Mercedes-Benz Seat Heater Class Action Settlement

Mercedes-Benz has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the seats in several vehicle models can catch fire. Mercedes-Benz owners may qualify to receive reimbursement for past repairs to the seat heater, or receive partial payment for future repairs under a recent $54 million class action settlement.

According to the class action lawsuit filed in 2014, copper wiring used in Mercedes vehicle seat warmers may cause them to overheat, and eventually burn a hole through the seat cover. While Mercedes denied the allegations, lead plaintiffs Elizabeth and William Callaway alleged that the car manufacturer knew of the problem and hid information from owners.

The settlement, worth at least $54 million, includes 2000-2007 M-Class, 2006-2007 R-Class vehicles, and 2007 GL-Class vehicles with original seat heaters. Class Members who have not yet experienced an issue have the option of obtaining a free bypass wire repair, which will prevent future seat heater malfunction.

Mercedes-Benz owners who do not select the bypass repair will be entitled to an extended warranty and partial reimbursement of any future seat heater repair required. Class Members who previously paid for a seat heater repair can submit a claim for reimbursement up to $1,000.

The Mercedes-Benz seat heater class action settlement was granted preliminary approval on Sept. 18, 2017. Class Members have until Jan. 12, 2018 to object or opt out of the settlement.

Who’s Eligible

All current and former owners and lessees of Mercedes-Benz model year 2000-2007 M-Class (aka ML-Class), model year 2006-2007 R-Class, and model year 2007 GL-Class vehicles with original-equipment seat heaters who purchased or leased their vehicles in the United States.

Potential Award

Varies.

There are three different options under this settlement.

1. Class Members may receive reimbursement for qualifying past repairs up to $1,000. A valid Claim Form must be submitted, along with copies of repair orders, and proof of payment. The Reimbursement Claim Form must be mailed.
2. Class Members that have not had a previous seat heater repair may receive a free bypass wire repair procedure to address the possibility that a future seat heater malfunction will occur. Class Members selecting this option forego the partial coverage option for future repairs. The Bypass Wire Repair Claim Form must be mailed, and appointments for repair must be made within 60 days from the date the settlement becomes final.
3. Class Members may receive partial coverage for future repairs. If a repair is required in the future, visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, and if the repair relates to the seat heater malfunction alleged in the settlement, MBUSA will partially pay for the repair with certain limitations:

Vehicles needing repair within two years of the effective date, having 40k miles or less from the original in-service date, MBUSA will cover 75 percent of the reasonable repair amount.

Vehicles needing repair within two years of the effective date, having between 40k and 80k miles from the original in-service date, MBUSA will cover 50 percent of the reasonable repair amount.

Vehicles needing repair within two years of the effective date, having between 80k miles and 140k miles from the original in-service date, MBUSA will cover 25 percent of the reasonable repair amount.

Vehicles needing repair within two years of the effective date, having between 140k miles and 180k miles from the original in-service date, MBUSA will cover 15 percent of the reasonable repair amount.

Proof of Purchase

The Vehicle identification number (VIN) is required on both the Bypass Wire Repair Claim Form and the Reimbursement Claim Form. The Reimbursement Claim Form requires copies of repair orders (or similar itemized invoices) and acceptable proof of payment.

Claim Form

CLICK HERE FOR THE BYPASS WIRE REPAIR CLAIM FORM »

CLICK HERE FOR THE PAST REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT 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

1/12/2018

Case Name

Elizabeth Callaway, et al. v. Mercedes-­Benz USA LLC, et al., Case No. 8:14­-cv-­02011, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Final Hearing

3/5/2018

Settlement Website

www.MercedesBenzSeatHeaterSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Mercedes/Benz Heater Settlement
c/o Epiq Systems Inc.
PO Box 2730
Portland, OR 97208-2730
info@MercedesBenzSeatHeaterSettlement.com

Class Counsel

Jason M. Frank
Scott H. Sims
FRANK SIMS & STOLPER LLP

John Patrick McNicholas
MCNICHOLAS & MCNICHOLAS LLP

Eric F. Yuhl
Colin A. Yuhl
YUHL CARR LLP

Defense Counsel

Troy M. Yoshino
Eric J. Knapp
SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS (US) LLP