Mercedes-Benz Faces Class Action Over Seat Logo Burns, August 10

Two Mercedes-AMG drivers have filed a class action lawsuit in U.S. federal court in California, claiming the raised metallic AMG logo embedded in their vehicle seats becomes hot enough to cause second-degree burns. Gabriel Lahijani and Karendeep Bath allege the design flaw places the logo where it contacts occupants’ upper back, neck, or shoulder. Both suffered documented thermal burns after sitting in their hot vehicles wearing minimal clothing.

How the burns occurred

Lahijani, a Los Angeles resident, leased a 2026 Mercedes-AMG E-Class in May 2026. On May 31, he entered the vehicle wearing a tank top and suffered second-degree burns on his back. A board-certified dermatologist documented the injury as “AMG inscribed.” Bath, from Chatsworth, California, experienced similar burns approximately six weeks later while wearing a sleeveless top. She described a burning sensation when her shoulder touched the logo, followed by a visible mark shaped like the AMG emblem.

The design flaw allegation

The lawsuit argues that unlike printed or stitched logos, the raised metallic AMG emblem absorbs and retains heat when the car sits in direct sunlight. This creates a localized hot spot even when surrounding seat material remains cooler. The plaintiffs claim Mercedes knew or should have known about the potential risk but continued using the design. The lawsuit states the logo placement is “reasonably expected to contact an occupant’s upper back, neck, or shoulder.”

What the plaintiffs are demanding

Lahijani and Bath seek compensation for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and emotional distress. They also demand that Mercedes-Benz pay to have the problematic logo removed from other owners’ vehicles. The class action covers all drivers of affected Mercedes-AMG models with the raised metallic emblem. Mercedes-Benz has not commented on the lawsuit.

Mercedes-Benz financial position

Mercedes-Benz Group (MBG.DE) trades at €47.09, down 23.7% year-to-date. Meyka rates the stock B+ with a buy recommendation, though ROE and ROA scores signal weakness. The company carries a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11 and faces prior settlements. In December 2025, Mercedes-Benz USA and parent Daimler AG paid €149.6 million to settle emissions device allegations affecting over 211,000 vehicles. The current lawsuit adds fresh product liability exposure.

Final Thoughts

The lawsuit exposes an unusual but potentially costly design flaw for Mercedes-Benz. With Meyka grading the stock B+ and the company already burdened by prior settlements, this class action could amplify legal and reputational risk for the luxury automaker.

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