Mercedes-AMG GT Might Be a Lemon

You may have a valid lemon law claim if your AMG GT has:

Been repaired two or more times for a serious safety issue
Required four or more repair attempts for the same recurring problem
Spent 30 or more days out of service for warranty-related repairs

What to Do if Your AMG GT Has Recurring Problems

If your AMG GT is experiencing repeated defects, don’t ignore the issue. California Lemon Law exists to protect you from being stuck with a defective luxury sports car.

👉 Contact our California Lemon Law attorneys today for a free case evaluation. We’ll determine whether your AMG GT qualifies as a lemon and help you pursue compensation or a replacement vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mercedes-AMG GT and Lemon Law

Q: Does the Lemon Law apply to leased AMG GT models?
Yes. Whether you leased or purchased your AMG GT, the California Lemon Law may apply if your vehicle has recurring issues.

Q: How many recalls does the 2021 AMG GT have?
The 2021 AMG GT models, including the Roadster and 4-Door, have been subject to multiple recalls, particularly related to safety systems. If you’ve had recall-related repairs that didn’t solve the problem, your vehicle may still qualify as a lemon.

Q: What problems qualify my AMG GT for Lemon Law protection?
Issues that affect safety, use, or value may qualify—such as electrical failures, engine stalling, brake defects, or suspension issues.

Q: Will a Lemon Law claim cost me money?
No. Under California law, the manufacturer pays your legal fees if your case is successful.

Q: What can I get through a Lemon Law claim?
You may be entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement, depending on your case.

👉 If you own or lease a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT and believe it may be a lemon, don’t wait. California law is on your side, and you don’t have to fight the manufacturer alone.

Mercedes-Benz has long been known for luxury and performance, but even premium vehicles can have serious defects. In recent years, several Mercedes-Benz GL class vehicles such as the, GLE, GLS, GLC, and GLB models have appeared on the NHTSA recall list repeatedly, raising concerns for California drivers who rely on these SUVs for safety and reliability.

If you own or lease a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV that spends more time at the dealership than on the road, you may be wondering whether you have a lemon law claim.

Mercedes-Benz GL Class Vehicles with Recalls

The following models are among the most recalled in recent years according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV (RWD & 4WD)
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV (4WD)
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV (RWD & 4WD)
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe SUV (4WD)
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV (RWD & 4WD)
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class SUV (FWD & 4WD)

These recalls involve safety issues ranging from electrical system failures to fuel system defects, braking problems, and more. Such problems not only reduce the value of your SUV but may also put you and your family at risk.

Common Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Issues

Owners of the GL Class SUVs have reported problems such as:

Electrical malfunctions (infotainment freezes, sensor failures, warning lights that won’t clear)
Transmission issues (jerking, hesitation, or slipping gears)
Brake system defects (premature wear, warning messages, or loss of braking assist)
Suspension and steering problems (unusual noises, rough rides, or loss of handling)
Fuel system concerns (potential leaks or stalling)

When these issues repeat, even after multiple repair attempts, they may qualify your vehicle as a lemon under California law.

How the California Lemon Law Protects You

California has one of the strongest Lemon Laws in the country. If your Mercedes-Benz GL or GLE has recurring problems that substantially impair its use, value, or safety—and the dealership cannot fix them after a reasonable number of attempts—you may be entitled to:

A full refund of your purchase or lease price
A replacement vehicle of equal value
Coverage of attorney’s fees and costs (manufacturers pay these, not you)

This means pursuing a lemon law claim carries little to no financial risk for California consumers.

Do You Think Your Mercedes-Benz GL is a Lemon?

If you’ve brought your Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, GLE, GLS, GLC, or GLB to the dealership multiple times for the same problem, don’t ignore the warning signs. California’s Lemon Law may protect you and ensure you’re not stuck with a defective SUV.

👉 Contact our California Lemon Law attorneys today for a free case review. We’ll help you determine whether your Mercedes-Benz qualifies as a lemon and fight to get you the compensation or replacement you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mercedes-Benz GL and California Lemon Law

Q: Does the California Lemon Law apply to leased Mercedes-Benz GL vehicles?
Yes. The California Lemon Law applies to both purchased and leased vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz GLE, GLS, and GLC SUVs. If your leased vehicle has recurring problems that the dealer cannot fix, you may still qualify for a refund or replacement.

Q: How many repair attempts are required before my Mercedes-Benz GL is considered a lemon?
Generally, if the dealer has made two or more attempts to repair a serious safety issue, or four or more attempts to fix a non-safety defect, your SUV may qualify. Additionally, if your vehicle is out of service for 30 or more days, it may meet the lemon law standard.

Q: What types of problems qualify a Mercedes-Benz GL for Lemon Law protection?
Issues that affect the use, value, or safety of your SUV may qualify. Common complaints include electrical failures, transmission problems, brake defects, suspension issues, and fuel system concerns.

Q: Will pursuing a lemon law claim cost me money?
No. Under California law, if your claim is successful, the manufacturer must pay your attorney’s fees and costs. That means there is usually no out-of-pocket cost to the vehicle owner.

Q: Can I get a replacement vehicle instead of a refund?
Yes. Many Mercedes-Benz owners choose a replacement vehicle of equal value, while others prefer a full refund. California Lemon Law allows you to pursue either option.

The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE is a luxury automobile known for its innovative features and high-performance engine. However, the SUV has also been the subject of a number of customer complaints and recalls due to various problems and defects.

Some of the most common problems reported by customers include passenger air bag not deploying properly, water leaks due to improper welding, active brake assist not engaging, fuel tank leaks, missing information in owner’s manual, detached rear door window trim, and third-row headrests not functioning properly. Other issues include interior switches not illuminating, rear cross member detachment, premature wear of shock absorbers, and failure of driver’s seat fastener bolt.

To address these issues, the manufacturer has issued several recalls, including:

Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy Properly
Improper Weld May Allow Water To Leak In
Active Brake Assist May Not Engage
Weld Between Fuel Tank and Filler Pipe May Leak
Incorrectly Installed Air Conditioner Drain Hoses
Owner’s Manual Missing Information
Rear Door Window Trim May Detach
Third Row Headrests May Not Function Properly
Engine Stall from Water Intrusion into Vehicle

If you own a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE and have experienced any of these problems or other defects, you may be entitled to a remedy under California Lemon Law. This law provides protection to consumers who have purchased a vehicle that has a significant defect that affects its use, value, or safety, and that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle, it is important to consult with an experienced Lemon Law attorney who can help you understand your rights and take action to get the compensation you deserve.

In conclusion, the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE is a high-performance luxury vehicle that has received numerous customer complaints and has been the subject of several recalls due to various problems and defects. If you are experiencing issues with your vehicle, it is important to know your rights under the California Lemon Law and to seek the help of a knowledgeable attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.

The owners of certain 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC350E 4Matic SUVs could experience a loss of drive power due to a problem affecting the wiring harness going to the transmission in their vehicles.

In September 2020, Mercedes Benz first became aware of the problem after receiving a customer complaint regarding the loss of drive power in their vehicle. As similar complaints regarding GLC-Class vehicles increased Mercedes began an investigation into the problem. A production quality survey was initiated to double check the wiring harness installation in two plants producing the LC-Class. Mercedes investigated possible commonalities between the reported failures of two different platforms that are manufactured at three different plants. Mercedes also asked the wiring harness supplier to analyze any possible cause involving the wiring harness.

The investigation identified the root cause of the problem as an error in the installation of the wiring harness. Mercedes studied the potential effect of the transmission wiring harness production deviation on vehicle safety and identified the potentially affected vehicles. On July 1st 2022, they determined that there was a potential safety risk and decided to conduct a recall of all the potentially affected vehicles.

According to the defect report, the routing of the transmission wiring harness in certain 2020 GLC-Class (253 platforms) 4-Matic vehicles may not meet current production specifications. Due to deviations in the wiring harness length and the assembly process, the harness could come in contact with the front drive shaft and damage it over time. If this happens, drivers could experience a loss of propulsion and an increased risk of an accident. If the failure occurs, the driver would be made aware through a warning message in the instrument cluster.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the transmission wiring harness inspected and replaced as necessary. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-494.

An investigation into reports of water intrusion into the passenger compartment of certain 2020-2021 Mercedes Benz GLE and GLS, cars and SUVs has led to a recall of over 6,000 vehicles. Owner notifications are expected to be mailed out in June.

According to the defect report, at the end of May 2019 Mercedes Benz launched an investigation into customer complaints of water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells of certain GLE and GLS vehicles. The investigation revealed a deviation in the assembly process of the air conditioner drain hoses that would allow the drain hose to disconnect and condensation to enter the passenger compartment. If a significant volume of condensation enters, it could cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components.

NOTE: Drivers may experience problems with door locks and the vehicles emergency call (eCall) feature; the engine may not start or may enter limp-home mode. Sings that the problem exists include wet carpets in the front foot wells and fogged windows.

Vehicles Affected Include
2020 GLE350
2020 GLE450
2020 GLE580
2020 GLS450
2020 GLS580
2021 AMG GLE53

Dealers will inspect and correct the installation of the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary. The NHTSA recall Campaign Number is 21V-288.

Category Archives: Mercedes Benz

Mercedes-Benz Drive Shaft Universal Joint May Break