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This settlement is closed!

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Mercedes Benz logo sign - mercedes-benz trim, burl walnut trim settlement
(Photo Credit: sylv1rob1/Shutterstock)

Update:

  • The claim deadline, exclusion deadline and objection deadline have been extended to Sept. 19, 2022.

Mercedes-Benz agreed to a class action lawsuit settlement to resolve allegations its interior Burl Walnut trim is defective and can fade.

The settlement benefits current and former owners and lessees of model year 2010 to 2016 Mercedes-Benz 212 E-Class vehicles equipped with Burl Walnut interior trim. 

Mercedes-Benz is a luxury car company that sells a number of high end vehicles. Many of the vehicles are equipped with high end trim — including Burl Walnut trims.

According to the Mercedes-Benz class action lawsuit, the Burl Walnut trim in 212 E-Class vehicles is defective. Over time, this trim can allegedly fade, discolor and develop a cloudy appearance. 

Plaintiffs in the case argue that these changes aren’t due to physical or chemical damage or UV exposure excluded from the vehicles’ warranty. Instead, the changes to Burl Walnut trim are allegedly the result of poor UV protection due to faulty materials.

Drivers in the class action lawsuit say Mercedes-Benz knew about the defects in its Burl Walnut trim as evidenced by a service bulletin from November 2010. Despite knowing about the defect, the company allegedly refused to warn customers or take responsibility. Instead, Mercedes instructed their dealerships to hide the defect and forced customers to foot the bill for repairs, the plaintiffs contend. 

“Although the visual aspect of this defect manifested itself over time (some quickly and some more slowly), Mercedes knew of the defect well prior to the sale of the Class Vehicles […]; yet Mercedes continued to put the latently defective Class Vehicles on the market,” the class action lawsuit contends.

Mercedes hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to resolve these claims with a class action settlement deal. Under the terms of the settlement, class members are eligible for several benefits. 

Class members who previously paid to have their Burl Walnut trim replaced or repaired in their vehicles can receive reimbursement for these costs. Reimbursement will range from 30% to 100% depending on the age of the vehicle at the time of repairs. The settlement also provides coverage for future repairs. Like past repairs, these replacements or repairs will be covered based on the age of the vehicles. For both future and past repairs, vehicles older than 15 years will not be eligible for coverage.

The deadline for exclusion and objection in the Mercedes-Benz Burl Walnut trim settlement is Sept. 19, 2022. 

The final approval hearing is scheduled for Nov. 7, 2022.

In order to receive payment for past repairs, class members must submit a valid claim form by Sept. 19, 2022.

Who’s Eligible

The settlement benefits current and former owners and lessees of model year 2010 to 2016 Mercedes-Benz 212 E-Class vehicles equipped with Burl Walnut interior trim.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

For the claim type: Reimbursement for Qualified Past Repairs

  • An itemized repair order or invoice or other documentation showing that the Subject Vehicle received a qualified repair or replacement (e.g., the repair invoice must show that the Burl Walnut Trim was repaired or replaced) and the cost of the qualified repair or replacement. A repair or replacement shall not qualify for reimbursement if the reason for the repair or replacement described in any related repair order is for conditions other than fading or discoloration (e.g., automobile accidents, scratches, cracks, or loose parts) or is due to external influences such as chemical exposure, harsh abrasive cleaners, or other external influence unrelated to the alleged Burl Walnut Trim defect, or if other exclusions from coverage as set forth in the New Vehicle Limited Warranty that are unrelated to ultraviolet radiation exposure apply;
  • Proof of your payment for the repair, which could include a credit card receipt or statement, an invoice showing a payment, a receipt showing cash or other form of payment, or other such proof; and
  • Proof of your ownership or leasing of the Subject Vehicle at the time of the repair.

For the claim type: Qualified Future Repairs and Preserving Coverage Period

  • Documentary evidence showing that you presented the Subject Vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or body repair facility for a qualifying repair or provided written notice to MBUSA, and you were denied warranty or goodwill coverage for such repair at the time. Also if applicable, a dated photograph and other documentary evidence showing fading, discoloration, or cloudiness of the Burl Walnut Trim in your Subject Vehicle.
Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

09/19/2022

Case Name

Callen, et al. v. Mercedes-Benz USA LLC et. al., Case No. 1:19-cv-01411-TWT in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

Final Hearing

11/07/2022

Claims Administrator

Callen, et al. v. Mercedes-Benz USA LLC et. al., Case No. 1:19-cv-01411-TWT, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

Class Counsel

W Lewis Garrison Jr
Taylor C Bartlett
HENINGER GARRISON DAVIS LLC

James F McDonough III
ROZIER HARDT MCDONOUGH PLLC

Defense Counsel

Troy M Yoshino
Eric J Knapp
Dara D Mann
Scott J Carr
SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS (US) LLP

Stephen B Devereaux
Madison H Kitchens
KING & SPALDING LLP

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4 thoughts onMercedes-Benz defective Burl Walnut trim class action settlement

  1. Kale says:

    They sent letters of difiiciency for a second time dated May 5, 23. The USPS is showing it going through the network on 5/24/23. The letter states you have 20 days to respond from the date mailed. They stamped these letters intentionally to avoid paying class members. This is the second notice. Wow, what dishonest practice. I am mailing all of this proof to the defence attorneys, MB USA and the judge.

    1. Maria says:

      I saw this on the Facebook forum as well. Just simply not cool.

  2. Bill says:

    Slime bag lawyers destroying this country.

    1. Bob says:

      Slime bag greedy corporations that value profits over integrity and selling actual quality products are also destroying this country…

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Please note: Top Class Actions is not a settlement administrator or law firm. Top Class Actions is a legal news source that reports on class action lawsuits, class action settlements, drug injury lawsuits and product liability lawsuits. Top Class Actions does not process claims and we cannot advise you on the status of any class action settlement claim. You must contact the settlement administrator or your attorney for any updates regarding your claim status, claim form or questions about when payments are expected to be mailed out.