Mercedes-Benz is built for luxury, innovation, and performance, but even the most prestigious vehicles can fall short when persistent defects appear. From recurring mechanical failures to safety system malfunctions, these problems can turn your dream car into a costly frustration.
Under California lemon law, you don’t have to settle for repeated trips to the service center. If your Mercedes-Benz qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to a full refund, a comparable replacement vehicle, and reimbursement for related expenses such as towing, rental cars, and repairs.
A knowledgeable Mercedes lemon lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and hold the manufacturer accountable so you can get back on the road with confidence.
What makes a Mercedes‑Benz a “lemon” in California?
California’s lemon law covers new and certified pre-owned vehicles that come with the manufacturer’s new-vehicle warranty. You may have a valid claim if:
- The defect significantly affects the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
- The problem continues after 3+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, 2 repair attempts for the same safety-related defect, or 30+ days out of service for warranty repairs.
- The issue occurs within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery to qualify for the Lemon Law Presumption.
Cases outside the 18-month/18,000-mile window can still succeed with a solid repair history.
For used vehicles, coverage applies only if a Mercedes-Benz new-vehicle warranty (including manufacturer CPO) is still in effect, not just a third-party service contract or extended warranty.
Common Mercedes‑Benz issues that can support a claim
While Mercedes-Benz vehicles are built for luxury and performance, they’re not immune to recurring defects. California lemon law doesn’t require your vehicle to be unsafe to qualify, but many common issues can impact both safety and value.
Frequent Problems
Some frequent problems reported by Mercedes-Benz owners include:
- Engine and drivability issues – stalling, rough idling, loss of power, oil leaks, or complete engine failure.
- Transmission problems – delayed shifting, slipping gears, hesitation, or sudden jerks while driving.
- Brake system failures – premature brake wear, brake booster corrosion, soft brake pedals, or loss of braking power.
- Electrical malfunctions – dashboard display failures, dead batteries without warning, and faulty wiring.
- Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) glitches – lane-keep assist or adaptive cruise control malfunctioning unexpectedly.
- Fuel system defects – fuel leaks, pump failures, or inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
- Infotainment and connectivity problems – frozen screens, navigation errors, Bluetooth dropouts, and backup camera failures.
Notable Recalls
Notable Mercedes-Benz recalls that highlight these issues include:
- Brake booster corrosion recall – affecting certain 2006–2012 ML, GL, and R-Class models, where corrosion could lead to brake failure.
- eCall/communication module recall – covering various 2016–2022 models due to incorrect emergency-call location data being sent during a crash.
If your VIN appears in an open recall or a manufacturer’s technical service bulletin, it can significantly strengthen your lemon law case by showing the defect is a known, documented issue.
Why you should hire a Mercedes lemon lawyer
If your Mercedes meets lemon law criteria, you may be entitled to repurchase or replacement. Repurchase generally covers your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, and certain fees (minus a mileage offset), plus towing, rental, and other incidental expenses.
If the manufacturer won’t resolve your claim, your case may move to arbitration. An experienced lemon law attorney would guide you through the process of an arbitration and help you protect your rights in court.
When you win, the manufacturer must also pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, so you can hire legal help without worrying about extra bills.
Deadlines matter: the new AB 1755 timeline (effective 2025)
With the new AB 1755 timeline, California has tightened lemon law filing deadlines :
- File within one year after the applicable express warranty expires.
- No later than six years from the vehicle’s original delivery date (limited tolling may apply).
- Starting April 1, 2025, you must send the manufacturer a written demand for repurchase or replacement before filing a claim for civil penalties.
These rules are in addition to the repair-attempt requirements, so don’t delay if your Mercedes has persistent problems.
Steps to Take If You Suspect You Have a Lemon
If you suspect your Mercedes-Benz is a lemon, act quickly and keep your records organized:
- Document every issue – write down each symptom, date it occurred, and how it affected your driving.
- Save all repair paperwork – keep copies of work orders, invoices, and dealership communications.
- Track downtime – note the exact number of days your car is out of service for warranty repairs.
- Check for recalls – use your VIN to search the NHTSA database and Mercedes-Benz recall page.
- Confirm warranty coverage – verify whether your vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty or CPO coverage.
- Contact a California Mercedes lemon lawyer early – they can help you meet AB 1755 deadlines and present your case to meet California’s presumption standards.
Free consultation
A defective Mercedes‑Benz isn’t just frustrating; it’s a legal problem with a legal solution. Don’t wait until deadlines pass. Contact Court House Lawyers for a free case review. We’ll assess your repair history, confirm eligibility, and pursue a refund or replacement while the manufacturer covers your reasonable attorney’s fees when we win.
